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Post subject: NGD or not? Fixer upper? (Fender Villager)
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:25 am
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I've found a Fender Villager for about half the going ebay price. Unfortunately, it's not in Houston and I can't get a hands on description better than "the action is really high and it's a little beat up, it has dings". Now, the action could be high for a number of reasons. It could be someone just doesn't know he can adjust the truss rod, or it could be something much worse like a bridge lifting or a neck that is warped or needs to be reset. Actually, since the Villager is a bolt on, shimming the neck wouldn't be very difficult.

But even then, what if the fretboard has any dips or hills that cause fretbuzz? That could be why someone set the action high in the first place, if it were intentional. What about high frets? I can deal with a few high frets or sharp frets myself, but there's a point of no return when you just have to get a fret level or even a refret.

It's a 1968, so I guess that means it's made in America. It's cool, and normally I'd be all over it but Villagers have a less than sterling reputation. Worst care scenario, I could use it as a slide guitar. But I don't really need a 12 string slide guitar, so I'm still hesitant.

Also, does anyone know if these are solid or laminate top? Laminate would be more durable, but solid sure sounds better.

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Post subject: Re: NGD or not? Fixer upper? (Fender Villager)
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:37 am
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I didn't think you were supposed to try changing the action by adjusting the truss rod.

The Villager was introduced in '65 and has a solid Spruce Top, Maple neck and Mahogany Back/Sides. The reissue uses laminate back/sides.

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: NGD or not? Fixer upper? (Fender Villager)
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:49 am
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Get it

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Post subject: Re: NGD or not? Fixer upper? (Fender Villager)
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:05 pm
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If Fender ever made a case for it, buying one would cross my mind. I do not own a 12 string yet. It is a glaring omission from my sound palette. I love the look of the Villager.

I also want an 8 string bass. My friend who likes to play Achilles Last Stand would love it. Jonesy played one on that song. I manage pretty well with 4 strings. I just want the 8 string for certain "moments".

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Last edited by modwiz on Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: NGD or not? Fixer upper? (Fender Villager)
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:27 pm
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cool looking 12 string Texas:
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Post subject: Re: NGD or not? Fixer upper? (Fender Villager)
Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:04 pm
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I decided to take a pass. It might be one thing if I could actually see it in person, but there are just too many variables buying online with such little information.

The intonation (or lack thereof) on old, fret worn guitars always drives me crazy. It would probably need a ton of work, it would need to electrified if I ever wanted to play it live, and I have serious doubts on the road worthiness of it.

I guess I just don't feel like gambling right now. It would probably be a lot smarter of me to just focus on fixing the two project guitars that I already have (Levin Classical and Samick Neck Through Electric), and use the money I would've spent on the Villager for updates to my existing rig.

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Post subject: Re: NGD or not? Fixer upper? (Fender Villager)
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 2:26 am
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texasguitarslinger wrote:
I decided to take a pass. It might be one thing if I could actually see it in person, but there are just too many variables buying online with such little information.

The intonation (or lack thereof) on old, fret worn guitars always drives me crazy. It would probably need a ton of work, it would need to electrified if I ever wanted to play it live, and I have serious doubts on the road worthiness of it.

I guess I just don't feel like gambling right now. It would probably be a lot smarter of me to just focus on fixing the two project guitars that I already have (Levin Classical and Samick Neck Through Electric), and use the money I would've spent on the Villager for updates to my existing rig.


I'm with you Texas. Wise choice. There will be other 12 string guitars in your future. :D

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