The Electra Forums

A fellow in AZ contacted me today about possibly selling his 2267 but he didn't have a price in mind yet. I wrote him back to stop by the forum here and offer it first. So....if he shows up, don't be raggin him bout just tryin to sell a guitar, then disappearing. I know how you guys are........

It was MY suggestion.....and possibly a very good opportunity for one of you guys.

I don't know the condition or originality yet, but I imagine he'll have all that info together.

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JD's Electras

Hello Electra forum.

My first post and thanks to JD for his advice and suggestion to check this forum.

I have a 1979 Electra Maple Pro #2267. I purchased this as a gift for my brother back in 1980---about 6 months later he was in an auto accident and lost his life. His wife has kept the guitar stored in the closet ever since. When she was cleaning out the home to move she found the birthday card I had included and then contacted me to return the guitar. I'm looking to sell it and give her the money.

Guitar is in great condition. I'm not sure how it plays since I don't have an amp.

I live in a small rural town in Arizona and am going to make a trip down to Phoenix and will take the guitar into a shop down there to have it evaluated for pickups, playing condition, etc.

If anyone is interested let me know. If not, I will place an ad in the Phoenix area newspapers for bids.

Thanks again to JD for his time and advice.

Gary

Gary...I am very interested...the Maple Pro is one of the finest guitars Electra ever offered-your one heck of a nice brother with great taste in guitars. Im sure that parting with that instrument is somewhat bittersweet, but if you sell to one of the members here-you can at least rest assured that the guitar has found a home where it will be appreciated as it should be. Please keep us posted as you firm up your decision to sell, I would love to add it to my collection.

That is a heartfelt story there Gary, we wish you the best of luck. I already have a MaplePro, and acquired it in a similar fashion, I bought it from the 70 something year old brother of its original owner who passed away in 1989. So it sat in a closet for 20 years, there was some weather checking, some of the binding had crumbled away and when I first got it the neck pickup didn't make any sound.

I've had the heal repaired, got the neck pickup working and it is currently one of my top three Electras. It also won 'Best in Show' at ElectraFest 2011 at Arthurs Ranch down in Georgia, a real gem, here it is from 2011:

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

Thanks to those responding in regards to my Electra Maple Pro. We've all heard the story of the little ole' lady who bought a classic car and then kept it stored in her garage for 40 years because she didn't have a driver's license---well, that's the story of this guitar. I'll be glad to e-mail the photos to anyone interested. The only damage I can see is at the neck/body juncture where the glue has separated and their is some hairline checking in the shellac. This may be because the strings were kept taunt while in storage. Contact me at gbarnes6614@msn.com

I love separated neck joints - mainly cause it scares the wits out of most people - It can be a costly repair. Storing with string tension for a long time could certainly do it - as can heat from an attic, closet, car trunk etc.

I learned on an Elvin model that there is a right way and a wrong way to fix heel separations. The right way is a complete re-set which is absolutely not for the faint of heart. The wrong way in my case was to try and open the gap enough to shoot more glue in. This proved ineffective, although at first it seemed totally solid. So, in my opinion you have to remove the neck and scrape off all the old glue down to bare wood and then re-glue/re-set. Good solid clamping is a must.

I'd be real interested in that guitar at the right price and I'll send you an email.

Not that I want to throw gas into the fire, but i think its weird that a mint condition Ibanez guitar appeared on the ICW with the VERY SIMILAR heart felt story of its origins.....very strange indeed. Brother having traffic accident just after purchasing guitar and wife holding on to it for 35 years with a brother now wanting to sell it. Im not saying that anything is afoot here, but it sure is a very strange coincidence .......wonder if the same story is making the rounds on the Fender and Gibson forums.....
Ebay #330835369331

Hello Dave g, I can't speak to the other reports but I gave the true story regarding my Electra Maple Pro. I can understand the concern regarding scams, etc. I was a victim myself on eBay with the purchase of some high-end binoculars. The trust factor is big both ways. I'm not sure how a transaction goes down---one person sending off a money order while another sends off a classic guitar. Both parties are taking a leap of faith.

Also, I'm not advertising my guitar as 'mint condition.' There is separation between neck/body. I've had the notice on the forum for a while and a few members were kind enough to private e-mail me their advice on possible repairs and prices.

I'm finally heading to Phoenix this weekend and will have the guitar evaluated for repairs, etc. and will get back to the forum as to whether I want to sell or repair and keep it for myself. It is a handsome guitar and I can understand why there is a fan base and those wishing to add this guitar to the collection.

Gary...thanks for the response....dont get me wrong here, Im not saying anything other than this seems to be an unusual coincidence. Its sad really, hopefully these guitars will find homes where they are appreciated and that the sale will give the families some sort of closure on their loss........

I finally took my Electra Maple Pro #2267 down to Phoenix on Saturday 12/1 and had the bad news verified that there is indeed separation at the neck and body that will require repairs. Several forum members looked at the photos that I sent them and were correct in their assessment. I had two repair shops indicate that it was a $200-225 repair that matched the estimate from forum members while another wanted $800 (I think he smelled a novice). Of course those repair costs will be much less if you know how to do it yourself.

I'm offering the guitar + hard carrying case to the highest bidder by midnight Eastern Time Saturday Dec. 8. Minimum bid starts at $500. Send your single best bid to my e-mail at gbarnes6614@msn.com. I will then post the winning bid to the forum. I think a single bid will keep people out of a bidding war and result in a fair value for both of us. Offer what you really think the guitar is worth to you and not end up over-bidding. No amp, cords, tuner, etc. Does include strings. Both guitar and case are in being sold in 'AS IS' condition. The case has some nicks and widgets along the edges but all hinges/clasps are in good condition. No key for the lock.

I will pay for shipping + handling via FedEX so include those cost considerations in your bid (FedEX quoted me $128 + $20 packaging should I ship from my home in Payson, AZ to New York City--possibly the greatest distance--- so the costs may be less).

I have photos of both the guitar and the hard carrying case and will e-mail to interested parties. Also, if you would like me to get a photo shot from a different angle, etc. I will do that as well.

My home e-mail is gbarnes6614@msn.com and my home phone is 928-476-8893

Hope this method of offering the guitar is fair to all those who are passionate about Electra guitars. Not sure how many of these handsome guitars are still out there...but this one will give 'proendorser' a run for his money as 'Best in Show.' LOL.

No offers topped the $500 I already had on the table for my Electra Maple Pro by the bid deadline of Saturday Dec. 8

Thanks to all who offered their advice and suggestions regarding the guitar.