badpenguin

I haven't done it on a Gibson styled guitar, but on an Ibanez JS700. Changed the wraparound to a light weight Wilkenson one. No perceivable loss of sustain, but it did sound more "open and airy" if that makes sense. The guitar just felt a bit more "alive".

Me, I don't notice the different radius. Or, let me rephrase that, it's not a conscience decision when buying a guitar. Got over 50 guitars, and can pick up anyone, and get used to it in a matter of milliseconds.

I've played and owned Eastman guitars. Fantastic guitars, quality control so above Gibson, that it's laughable. (I only sold mine due to COVID and not able to work.) I've played the T59, and felt it was just so wonderful. beautiful neck, great sounding pickups, but it best be for 2000 USD used. I've had a chance to play the "budget T136, and wouldn't kick it out of bed. Eastman's are fantastic, but you pay for their quality.

It's a modern, well... made in the last 15 years or so, made in China beginner series. Thinner body, lighter, all mahogany heelless neck joint blah blah blah... I'm an Aria fan, S I wold buy it over a firefly in a heart beat IF the prices were close to each other. If I recall correctly, these were in the 500 USD range list, so about 350 street price. and if it's used, around the 250 mark. If the Firefly is anywhere near that price... take the Aria.

Fralin, yes good place. How about... I don't know.... FENDER? I am pretty sure they would rewind one of their own pickups from near 70 years ago.

Ok, let me correct something here, the Epi Casino, is NOT a 335 style guitar. The Casino is fully hollow, were as a 335 copy is semi hollow. (Believe me, makes a world of difference, especially at volume.) Back to our regularly scheduled program... Ibanez AS73. very nice, ok switch, could ese better pickups. Any of the Gretsch Streamliners semi hollow. A few different models to choose from with different features. I can verify that the D'Angelico DCXT's are WONDERFUL beasties! REAL Duncan pickups, Nice vol/tone controls that the tone actually works from 7 and below. How's your budget? Eastman makes KILLER guitars. but they are close to Gibson money.

Let me throw in my pennies here. The tuners, Jinho, are made in Korea. If there is a serial number, if there is a letter in front of that number, it could give the factory/country of origin.

You know... you can always ask Victoria. Victoria Amp | The Tone You Crave, the Performance You Trust. Google, once again, saves the day.

I assume you are looking at an acoustic. So, let's look down the neck, making sure it's reasonable straight. Look at the bridge from a sideways view. If there is a "belly" ie: a bulge on the top just around the bridge, that would mean the guitar needs work, and would be a hard pass. Study the wood. look at the sides and back. Any cracks? Walk away unless you know a good tech. Biggest thing however is: How does it sound and play. If you like it, go for it. If there is a feeling of "ehh..." walk away.

Yeeeaaaahh.... not the biggest fan of that denim-washed-out-blue, but.... I don't play the finish, and the blue is inaudible to my amp, so I think I'll keep it.

Went to GC to pick up strings, and of course, they didn't have the 3 pack I usually get. Played a few guitars I was mildly interested in, but nothing really spoke to me. (Though credit given to the new Chinese Epiphones. Outstanding! But if I wanted to spend $800+ for an Epiphone, I would spend the extra 100 bucks and get a used Tribute or Studio.) so I go across the street to Sam Ash. I find my strings, play a few "maybes", then spy this one. A D'Angelico DC XT with Duncans stock. Ok, plays nice, like the sounds from the Duncan Psyclones, as stop tail, Hmmm...., then I see the price, and hear one of the other customers ask about a "sale that includes used". BING! So, take it to the counter, ask if this falls within the sale, he says yes but it's not used, more like a scratch and dent, but he'll do the sale price. No case or gigbag, but for $400, and that's including the strings. Oh Hell yes! Please take my money NOW! (The damage was the inside tip of the headstock where a bump cracked one of the sides by the stupid little metal thingy. Was glued and solid.

Yep. 12's. Google is your friend. Roadhouse Bourbon Burst | Art and Lutherie (artandlutherieguitars.com)

Only had one guitar that could have used it, but it was fixed by reversing the bridge saddle. So, no, never had a guitar that needed it. I can see it being useful on an acoustic. Maybe?

You will rarely find info on production numbers. they made 10, or 10,000. You'll never know. Also it helps to know the year of the bass. Thru my hunting, they came out in 85, and weren't around for long. Yamaha 1985 Guitars and Basses Catalogue 02 - Vintage Japan Guitars There's no 86 catalog and they weren't in the 87 one. Kinda like Ibanez. Put out a model that didn't make the catalog, then cancel it before the next catalog. Everything else though... History of the Yamaha BB Bass – Workhorses That Became Thoroughbreds - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

As with anything that needs to look professional, Duct tape.