The Electra Forums

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELECTRA-X940-/1 ... 500wt_1203

Hi,
New here trying to find the right guitar to buy. I am wondering, could someone tell me if this an X940, or another model;? I thought they all had 5-way selectors on them and this one seems to have a switch. In your opinion, what would be a fair price for this guitar?

Thank you kindly, I am getting quite an education here
John

It was a X940 vulcan at one time. Most likely when the pickups were changed the tech couldn't figure out the 5 way rotary and put in a standard 3 way switch. The rotarys are finicky, are subject to noise when they get dirty, and they aren't as easy to change positions as a standard flip switch. Other than that it looks pretty straight. The Vulcans I've played have pretty beefy necks, which some people like. Also, being all Maple, it probably weighs a bit more than other Mahogany LP style guitars.

As far as price, you should check the spreadsheet. It's at $300 currently with shipping, and the reserve hasn't been met. With a case, the two modules and the modified electronics, 4 bills would be a decent deal, but who knows if that will meet the sellers reserve? As the old saying goes, its worth what someone is willing to fork over for it. Looks pretty clean, good luck, and welcome aboard, Mike.

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I agree. This was at one time a X940 but was upgraded/modded so in my opinion this has an effect on the price range. It is mostly clean and in good shape and could be restored back to original status with correct parts and the effort. I would also agree that the $400 range would work for this one but I suspect that the reserve is higher. Good Luck.

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

Thank you for your help Would you consider these changes an upgrade or a downgrade?
Thanks again,
John

I thought the body was made of ash...maple, how would this compare with mahogany or ash as far as sound goes?

Well John, to my thinking less tonal options is a downgrade IMHO... You could always look into restoring it with a 5-way depending on what you anticipate your plans are for it.

1+ to Mike's comment on the neck and playability. It has a very substantial feel and heft to it but I find it to be no less of a player than my 1970 Black Beauty. Tone and sustain that is thick as peanut butter frosting, bluesy 'till the cows come home, you get the picture.

As far as price goes I can help you out with an idea of what the top of the range would be. I purchased the exact model you are considering with an OHSC, 1 module, a nice leather strap they were offering as part of a package deal back then, and the majority of the case candy that was original to the package. Mine rates maybe an 8.5 out of 10 for condition and I ended up paying too much at $625 with $60 shipping.

I only say too much because the ebay seller made claims of absolute mint, museum quality, yadda yadda yadda, and it ended up he was full of hot air. I ended up keeping the guitar as it is 100% original and my wife took a hankering to it.

As this one stands around $400 all in given the extras would be a very good price, $450 if you really want it.

Just my $.02, mind you...

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...throw me a frickin' bone here, people...

Thank you for that

Is yours maple, how does that compare to other woods, brighter?

No maple, ash all the way.

Auction ended... can we pop the champagne?

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...throw me a frickin' bone here, people...

I guess they are made out of Ash, my apologies for the misinformation... Mike.

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Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

It terms of originality, consider it a downgrade.

In terms of functionality, that's a matter of taste. Some people prefer the way a 3 way toggle works and that overrides the value of the tonal variety. Others like the rotary switch and tone options.

Personally, I hate the rotary switches, BUT-- I don't really play live gigs, so it's easy for me to put up with the rotary switch in my X-330 for casual playing and studio situations. If I were to use the guitar regularly in a performance context, and pickup switching were to be a significant factor, I would not hesitate to replace the switch with a toggle.