The Electra Forums

well I presume that since I am new to the realm of electras. I just got an MPC x330 with two modules. The question is about the head stock. It is not an open book (Gib) copy style and not a wave. It is kind of like the open book but the "dip" in the middle is different. I have not yet received it so cannot post a picture but I see this style of headstock on the example of the X340 on this site. Is this type of shape associated with a specific year of manufacture? the one I am getting lost it's sticker but it has a plastic nut so I am thinking an early one.

thanks

This style is called the cut out version. They were used in about 1975-76 and then were replaced with the wave headstock. It is assumed that these cut outs were originally open book style that were drilled so they would not copy the G-bson style (hence the term lawsuit guitar).

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"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

Thanks. In your opinion are the early one of less quality than the 80/81 model years? I am looking at two and the early one is a closet find with both mpc and all original and in great shape. I then saw an 80 on ebay that is missing one module but is later has the hard case and the label but it has some dings.

Again thanks

Welcome to the site and congrats on your MPC. There are a few differences but nothing bad. Early models may not have the super magnaflux pick ups, I think all the MPCs are of good build quality. If it does not have the foil sticker on the back of the head stock it wont decrease the value. I have a notched open book X310 and it plays great. ( the notched out head stock makes it kinda special) One important thing about MPCs, clean your modules connector card every so often with a pencil eraser and you may need a shot of electronic cleaner on the 5-way now and then. The guys here like Deoxit, cost a little more but works really well. Some of the guys here have good tips on how to polish up your new find and give it a killer shine. If you need help with anything just ask and someone will answer.

Enjoy your new Electra,

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SlmGuy

Wow thanks for the warm welcome and information. How does one know the difference between a super magnaflux and a regular magnaflux?

I hit "submit" too fast. I also was wondering if there is a quality difference commensurate with the numbers in a mpc line? Is an x330 different in quality from an x340 or 350 or is it just the finish? I know the rule with many mij guitars is the higher the never the more it originally cost. Is this true with electra?

Well considering the X310 was a black and then moves up to Red in X320 then Sunburst in X330 and so forth I would think the finishes would make a slight difference in price but never thought of it that way. All my MPC models are great quality from the early open book model to the Leslie West and Outlaw models. I do find the Hollow body models are the upper end in my opinion. Enjoy


As you can see I got the egas in a bad way.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Arthur -

Every time I see this pic I have to take a moment and relish it -

I would light up a cigarette - but I don't even smoke ........

Kudos.

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RCSBlues

you think x900 series bodies are thicker than x300 series?

About the same thickness - maybe the 900 series is 1mm or so thicker - just minutely so. That is measuring my one example of each. My little plastic caliper is not 100% accurate because it flexes a little bit (not a good thing for precision, but close enough for rock'n'roll). 900 series has a thicker more 50's feeling neck - which personally I like. The 300 is more medium sized (at least the one I currently have). I don't recall them varying a whole lot - but right now I only have one of each at this time so the rest is by memory.

But the 900 series has a solid top, and the 300 series does not. You can look in the pickup cavities and see what I am talking about (Although I can't remember the last time I looked into a 900 series cavity). Shack might have a pictures though since he documented his restorations.

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Thorny

I dont have a good pic of the cavity but the construction of the top on the 900 is the same ply wood veneered top that the 300s have

I opened up my x950 and you are 100% correct - it has a plywood arched top with a veneer on it too. It is the endorser that is a solid top, and now come to think of it, I think the endorser is a different Japanese maker than the 300 and 900 series MPCs.

It helps if I would actually CHECK - so I did this time

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Thorny

maybe part of the sound,maybe lighter weight too