Baretta Special.....Enhanced!

[Kramer23]

I couldn't resist when I found this guitar in as-new condition on Craigslist.
1guitar.jpg
Personally, as inexpensive as it is, I don't really think it needs any modification.
Mahogany Body,
Alnico V pickup,
Thin fast neck,
Great set-up.
What else do I need????
Thats why I say enhanced. Just a bit better to suit my needs. Nothing major or permanently modified.
2body1.jpg
upgrades are simple:
Strap Locks to keep consistent with my other guitars.
A Gibson Hat because I really don't need the knob to tell me what the lone potentiometers only function is.
Tusq Bridge Saddles.

I was going to use the Graph Tech Saddles & go Acoustic/Electric but not with the Barrel Jack. I can make a stereo Barrel Jack/Single Center Blend Pot work but I'd have to take it beyond warrantee. These preamps can be pretty fragile pieces, especially if wired a bit different than designed. Modding the guitar for a standard 1/4" Stereo output with a mounting plate is easy enough, but that is a permanent mod....So no go on Acoustic/Electric.
Just as well tho,
The Tusq saddles work really well. Not really necessary, but the sound was indeed fuller and a bit louder. I was playing around with the set up and these strings can be set ridiculous lo!! But I put them back.Sometimes a bit of relief is a relief.
I love the pickup on this guitar and always thought the brand names are a bit of snake oil. I can see switching it for active pickups, or ceramic mags,...but to switch for another earth magnet pickup(what I am primarily into) would be a step backwards, JMO.



My apologies for such grainy, poorly lit pics. I guess Apple will get it right for the iPad6

[Kramer23]

3head1.jpg
I also added locking tuners and a straight black truss rod cover.
Not a fan of writing all over the Guit. For 4 bucks I ordered a universal cover from eBay. I was shocked that the screw holes were a perfect fit! same for the tuners which I bought on CL for $20
4head2.jpg
The Guitar never gave me a problem with staying in tune, so I can't really say there is a tremendous difference. The stock tuners are also silky smooth. but the real difference is the gear ratio. Tuning on the fly is important to me & these tuners change tune and go back and forth with precision, speed, & ease. I always prefer a Guit with a bar, but am not reliant on it. but its nice to know I have a bit of added security with the fact that the tuners lock.
5parts.jpg
the original parts in a bag going into a parts box. Wont be needing them anytime soon!

I'm really impressed with this guitar and believe that the BSpecial is currently the best guitar value on the market. Being that I bought it used, I paid $140. Only about 6 weeks old when purchased(from a forum member) no tax, no shipping. In total I have a whopping $219 vested. No complaints as this guitar performs way better than expected and on par with just about every bolt-on neck guitar Ive owned....actually a lot better than some that were a lot more expensive. I have another Kramer Pacer thats been modded to my specs, I pick this one up first -that may just be the new guitar luster, tho.

JMO, but I think Gibson/Kramer should build more like this, where you can see the roots but the the guitar is still moving forward and very practical. I hope this model catches on....its a winner.

[joecamel]

Nice upgrade; gotta love CL

[sprocket226]

What? A forum member let it go?
Good review on the guitar, glad you like it!

[sixstring]

Simple, inexpensive mods to wake the beast. Looks good!

[MrScary]

My favorite guitar on the 2012 line.

[Kramer23]

Thx joe, sprocket, six, & scary!
Considering its simplicity, materials, & costs...could it be the best import on the market?

[SDRM17]

Thx for the review!!
I was considering doing something similar myself but wanted to hear what others had to say about the BSpecial b4 proceeding. You just brought me one step closer to actually doing it.