I have long wanted a pre-refined Fly in White (with all black hardware, including saddles) or the lime green.
As seeing these colors (especially near-mint) is a fairly rare occurrence, I am considering picking up a Fly in decent condition and sending it off for a repaint.
Is a fair estimate on a repaint about $700-$1000? I believe Shazrock is a trusted refinisher. Is there a risk in having saddles anodized/painted black?
I would like to choose a second Fly that would offer a good tonal variety from my Mojo - which is mahogany body & fretboard. I know that each and every Fly has unique characteristics, just asking in theory. I am looking at a ‘97 Deluxe with basswood neck and poplar body.
Re: The itch
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2022 3:43 pm
by vjmanzo
Sounds like a cool and fulfilling project, @Gregsaab! Some of these beat-up Flys on Reverb and eBay only need a little cosmetic TLC!
@Ken Parker once told me that more than half of the cost of a guitar (not just a Fly) was the finish! So, even for $1,000 I think you're still in good shape!
My first Fly was a Mojo—I love the Mojo, I will never part with the Mojo, and that neck pickup is some sorta magic for the right kinda music! Having said that, my next Fly was a Deluxe and I, personally, prefer the Deluxe as an all-around does-everything Fly, and it's the one I lend people most often when they ask "What's a Fly sound like?". As a complement to your Mojo, I think the Deluxe is a great way to go, and Ken often regards 1997+ as a particularly good time for the factory when their engine was firing on all cylinders!
Re: The itch
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2022 4:58 pm
by Gregsaab
This particular Deluxe does not come with the trem arm — how difficult is it to fix the hexagonal arms?
Re: The itch
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:03 pm
by mmmguitar
You essentially bend an Allen key.
Re: The itch
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:17 pm
by vjmanzo
mmmguitar wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:03 pm
You essentially bend an Allen key.
Brilliant, thank you. Do you think $2500 for a ‘97 in ‘great condition’ without any accessories (or case) is a decent deal in this day and age?
Re: The itch
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2022 6:07 pm
by Gregsaab
Pulled trigger, I’ll report back when it’s in.
Re: The itch
Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2022 6:15 pm
by vjmanzo
Congrats!!
Re: The itch
Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:04 pm
by jb63
vjmanzo wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 3:43 pm
I love the Mojo, I will never part with the Mojo, and that neck pickup is some sorta magic for the right kinda music!
Oh no! You are reminding me I haven’t played the mojo in a few years!
The Deluxe came in today from GC in an opened box, wrapped in bubble wrap (no case).
Seems like it was dropped pretty hard on the bottom strap lock at some point (maybe even during shipping). Few cracks there with paint chipping and the strap lock is loose. Few chips elsewhere and the nut is completely loose, just floating about. Also, there is a drop d thing in the E string - no interest in
Pretty depressing seeing a Fly in this condition, especially given the “great” rating that they gave it.
Definitely going to return it, but I am glad that I was able to handle it — is significantly lighter than my Mojo. Pretty impressed by that. Has solidified my desire to get a pre-refined Fly, albeit in better condition.
Re: The itch
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 8:31 pm
by Gregsaab
Aside from being noticeably lighter than the Mojo, it is more resonant - louder/clearer unplugged. Also, fretwork is better (no uneven frets).
Re: The itch
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 9:23 pm
by mmmguitar
If only GC would set a more realistic price, that seems like it would be a good project Fly to sell the Gen 1 parts out of and refinish.
Re: The itch
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 9:34 pm
by Gregsaab
Yeah, I was just thinking that. If it were $1000 I would be thrilled.
I’m curious about the gray material under the paint — I am assuming that is the graphite exoskeleton. Does my Cherry Trans mojo not have that as I can see wood grains?
Re: The itch
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 9:36 pm
by Musikron
That's primer, so no the translucent mojo won't have that.
Re: The itch
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 10:00 pm
by Gregsaab
So is the primer atop the graphite?
Re: The itch
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 10:16 pm
by mmmguitar
The CF/glass is something like only a 1mm layer on the back of the instrument and, even then, I’ve seen it chipped off with the paint at the point of impact; leaving a spot of bare wood.
Re: The itch
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 10:34 pm
by Gregsaab
That explains the two tone Flys. So does the neck have a layer of cf/glass, too?