Robben Ford Discussion

Sampo · Member Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 42 Location: Finland

Hi!

I am considering of doing the unthinkable, i.e parting with my Esprit Standard here:

I have trouble finding right price for the guitar -- Esprits are quite rare here in Finland, like everywhere else. Prices of Harmony Central reviews seem to be on low side, but then again dealer prices for Flames and few Esprits are quite steep.

The guitar is in quite good shape, the top is more or less flawless, there is very little buckle belt rash in the back, but there are some minor scratches on the side. Pickups (SD's Jeff Beck and Jazz), bridge and coil splitter are professionally installed. That may take away some 'vintage' value, but I think these modifications are essential to 'functional' value. Roller bridge and Schaller are still in my possesion, though. Also, I think sunbursts are more desirable than black or white ones.

What do you think? Yes, I definately know I will probably regret this later, but other than that ...

Thanks in advance for your help,
Sampo

PierreL · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 10:58 pm Post subject:

I'll take it for 500€ !!!

Seriously, I don't have an idea on the value of those guitars, but it sure does look nice (and I'd like to get one someday).

stairman2 · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject:

From what I've been observing the prices of guitars
have taken quite a tumble, people are still asking for a good price
but you don't see them selling for that.

I would be surprised if you got top price but good luck, I would love to
have it myself Laughing

Sampo · Member Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 42 Location: Finland

Thanks guys for your input!

I did some re-thinking, spoke with some vintage/old Fender people and decided against selling, at least for now. I did some further research and there are some Flames (Standards and Elites) that are priced at 1700-2000€ with stock pickups and/or in black. Yeah, for that price I would reconsider Very Happy

If anybody is interested, I took some additional photos:
http://s715.photobucket.com/albums/ww152/SampoK72/

BTW, in eBay there is Squier Esprit (mislabeled as "Fender Esprit Robben Ford style electric guitar" and with borderline dishonest description, IMO) with similar upgrades .. BIN is $1,295.00.

Cheebatone · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 2:30 am Post subject:

Bill Morgan · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

ducharme-jones · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 10:25 am Post subject:

I found one on E-bay 6 months ago and paid $998.00 w/ shipping. Excellant condition all stock. Saw the same guitar in Hamburg for 3000. eur. My question is, can you drop regular buckers in place of the schallers without doing any routing modification? Keep the guitar if at all possible, they're great!

I used mine in this video .. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PWobzQ-5Io

check it out if you've got the time.

cheers
_________________
www.davidducharmejones.com

Phil T · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 11:37 am Post subject:

I have the same model, got it stock many years ago. I have changed to regular humbuckers. It would be possible to do it and sort of make it reversible, but not exactly. Mounting screw configuration is different. Take a look under the Shallers some time, the screws are not wood screws, they screw into threaded metal inserts mounted in the body under the PU. These must be removed and a little routing done in that spot (IIRC). Also the trim ring around the original PU is glued in and must be removed. You will need holes (in the top) in the four "corners" for the new PUs ring in the area under the original trim ring. So, it can be done and I could go back to the original look, but with the alterations evident under the PU. I also added the coil cut switch, easy to do but not reversible. I'm happy with the changes.
Nice tune.

Sampo · Member Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 42 Location: Finland

There is Master Series threesome in eBay right now -- Esprit, Flame and D'Aquisto with $6000 BIN :

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Master-Series-Flame-Esprit-DAquisto_W0QQitemZ330345105288QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item4cea1a4788&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

There is also Korean version on eBay right now that has reasonable BIN ($355.00) if anybody is interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Esprit-Robben-Ford-Style-Guitar-Excellent_W0QQitemZ230359083511QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item35a278a9f7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

NOTE: I am not affiliated with either seller at all.