VOX ToneLab Patch Exchange

I'd never heard of them before, but had a google and then a look at their website.
It seems like a top quality guitar. $687 would seem to be a very good price.
Do you know what's with the reverse headstock ? It doesn't seem to be a standard feature.

Alan

Question for Hamfist and Chico. I assume you are buying guitars via ebay without playing 'em first. What happens if you get one with unknown flaws? Or if it doesn't feel right for you? Is that just a risk you are prepared to take?: I ask as I am toying with purchasing a git on ebay. Being left handed my choice of guitars is severly limited. I've seen one that I like the look of. Its a 1987 japanese made strat. But I am a bit weary. I've read as many reviews on it as I can but it all seems so subjective. Some people love the very things others dislike about 'em. What if I buy it and then don't like the feel of it or find its single coiled pick-ups are too noisy and trebly for my tastes or the neck width at the nut too narrow, or the frets too narrow, etc., etc?
If no-one bids for it can I purchase privately as you appear to be doing Chico. Not sure how this works. Questions questions, questions. Any advice gratefully received.
Chris (MBW)

Chico,
You do have it bad. I also have trouble resisting unique gits. Robin Rangers are one of my pursuits. Maple neck only!
MBW, yes you do take a chance buying on Ebay. If the seller has a good rating and many transactions, you can usually trust them. I have purchased many gits on Ebay for a steal. Keep looking, set your price, be patient.

Chris,
You are right to have some wariness of, first, buying a guitar thruogh ebay and, second, buying any guitar you haven't played.
As Chico has said, it is very important to do proper research. There is no reason you should not find out the nut and neck dimensions, or anything else about the guitar from the seller. Quality sellers are always more than happy to give you any information you want. If they don't seem to be bothered then don't buy from them. This is the golden rule you must stick to, however tempting the item is.
And yes, buying any guitar, unplayed, is a risk, whether from ebay or not. It all depends how much risk you are prepared to take and how much money you will potentially save by taking the risk.
I'm definately NOT a high risk taker with buying expensive things like guitars. The ebay guitar I bought was from a well-respected Tokai dealer, well thought of on the Tokai forum. AND (importantly) had a 7 day full-refund return period if I was not happy in any way with the guitar. That's the sort of seller I like !! I phoned up the dealer and spoke at length with him about different guitars. He even went round measuring neck dimensions on different guitars for me as we spoke. He gave me lots of confidence and personally, I felt it was a very low risk buy, and I knew I could always return it if it was faulty.
Being a "lefty" obviously really reduces your options in buying guitars so an online or ebay purchase would give you much more choice. With ebay sellers I always read their feedback for selling similar items. I would not risk much money buying from any buyer with lower than 99% positive feedback or less than 50 sales. Obviously the higher the number of sales and the higher % positive feedback the more confidence you can have. A lot of really top quality dealers sell through ebay, as well as the few dodgy individuals who try and spoil it for everyone.
Good luck in your searching !

Alan

That's exactly it.

The only thing I'd add: be even more cautious when buying international.

Kaal

Thanks Chico & kaal !

I also have to echo kaal's point about buying internationally. You've got to be so so cautious. You have virtually no way of sorting out any problem if the seller is not helpful after the sale.
I've bought loads of tubes internationally, and had no problems, but its always small money compared to a guitar.
I guess I'm lucky to live somewhere where I can get a reasonable selection of guitars and amps from my own country. I'll be honest and say that I am still a bit jealous of you chaps in the US of A with all the selection of gear you can choose from, and the downright ridiculously low prices you pay !! grrrrr, it makes me so mad !!!
It must be real difficult for you guys who live "off the beaten track" in countries where there is very little available gear.
Sometimes you've gotta just take a chance. Life is not risk-free !!

Alan

Steve,

The Robin Ranger has a humbucker (usually a Rio Grande) in the neck position, and 2 single coils. I was looking for a Tele Deluxe and came across the Ranger.

This git may be the Holy Grail I've been searching for . It's describe as a cross between a Tele and a Les Paul. I guess I'll let all know when it comes on Thursday .

Let's hope the Guitar Fairy waves it's magic wand and delivers a fine example of a Robin Ranger .

Chico

www.thefabuloushouserockers.com

"When the power of love is greater than the love of power, there will be world peace." -Jimi Hendrix

That was the first thing i thought of when i saw it, it looks like those,
but they were extremely popular,
nice guitars mr chico, all of em.

www.selfdistruction.com

doesnt Tokai have those as well ?, oh shoot, tell your wife I'm sorry...lol
www.selfdistruction.com

Monte,

Shame on you! My wife has full knowledge and gives approval on all my purchases.......NOT!

The Robin will get to me before I leave for MI.

Thanks tbyrd! I'm looking for a great sounding acoustic on it's own w/Fishman system.

Chico

www.thefabuloushouserockers.com

"When the power of love is greater than the love of power, there will be world peace." -Jimi Hendrix