JF-30 found at pawn shop

[JavelinaJoe]

I was in Phoenix yesterday on business and stopped by a pawn shop who had been running an ad on CL for this guitar:

They were asking $599. I have the label which came off when I got it home. Its from 1988 (SN JF3000485) and stamped Jun 1988 on the neck block. The poor thing was not taken care of; it's dirty, dry, scratched, has a small crack in the top above the fretboard at the sound hole, and some definite problems with top at the bridge. The neck was in great shape. The back and sides are gorgeous. And it has the original case. I got them down to $365 and took it home where it is now getting some much needed humidification. I'll take it over to the local luthier and see what he can do. Probably going to need frets too. Hopefully I can get it back in playing shape.

 

[killdeer43]

Great score! Good on ya! :wink:

Joe

 

[Zelja]

Great find! Hopefully you can get it up & running for a total price of $600 (if frets are needed) or so, which would be a bargain.
I wish the pawn shops here had Guilds!

 

[evenkeel]

Very nice score.

 

[Sal]

I love the unique texture in the pick-guard and the overall amber tone to the finish is gorgeous. Great score!

 

[6L6]

Well done!!!

Keep us posted on future developments.

 

[taabru45]

Great catch... How is your luthier with labels? :wink: Steffan

 

[davismanLV]

Oh man.... my pawn shops are on TV and famous and .... we never get $hit like this at any pawn shops here.... CONGRATS on a GREAT find!! That's a great guitar, and restoration is a very rewarding thing.....

 

[taabru45]

Tom likes maple Steffan

 

[davismanLV]

He does but he's open to other wood..... :wink:

 

[Treem]

What a sweet maple score! 8)

 

[JavelinaJoe]

What a sweet maple score! 8)

Man don't you know it! 8) It's responding to humidification very well. Frets are definitely in need of replacement, but I think I can keep the repairs under $200.

Thanks for all the great responses. I seem to have an affinity for orphaned/damaged guitars. They may not be collector quality, but a player is just fine with me.

 

[Dadaist]

He does but he's open to other wood..... :wink:

Tom, that's interesting on several levels.

David

 

[taabru45]

Hmmm!

 

[davismanLV]

He does but he's open to other wood..... :wink:

Tom, that's interesting on several levels.

David

:lol: :lol: :wink:

 

[bronzeback]

is that a crack on the back side or just a reflection? Nice score either way. If you can get her in good shape she'll be a player!

 

[JavelinaJoe]

is that a crack on the back side or just a reflection? Nice score either way. If you can get her in good shape she'll be a player!

No it's just a reflection. There is some lacquer checking in places, but no cracks.

I did determine that the bow in the top right below the bridge is due to a brace out of place. I think this guitar was exposed to some of that world famous Phoenix "dry heat". With the strings at tension the top probably lifted up a little and allowed the brace to slide.