The Electra Forums

Hello everybody. I'm new here and somewhat new to Electras. Here's my story.

I traded my first guitar (no name Tele knock-off) for a pre-lawsuit Gold Top Super Rock when I was about 16. Someone had put an EMG in in the neck, and I didn't think the guitar was anything special. It didn't fit in the case I had, so I cut the top of the headstock off . . . yeah, the part with the logo. Ah, youth. I sold it to a friend, who I think still has it, for $75 when I was about 21. After learning a bit more about these guitars, I always regretted trashing Goldie and letting her go like that, but what can you do?

So, yesterday I was perusing Craigslist, as I do nearly every day, and I came upon a Music Man HD130 410 for $175. I already have a 210-65, but that's such a good deal I couldn't pass it up. Called the guy, and he's got a guitar too. They were his grandfather's, and gramps played them in church. They've been sitting in a basement for God knows how long. I asked what the guitar was, and I thought he said "Electric Custom." I said, "yeah, but what is the brand?" He said, "Electra." He told me I could have both for $350. SOLD!

When I looked at the guitar in the car, it was dirty, but the neck seemed straight, and the only thing I could see right off is that it's missing the tremolo spring. It's a 2259, the SG style. I used to have a '65 SG Special in cherry, so I'm getting excited about the guitar.

Got them home, the amp needed a fuse, but sounds great! Eventually it will need a recap, but I've recapped a MusicMan before, no biggie. It's an afternoon's worth of work.

The guitar was making no sound at all. Checked the switch with a multimeter, and it's shot. I got a new one at the store, hit all the pots with contact cleaner, threw in a new output jack, and she's back to life. Wow, this guitar is great! plays every bit as smooth as my old SG, and sounds wonderful. I was originally thinking I'd flip the guitar to make the money back, but I think something else from my collection is getting the axe (so to speak).

Now, here's the question: can anyone tell me if a standard Bigsby spring will fit into the trem on this guitar? I've got it blocked right now, but I'd like to get it fully functional if possible.

Here's some photos:


IMG_1515 by andthenmymindsplitopen, on Flickr


IMG_1516 by andthenmymindsplitopen, on Flickr


IMG_1517 by andthenmymindsplitopen, on Flickr


IMG_1518 by andthenmymindsplitopen, on Flickr


IMG_1519 by andthenmymindsplitopen, on Flickr

Welcome to the forums and Thanks for a great story. That one is a keeper for certain and looks great. YOu may want to ask forum member Jead as he did a complete restoration on an SG model so he may know about the Bigsby issue. Good Luck and Welcome.

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

Nice axe - welcome aboard.

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RCSBlues

You got a good deal on that Electra, they're not too common and yours is in great shape! Hope you love it.

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"GREAT Googiley moogilie Jack...jumpin jehosephat, hot dang and all".
- jdwhealton

There are a number of Bigsby or "bigsby-style" springs on eBay - I think they are mostly 7/8" in diameter - that will most likely work --- welcome & nice ax !!

Well, I ordered a 7/8 spring and it didn't quite fit right. It was a little too high so I tried to grind it down. I got it to work, kind of. But then I couldn't get the arm angle the way I wanted. In the end I just took the arm off so it won't get in the way. No problem, I'm not much of a wiggler.

I'm really enjoying this guitar. It's very nicely balanced and sounds really good.

I converted mine to a hard tail and I think I might have the spring.......

Wow Jead! That would be incredible if we could work something out. If you want to part with it, let me know. I'm very interested. Thanks!

I'll rummage around and see if I have it.