1985 Red Nightbird GG

[drc]

I decided to take my chances on this one. It’s been discussed here several times over the years. The serial number is BL100092.

I made a few runs at this one before it was damaged. Obviously, can't undo the damage, but I think it can be repaired and brought back to a respectable condition. I know it's currently FUBAR, but I'm hopeful!

IMO that red color is amazing!

The neck pictures are cringeworthy!!

 

[GAD]

Tom Jacobs can fix that right up. Similar damage to my X3000 when I got it and I sent it to Tom.

 

[GAD]

Also, Nice!

Congrats!

 

[drc]

Tom Jacobs can fix that right up. Similar damage to my X3000 when I got it and I sent it to Tom

Good to know!

 

[GGJaguar]

If there's any Arlen Roth DNA on it, you can clone you're own Arlen Roth. Congrats!

 

[drc]

If there's any Arlen Roth DNA on it, you can clone you're own Arlen Roth. Congrats!

Have to admit, never heard of Arlen before this guitar.

 

[walrus]

Have to admit, never heard of Arlen before this guitar.

Ha! Me either, but then I relaized he was a instructional columnist for Guitar Player in the 80's. More of a backing band player, but definitley well known for starting the Hot Licks instructional videos in 1979 - the first ever guitar instruction video series available, with lots of different artists signing on to do them over the years.

 

[chazmo]

I know it's currently FUBAR, but I'm hopeful!

Best of luck with the restoration, drc! That's a neat guitar. Shame about the shipping damage.

 

[HeyMikey]

Yeah, it really is a shame what happened to it. I remember when this first appeared on the market. I hope you can get it restored. The red color is intense. It must have been a custom paint job. The all black hardware just puts it over the top.

 

[Rocky]

Have to admit, never heard of Arlen before this guitar.

He was the original endorser for the model and appeared in an ad in the Guitar Player issue that had the review of the instrument.

Yeah, it really is a shame what happened to it. I remember when this first appeared on the market. I hope you can get it restored. The red color is intense. It must have been a custom paint job. The all black hardware just puts it over the top.

It's also, AFAIK, the only other Nightbird other than the Gruhn prototype that has a floating bridge. There are other early Nightbirds that have black hardware and Nashville style bridges.

 

[Rocky]

You should also know the wiring on this instrument is not original. It was rewired by the second owner with silver wire. It also has a coil tap (original).

 

[drc]

You should also know the wiring on this instrument is not original. It was rewired by the second owner with silver wire. It also has a coil tap (original).

More details! Thanks Rocky.

 

[mwiggins]

Ha! Me either, but then I relaized he was a instructional columnist for Guitar Player in the 80's. More of a backing band player, but definitley well known for starting the Hot Licks instructional videos in 1979 - the first ever guitar instruction video series available, with lots of different artists signing on to do them over the years.

And: https://www.guitarworld.com/artists...ssroads-and-its-unsung-guitar-hero-arlen-roth

 

[SFIV1967]

He was the original endorser for the model and appeared in an ad in the Guitar Player issue that had the review of the instrument.

It's also, AFAIK, the only other Nightbird other than the Gruhn prototype that has a floating bridge. There are other early Nightbirds that have black hardware and Nashville style bridges.

May 1986:



Ralf

 

[SFIV1967]

You should also know the wiring on this instrument is not original. It was rewired by the second owner with silver wire. It also has a coil tap (original).

Capacitor also not original. But obviously a good one.



Ralf

 

[drc]

Capacitor also not original.



Ralf

Where did you find that picture? From a previous for sale listing?

 

[drc]

Guitar arrived today safe and sound. It’s being dropped off locally for repair. Sounds like it will be a couple of months before it’s completed. Look for a NGD after I get it back.

 

[zulu]

it!

 

[Rocky]

It's a looker, and a significant instrument.

 

[GAD]

Well on the surface it looks great!