[Mad Dog]

This guitar is in really good shape and has been stored in it's case basically since it was new. My father bought it new in the late 50's from a music store clearance sale. He never really learned to play, so he pulled the strings off and put it in the back of the closet. I put a string on it to test it out, and everything works fine except the volume knob that goes from full volume to half to off. It has a chip on the corner of the pickgaurd and one of the tuning knobs is busted. The neck is straight as can be. I also have the original case
This is the neck through 1956 version of the Mark III, the original design by Paul Bigsby. This version was replaced by the set neck that appeared in the 1956 Magnatone catalog.

I have an appraisal from Gruhn Guitars for $3500, so I will start there and take offers.

Email me at hellfyrems@excite.com for good pictures.

[585960]

could you post the Gruhn appraisel please. I would find that value really high. After all, it is a Magnatone, no disrespect intended.

[Repairman77]

I agree; that does seem to be an awfully high price for what appears to be a 1950's budget guitar. I assume you are in the USA; old 50's 60's budget models over here (UK) fetch very little; it's only the well known top makes that fetch a fortune.
Mike.

[jules]

I'm not going to say anything about value on this, as I know nothing about Magnatone, the brands collectability, or this guitars rarity/originality/completeness.

But budget guitars usually get cared for a lot less than expensive ones, and so finding one this old in unmolested condition must be rare. I'd (stupidly) have added another pickup in 1958

I suspect the op is looking for the highest offer he can get rather than expecting $3.5k. A Magnatone collector might have waited years for something like this, so the right offer could make two people very happy.

One the plus side...
A lot of 50s budget US guitars used quality hardwoods. No one cared which rainforest they cut down in those days. How many budget guitars can boast a (mahogany?) through-neck?

On the minus side...
I'm not sure anyone would play this... the hardware most-likely doesn't match up with the quality of the wood, there is no truss rod, and the appointments are as basic as can be.

Any Magnatone collectors in the house?

[phxforsale]

Originally Posted by jules

I'm not sure anyone would play this... the hardware most-likely doesn't match up with the quality of the wood, there is no truss rod, and the appointments are as basic as can be.

Any Magnatone collectors in the house?

His may very well be a prototype, I just posted info on mine http://forums.vintageguitars.org.uk/...ead.php?t=1956
and mine has a mahogany through body neck and has a truss rod as well as a serial number and is finished, his is the only unfinished Magnatone I've seen (have only seen a handful) so who knows. Anyway mine produces sounds of quality I'd put up against any other guitar, I've had the pleasure of hearing it against a 1967 Gibson 335 and a 1962 Gibson Les Paul Custom and I'd take my Budget Magnatone it's also one I'm not afraid to handle. Everyone that has played mine is blown away by the tones it produces.