FS:Raines 7 String&Gitane DG250M

[SierraTango]

7 String Archtop I purchased from Matt Raines. The instrument has had several important upgrades and improvements from stock performed by noted Luthier Steve Holst. A new ebony tailpiece in the Benedetto style was fitted. A new bridge was fabricated in cocobolo, and the guitar had a fret leveling and dressing when this work was done. As delivered from Raines, the guitar had several issues which have all been professionally addressed. It now plays wonderfully. If you are looking to get into 7 string this is a 7string jazzbox that won't break the budget! Comes with Kayces case $500.00


Gitane DG 250M in VG+ condition. This is one of the earlier issues, serial number 0402011424, indicating a build date of Feb 2004. This instrument is a faithful reproduction of a very rare Selmer guitar. Solid Spruce top, beautful birdseye maple back and sides. Slim, fast neck, ebony fretboard. Guitar has been played in and has the Gypsy "bark" and cutting power to slice through. Includes a tweed gig bag and a extra set of Argentine 11's the correct loop end string for this style of guitar. $450.00



PM me for photos. Both are on ebay.

[TruthHertz]

I got a 7 string Raines a while back. The guitar was in "rough import" condition, sharp fret ends, thumb wheels wired in reverse, high frets, a nut that needed to be re-cut and string height lowered a LOT, finish that was so soft (maybe uncured) that the act of contact with my fingernail put a crease in the top finish, a truss rod that was at the max of the threads and still a warp in the neck. Yes the price was good, but no, it wasn't a complete ready to go guitar. Even with enough work to double the price, the neck is un-settable and I'll never get a straight low action. The body workmanship is really good but all the other things that a luthier or decent company would do before it passed QC, it's all lacking. No set up whatsoever. Raines provided a line of communication but dropped off precipitously as the depth of the problems grew.
I worked at Ibanez. If a guitar came in from an overseas factory in this shape, we would have sent it back and not even tried to bring it up to spec.

I'm glad you "lucked out" on yours, mine is a heartbreak.
David

[SierraTango]

In the past few years I've had an Ibanez AF207 and a Eastman 810 7 which were both very good instruments that I sold. After a while I wanted to get back into 7 and didn't have 2K to invest. I, too contacted Mr. Raines through his website and thought I could at least get a decent practice guitar for the $500.00 price. When it arrived I was extremely disappointed. The tailpiece was junk, with a cheapo drift pin holding assigned to hold all the string tension-it broke into pieces when I tuned to pitch. My dog could have carved a better bridge. Frets truly awful. The electronics worked. I don't like to use a public forum to slam anyone, but as pointed out, Matt ceased communication after he cashed the check.
OK, I understand you get what you pay for. However I was now faced with either turning it into firewood or trying to get it playable. The tailpiece was the obvious starting point, so I obtained one from Ron Lucca. My skill set in woodworking isn't that advanced, so I contacted Steve Holst, discussed the project with him and sent it up.
At any rate, the guitar is now very playable. I'm certainly not saying it's perfect, but as a utility guitar it works. I'm not even looking to make back what I spent to get it in working condition. I'm working/giging with my Eastman John Pisano 880 which I adore and not using the 7, so here's a inexpensive way to explore 7 for reasonable money.

[TruthHertz]

Originally Posted by SierraTango

In the past few years I've had an Ibanez AF207 .

You gave up an AF207!!!!!????? Waaaaaaaa!!!! I have been on the lookout for one for ages and each time one shows up, it's hundreds more than the last one!
Yeah, by the way, a friend got a Raines 7 string semi hollow, volume knobs fell off, bad frets, the stop tail piece studs weren't even solid in an underblock and Ka_Bloooey!! 7 string self destruction.

No, it's NOT a matter of you get what you pay for, 'cause I'm sure I could've done better looking and waiting for the moment when the occasional Eastman unload went down. I've seen it. And for less than the final "damage control and recovery" price tag of my Raines.

I will say this much though, I did get a nice T shirt. (Hmm, or did I in actuality lose my shirt on this deal?)

As far as yours for $500, well you finally put it right and that's a good price for a tricked out guitar. Good luck!

David

[JohnW400]

Thanks for this. I was looking at Raines site wondering about a 7 string. I figured for that kind of money they might be crap. Looks like they are.

[SierraTango]

I would never purchase anything from Matt Raines again. The one I'm selling had double the purchase price invested in it, it's OK for what it is. Just don't expect much directly from him before it's worked on.
Yes, I did let my AF207 go-it pretty much financed the 810 7. Looking back I should have kept the Ibanez, however I wanted a floating pick-up and the Eastman was more comfortable for me to play.

[mr. beaumont]

I hope somebody here scoops up that Gitane...it'd be nice to have more selmer guitar players around here...that's a really good price...very tempted, but I'm gonna drop 2k on baby furniture in a few days...

[JohnW400]

Yo, congrats to you and the Mrs

[mr. beaumont]

Thanks...I wasn't sure if everybody here knew...I think I've mentioned it in a few threads.

I'm very excited to be a Dad...first one for me...guitar buying will be on a hiatus I imagine...of course I could rationalize I need a new nylon string to play baby lullabies....

[SierraTango]

Truth be told, I'm selling the Raines 7, the Gitane 250M and a Mele 6 string "Guitarlele" all Koa with a B-Band pickup to finance a upgraded Gypsy Jazz guitar. The Mele is super cool, great travel guitar.

[M-ster]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

...very tempted, but I'm gonna drop 2k on baby furniture in a few days...

Congrat's, Jeff. Mine's about to turn 21 next month.

[Dookychase]

Mr. Beaumont, Congratulations! Do you know know if its a boy or a girl?

Regardless, a nylon string is great for soothing a baby. Tell your wife I'm an expert on this. lol
I think every dad would agree with that idea.