Spectrum GT 1984 -possible preproduction model

[Barry]

Good News: I'm working on obtaining this nice red burst Spectrum!
Bad News: I'm having trouble ID'ing it. The serial makes it an '84 but I can't figure out exactly what it is based on the .INFO site.

All I have are the seller's pictures:



There is no model name or number on the headstock, just the logo.
It has elements of the '84 Spectrum III--but it has a 3-way switch, not a 5-way, and red-burst finish is not mentioned in the cat.
The switching and PUPS look very much like an FX but it lacks the distinctive black centre striping.
So...any ideas
The other minor problem is 2 missing knobs. Dunno what to do about those, Spares has none.

[Westbone]

check out spectrum GT '85 catalogue. They did a blue burst, maybe a red burst? might be a one off.

[Westbone]

The 84 Prestige 227 had the same red burst finish(same year as your? spectrum) The one in the info site has quite a silver to red finish. I've 227 which is a lot redder in the middle fading to a darker red on the edge. Never seen that "darker" finish, but it's original. Maybe they tried diferrent finishes but still put them on the market, makes sense. Fender did.
That Spectrum looks in good nick, though. Go on you know you want to.

[Warrn]

Looks like it could be an X189 or X199.

[corsair]

Jee-zuz, Barry; just "acquire" the thing; what a gem!! FX - neckthru, GT/LX - bolt... that is an absolute drop-dead stunner and the lack of stringlocks make me lean towards the GT. I have a GT and like it lots; so will you even given your loathing for 3 pup guitars ... with 3 pull pots!!

Yeah the knobs are a worry but the Electra Phoenix made do with those scalloped speed knobs and they don't look too bad for a quick fix?

[hendrik]

Hi Barry,

Looks like an GT (X185) or LX (X198).
The pictures on the WESTONE.INFO site doesn't show the headstock.

But from the color, and the position of the switch, I would say it's an GT.

And I would go for it. The guitar belongs in the right hands.

H.

[Barry]

Thanks guys. I've always relied on the kindness of guitar perverts such as y'all!
Have no worries my dears, it shall be mine...on Friday! Only 2 more sleeps.
It's a long drive to pick her up but worth it for the price: CAD$150 with HSC!

Stay tuned. Film at eleven.

edit: Oh, the current owner is moving to Finland next month. May be another potential member for the Viking Chapter of the MAA?!

[Barry]

...Yeah the knobs are a worry but the Electra Phoenix made do with those scalloped speed knobs and they don't look too bad for a quick fix?

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking of using! "Great minds...", eh?

[Barry]

check out spectrum GT '85 catalogue. They did a blue burst, maybe a red burst? might be a one off.

Man, i love that blue burst. That would be my preference over red. But beggers can't be choosers, and all that!
What's confounding me is the '84 manufacturing date. It doesn't slot neatly into the cat info. (Unless it's just the UK release date on the cats that's causing problems.) It may be that they were released in '84 elsewhere??

[corsair]

Miner's blueburst... and minty!! But yay for you; I reckon that's a beauty; I just love that colour, mate I really do!!

Hope you're ready to be confused by the myriad of tone possibilities...

[hendrik]

Corsair relax, he will get used to it!

And probably get rid of all his 2 pups guitars.

H.

[Barry]

...Hope you're ready to be confused by the myriad of tone possibilities...

I'm already confused, it's my natural state, or so my other half keeps telling me. Should work out just fine.

...And probably get rid of all his 2 pups guitars.

No chance. Bite your tongue! I'm a singer / rhythm guy. Already got enough stuff to try and keep straight.

Acquisition Update: Just got an email from the seller. We're meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to make the deal! Only 1 more sleep!

[Warrn]

My guess it's that it's a replacement neck, hence the lack of a model name. Yes/no?

[Barry]

Wha-a-a-a?
More likely a generic neck for transitional models of some sort, methinks.

[Warrn]

Possible, as the Electra-Westone branded instruments don't have model names listed on them either. But I would also think it'd be possible that it's a replacement neck. You never know.

[corsair]

...or, and I'm drawing a really longbow on this one, it could be one of the first of the GT models which didn't have the 'Spectrum GT' headstock yet... the '84 s/n could indicate that, but whatever, it's a stunner, and I'm well envious!

[Barry]

You never know.

And there be the ongoing frustration with Uncle Mats and his Travellin' Geetar Show! He had a lot in common with Forest Gump and his box of chocolates!
I'm picking it up later today so I may have better info when I can see it up close.

[Barry]

We interrupt this post to bring you a special announcement:
HOLY CANADA GOOSE CR@P!! THIS THING ROCKS!!!!

*ahem* now, back to our regularly scheduled writer...

Well kids, I got it! Thank you, thank you very much.
Overall, the thing was in spectacular shape, one owner, nary a mark anywhere on the finish, or at least nothing worth mentioning. Pretty d a m n good after 25 years methinks!

But here's the weird part...the body and neck were clean as a whistle...but the freaking fretboard and hardware was filthy! We're talking sweaty dirt, rust, and dust bunnies here folks. I guess he took care in wiping and polishing but ignored anything metallic.
So, here's how it unfolded:

No problem inside...nice and clean!




Love them 45's! No markings on the single though


OK here's where it gets scary. If you get queezy at the site of rust n dust, avert yer gaze...



Ya know, I used to wonder why you guys bothered to tear down yer guitars. Not any more.


Hey summer's here! It's freakin' September but it's here!
It's been an incredible stretch of gorgeous weather this past week so she had her pix taken outside! A few hours of scrub-a-dub here's how she looks now:









Still no further ahead on the ID question.
New speed knobs on order.
Need a trem bar too (sigh).
Tired...now...must...sleep...talk...more...tomorrow...

[hendrik]

Hi Barry,

cute. I like it.
I have the same problem with my newly acquired VANTAGE AVENGER.
The body and neck are fine, but the metal is highly corroded.

Strange

How do you clean up the metal parts ?

H.

[Warrn]

It's becoming sorely apparent that I need a Westone guitar to go with my basses. That is gorgeous.