Guitar Question

[crazycoffey]

I am asking here for exposure, if the powers that be which to move it, I'll understand.

My father in-law has the chance to buy an older Hohner Electric Guitar. I have some pictures of it and it looks like it's in excellent shape (like 15-20 years old) but only know that Hohner isn't exactly the "best of the best", from what I've heard. I want to know more from the planet poster that knows more than I about Hohner, anyway....

The other bad news is I don't know the model.
Pics in next post.

[Huffman83]

Originally Posted by mcan

I teach guitar lessons at Rick's Music in Manhattan, and have worked in guitar stores now for about a decade, so I've seen a bunch of used guitars.



There is no way he should be throwing down $300.00 for this. It's a cheap Les Paul copy. Only on very rare occaisions is an old guitar of an off brand name worth any more than $150.00 or maybe $200.00. And that's assuming that it plays perfectly and there aren't any problems with it (which is a big assumption).


Think of it this way. An Ibanez "starter pack" with a brand new, perfectly playable guitar a cheap little amp a video picks and a tuner and gig bag runs $299.00 to $320.00 at any guitar store. That guitar is better than the one you have pictured and sells for about $200.00 if you find them used. You can also pick this guitar up with your bare hands. Is it extremely heavy (20 pounds)? That is a mark of a decent les paul copy. The old Yamaha and Ibanez lex paul copies (the ones they got sued by Gibson for making) are sought after now because they are basically the same thing with a different name on them. Not the same thing for Hohner. At least I've never seen one worth a crap.

I concur w/ his comment about the weight. Heavyness in physics does help in heavyness in tone. So set neck/heavy mahogany and no gibson name...can be very very good...sometimes even better than gibson itself!

[Huffman83]

Originally Posted by petegz28

Also how often is the guitar going to get played? What kind of music?

I'd imagine irrelevant...a good guitar is a good guitar. You know what I mean?

[mcan]

Originally Posted by petegz28

It's not that it's a bad thing it's a cheap guitar thing. Most guitars under $1k are bolted on in some form. The other ones are what you call a "neck-through-body" which means basically the whole thing is made out of 1 piece of wood.

$150 and as long as the neck isn't warped and the overall condition is good you got a ok deal.

Very few are actually "neck thru" (one piece of wood) but they are out there. If it's not a bolt on neck (with a plate or some screws at that joint) then it's probably a glued neck or a "set neck."

[crazycoffey]

Thanks again for all the input!

I just got my first accustic in May, been playing it most daily and can play some decent songs on it. I'm really enjoying the start of my guitar playing.

It's a basic Fender accustic, no bells or whistles. I want a 12 string next (I played Pink Floyd's how I wish you were here on one in the store and had the light flash in my mind, first time it sounded really good....)

Anyway, I'm still in learning mode and definetly didn't have the knowledge to give solid advice to my Pop-in-law, but I'll share the info, if he really likes it at least I hope he makes a good counter offer using this information.

Peace

[InChiefsHeaven]

For 300.00 he could get a brand new Les Paul knock off...on a used Hohner, I think that is beyond ridiculous. As others have said, 150.00 MAX, and that's in really good condition.

It's not an investment, because the guitar will never be worth much. If he reeeeeally likes it, tell him to offer the guy 150.00. But don't pay 300.00 for a 150.00 guitar.

[InChiefsHeaven]

I play a Guild Aviator, an Ibanez Roadstar II and I have an Applause (cheapo) accoustic. I'd like to get an new axe, but it just ain't in the budget.

[Kevinlane]

These other opinions are correct. . .
I'd let the guy keep it unless you Dad falls in love, then only give $150 tops for the thing.

(pro musician here, been playing for 30 years)

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by mcan

Very few are actually "neck thru" (one piece of wood) but they are out there. If it's not a bolt on neck (with a plate or some screws at that joint) then it's probably a glued neck or a "set neck."

I haven't looked lately but I think your hiher end Ibanez an Charvel Jackson guitars are all neck thru aren't they? Or am I still stuck in the 80's?

[Huffman83]

Originally Posted by CrazyCoffey

Thanks again for all the input!

I just got my first accustic in May, been playing it most daily and can play some decent songs on it. I'm really enjoying the start of my guitar playing.

It's a basic Fender accustic, no bells or whistles. I want a 12 string next (I played Pink Floyd's how I wish you were here on one in the store and had the light flash in my mind, first time it sounded really good....)

Anyway, I'm still in learning mode and definetly didn't have the knowledge to give solid advice to my Pop-in-law, but I'll share the info, if he really likes it at least I hope he makes a good counter offer using this information.

Peace

Nothing like figuring out why you don't sound like the recording on your own guitar and then figure out it was a different kind of guitar/effect/amp.

I had only given lessons for a shot time to a friends kid (I know little about music theory or anything) And I've always figured that if I could play the guitar..anyone could at least do something w/ it! At least learn some AC/DC songs to get some chords down and maybe a lead line or two. It can be hard...but doesn't have to be.

I'd say take it seriously...but don't take it seriously. Just be patient. Ifyou keep playing at something and you don't get the hang of it. Just listen...and generally you'll figure it out.

[crazycoffey]

additional info, it's 25 years old and it's very heavy. Excellent shape, he found one little scratch in the finish and that is all, no warped wood, neck is sound, no pick scratches, it is in good shape. Sounds good, plays really easy, his instructor really liked it and the $300 includes a nice hardcase.

I told him all of the information you guys shared but I think he's going for it anyway.... so I asked him to at least offer 200 to see what the guy says, before he just pays the 300.

I still thank you for all the info and I passed it on the best I could.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by mcan

Think of it this way. An Ibanez "starter pack" with a brand new, perfectly playable guitar a cheap little amp a video picks and a tuner and gig bag runs $299.00 to $320.00 at any guitar store. That guitar is better than the one you have pictured and sells for about $200.00 if you find them used. You can also pick this guitar up with your bare hands. Is it extremely heavy (20 pounds)? That is a mark of a decent les paul copy. The old Yamaha and Ibanez lex paul copies (the ones they got sued by Gibson for making) are sought after now because they are basically the same thing with a different name on them. Not the same thing for Hohner. At least I've never seen one worth a crap.

The Hohner is maybe worth $75, tops. You'd be better off buy a starter Epiphone Les Paul bolt-on neck for $179.99. Personally, I wouldn't touch the Hohner.

Originally Posted by mcan

You can also pick this guitar up with your bare hands. Is it extremely heavy (20 pounds)? That is a mark of a decent les paul copy.

This is absolutely false.

99.9% of the time, a heavy Les Paul is the mark of a shitty, water-logged piece of wood. Those guitars are toneless pieces of driftwood. Many 70's Les Pauls are like this which is why they are not desirable in the least. Gibson went through several different ownership groups from 1970 to the late 80's and really didn't begin making quality instruments until the early 90's.

If you're looking for a REAL Les Paul, regardless of the name on the headstock, you'll be looking for a guitar that has one piece mahogany body, a book-matched two piece maple top and a one piece mahogany neck. Anything else is a cheap and fake imitation.

The less expensive Epiphones use solid alder, the "normal" Epi's use alder & mahogany or solid mahogany and the Elitist (MIJ) models are built exactly like the shop in Nashville (and many would tell you they're actually better than what's currently coming off the line).

Most really great Les Pauls weigh in at about 8-9 pounds for a Standard and maybe slightly more for Customs (because of the extra binding, gold hardware, etc.). I can honestly say that if someone was offering a 20 pound Les Paul, it would sound like complete and utter ASS and should be avoided at all costs.

[Huffman83]

Ehhh you can lead a horse to water....