1986 Baretta-7777

[simpler1]

Thanks to the bro's that guided me on this one...all 7 of you, ironic isn't it?

Turns out the owner of this guitar who was the former singer in a band bought it from his guitarist back in 90/91 to write lyrics with it. I am now the third owner. Guitar was very dirty (he said it was sitting for a while) but I cleaned her up. Overall, it's pretty clean with only a few small dings here and there. I have not changed the strings or removed any covers to really check things out yet, too tired now.

I played her quickly and even though the high strings are starting to rust it was close to tuned. The neck feels very nice at the first position but when you get to the second octave the neck pocket starts to get in the way (19th fret or so). Overall, I'm liking it more than not but need to set her up properly before giving any type of verdict. I will say this guitar definitely seems to have a tone of it's own, that I can already tell. Does have a cool vibe about it, hopefully the mojo will also abound.

The color of this guitar is really kind of unique but doesn't show well at night. I'll try to take some more pictures tomorrow during the day.

P.S. The only thing missing was the trem bar, if anyone has a black one that will fit this (that your willing to part with, of course) please let me know or point me in the right direction. I'll also be on the lookout for a Kramer case. Appreciated!

Here are the initial 7 pics, coincidence???:

[matt3846]

Glad you went through with it! Great score.

--Matt

[NightRider]

nice one james.... if you every want to let it go... you got my email

[amerturk]

Hell of a nice score! Man that thing is SWA"WEET!

[nightwatch]

That's a beauty - very nice!

[Kramerican]

Is it me...or does that body have a Focus shape to it?

[simpler1]

For my sake, I hope it's just you.

[matt3846]

It has a barrel-jack, doesn't it?

[simpler1]

Jack plate and screws line up on cover plate, right?

[moku]

oh, oh... barettas don't have jack plates. the middle screws on the tremolo back plates should be off set (not lined up--otherwise it's a striker body), and the jack should be just a round barrel-jack.

[moku]

also, the knob should look like a cap... not like the one that's on there. but that could have been switched.

[simpler1]

Moku-yeah, I know I was returning the scare the other former bro gave me. Just ran to double check it and started taking it apart. The very first thing I learned here (from Tim by the way) was jack plate=import. Pictures coming...

[simpler1]

Screws do not line up on cover-plate:





Check it out it has the Trem-Setter in it and all three springs!







More pics coming...

[amerturk]

Tremsetter equals 1,000,000 percent retta!

[simpler1]

Ok, here's were my knowledge of these goes south. Braided pickup wire is factory or no?





Not sure but I think the pot may have been replaced, no date code?





Close-up of pup:

[amerturk]

Looks like the electronics are also 100 percent stock! ....except for the piece of electrical tape.

[simpler1]

Tim- Like you would say SWA"WEET!!! So worse case I have a replaced speed knob? Pics of that coming.

[simpler1]

Speed Knob-looks concave on the top as opposed to flat or convex...





Anyone read "Thomas Holds a Floyd"? Another member tip!

[moku]

everything looks good! sorry for the scare.

[amerturk]

Volume Knob: Sorry dude, looks like you got screwed over on this one.

Make it stock and go with the metal black dome.

Very nice example of a 99.9% complete retta!

[JGB]

Great score! Love those rettas...

[BloodRose]

I was completely hyped up.. twin horn salutes, and feeling all metal about this awesome axe, with its amazing cherry condition, tremsetter and just over all killerosity........ Until I saw Thomas.....:happy1

Gonna get Bob the builder to help restring???


hee hee. I had to say it.. But I have 5 kids, I understand..

Awesome axe!! You mentioned a singer and band. was it from a big name???

[NightRider]

if i was a bettin man... i would say that the pup has been changed... but thats no biggy... still a great looking guitar

[simpler1]

Rick- Your timing is impeccable...I just got the strings back on. I'm not a betting kinda guy either so what are you thinking?

This is turning into a roller coaster ride.

Reminds me of another guitar I own with 7's in the serial number...

I'm thinking I need to pull the pickup? JBJ or something to that effect?

[NightRider]

yeap JB but the only jbs i have seen without coil splitting are suppppeeerr early... and most that i have seen on barettas are reverse zebras... but its a kramer anything can happen...