BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar

Subject: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: bflat
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 05:48 PM

I saw a used Angelica guitar on consignment for $495.00. It wasn't playable because it just came into the store and the action was off and the strings were fifteen years old. But, after new strings and an adjustment, I'll try it. It has a blond maple body; spruce top; inlayed fret board and the prettiest pick guard. My pupils dialated when the case was opened and I saw it. Any idea if the price is high? Any knowledge on the brand would be nice. In advance, thanks.

Ellen

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: ddw
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 06:16 PM

Ellen,

Couldn't find anything on an Angelica, but did find this.

If that's it, the site it's on should have some info or you could contact the vintage guitar guy with your questions.

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: bflat
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 06:33 PM

david,

Thank you for your effort. It wasn't it. I appreciate your kindness.

Ellen

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 07:07 PM

I picked up one about six years ago in a cancer charity shop for £10. Beautiful guitar, after a little bit of work giving it a new pickguard and nut and cleaning it up and so forth. You've confirmred my feeling I got a real bargain though. I don't know about $495 though. That's a lot of dosh.

However if I had to buy a replacment guitar as good as my bargain I'd expect to be paying If I was selling mine I'd expect to need to pay at least at least £150.

I'd love to know more about the Angelica. All I know is that the one I've got says it was made in Japan, Serial Number 226, Model number 2854.

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: bflat
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 11:01 PM

Dear McGrath,

I plan to give it another look tomorrow. I am smitten by the looks of it. I only hope it sounds as good. Will note the serial numbers and report back. I think it is worth about $275.00 US based on an inquiry I made to a dealer I found throught Yahoo. But, surely the case and strap are worth a bit, fine hard case. Love after all has no monetary worth, right?

Ellen

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: ddw
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 11:37 PM

Ellen,

Don't put too much value on the case and strap. A hardshell case can be had for $50 or less and straps are usually only about $10 or $15 bucks unless they're something special.

I'm really not familiar with this guitar by name, but would love to see a picture of it. McGrath says they're made in Japan, so they may be marketed under different names in different places.

From you enthusiasm, I suspect this is a pretty well-made piece, but if it's just a flattop the $495 may be a bit high. I'm seeing lots of reasonably good guitars in pawn shops, second-hand store and even music stores for $300 to $400 Canadian, which would mean they could be a lot less if you're in the U.S.

Most consignment shops will take what the owner wants, add their take and then jack the price a bit more to have some haggle room. NEVER pay the asking price unless you're in an active bidding war over something you really want and you're in jeopardy of losing it. They'll always come down 10 or 12 percent, so I usually start haggling at quite a bit under asking price. Only caveat is that you don't want to be insulting, so don't offer them something too far off.

good hunting,

david

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: GUEST,Allan S.
Date: 25 Jan 02 - 09:47 AM

My 6th. ed. pub. 1999 of Blue book of Acoustic Guitars has the following.

Angelica Built in Japan from 1967-1975 The Angelica is a trademark used by importers Boosey& Hawkes on these entry guitars and basses based on classic American designs. Some of the origional designs produced for Angelica are actually better in quality Angelica instruments were not distributed to the U.S. market. Some models may be encountered on the Eastern seabord, bot the average price ranges around $100 to $150

Hope all this helps Allan

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: bflat
Date: 25 Jan 02 - 11:54 AM

Your help is appreciated, Allan. david, good advice! I'll take it all into consideration. :) Thanks!

Ellen

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jan 02 - 06:16 PM

I'vebeen chasing around the net, and it is clea rthatb the term "Angelica" has been used at different times for very different guitars which have no connection with each other, as well as for other instruments which aren't guitars.

The one I've got is a Jumbo flattop, and I'm holding it in this picture. Nothing fancy, but very pleasant to play. The one Allan found the quote about sounds as if its the same variety.

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jan 02 - 06:39 PM

I've been chasing around the net, and it is clear that the term "Angelica" has been used at different times for very different guitars which have no connection with each other, as well as for other instruments which aren't guitars.

The one I've got is a Jumbo flattop, and I'm holding it in this picture. Nothing fancy, but very pleasant to play. The one Allan found the quote about sounds as if it's the same variety.

Subject: RE: BS: Buy or not used Angelica guitar
From: bflat
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 12:04 AM

Well, I went back to the music store today to find out that nothing had been done so I didn't get to play it. I was a bit disappointed. On closer look, the neck appears to be made from five different pieces of wood. Would that make a tonal difference or be some kind of possible problem?

McGrath, I used the link but I'm afraid the picture is not clear enough for me to comment on the appearance. However, it is good to know that you find it pleasant. Thanks.

Ellen