BAKER USA B17, 7 STRING, SERIAL #523 W/COA

BENGAL TIGER AAAA QUILTED MAPLE TOP

USA MADE IN SANTA MARIA BY GENE BAKER

This stunning masterpiece is from my Ultimate Select Collection. I found this beauty in my home town, acquiring it from the original owner, Atomik Tommy, the rock’ in guitarist for UFO in the 80’s. He filled the shoes of Michael Schenker proudly. This guitar was ordered by him from Gene Baker in June of 2002 and it was completed on 8/8/2002. Tommy did not gig with this guitar, using it sparingly for studio recording sessions. There is an interesting mistake in that the CAO says completed on 8/8/2008! The Baker Guitars Custom Spec Sheet is also included. This is the only spec sheet I have had with a Baker, and I have had 7 up to this point.

The finish is Bengal Tiger over Honey Pear Burst on quilted maple. The top is absolutely the closest I have ever seen to looking like real fire, the pictures do not convey the over the top beauty. The back is aged red cherry, while the headstock is black with a screened Baker USA logo. I must note that this is not the later Roman production, this is the real deal. These guitars are going to go nowhere but sky high in value, especially the 7 strings.

The guitar is all original, with Dimarzio B/C 7 Pick Ups. Electronic controls are 2 volume and 1 coil tap tone pot with a 3 way switch. It’s equipped with Buzz Feiten tuning, TonePros and Grover Nickel Hardware. The scale length is 25 inches; with a 12 inch radius medium offset v neck topped with a nicely colored rosewood fret board that has 22 Dunlop 6105 polished frets. The body and neck are mahogany with the weight right at 9.5 pounds. The G&G case and candy are included, as well as the COA and spec sheet. An extra set of strings will also be provided.

Condition is excellent with several minor dings and light scratches on the lower side and rear edge only. The frets do not show wear, and there are no dings in the headstock or top. Please see pictures.

About Gene Baker

You can check out Gene at his website, www.meangene.org . He has posted all of his guitars specs also for the USA guitars.

Gene was a master luthier at both Fender and Gibson Custom shops. He is presently building guitars under the B3 name and can be found here;

http://myworld.ebay.com/bakguitusa/

About Gene

I have been building guitars since I was in 7th grade and began playing even younger than that. Music has been the cornerstone of my life and something that always fuels the soul and introduces myself to many people that have become close friends. Can't ask for a better outlet for ones self expression coupled with that of a killer guitar and a fat sounding amplifier. If I can ever be of a help just let me know. Also please feel free to check out our site at www.meangene.org and see where this life long journey has taken me and those who have joined in for the ride. I am not a music store, just work by day as a high end guitar manufacture catering to those in search of the best guitar's available.

as well as www.destroyallguitars.com . Gene made about 1000 guitars under the Baker USA name until selling the rights to Ed Roman.

About me

            THE ULTIMATE SELECT COLLECTION

What qualifies a guitar to make it into this category?  Magical tone and feel as well as good looks are the premier trademarks. Superb build quality, premium woods and being unique and rare are also required attributes. Above all a guitar must provide above average tone, feel, and looks to be part of this collection. Minor cosmetic issues are allowed, but not major.

Years ago I started a quest for the Holy Grail of guitars. I foolishly thought that if I were to acquire that one magical guitar, I would become a world class guitarist. Well as most of you know, its not the guitar, it’s the player, that makes the music happen, (and a good amp helps.)

Nonetheless I  still must fuel my passion for finding and playing fine instruments. At the same time I have pledged to not stray into the realm of the Collectibles. Hence at this time I allow myself to keep 5 guitars to play and the rest must be returned to the guitar lovers world, to be enjoyed by my fellow guitar nuts, players, and yes , you collectors out there.

A final note. Guitars do not have to be Ultimate Select Grade to be keepers.

We have all heard about that $200,000 1959 Les Paul that plays and sounds poorly. While a flame maple top with mineral streaks is to die for, it does not mean an axe will have killer tone. The same with weight, heavy does not mean killer tone is guaranteed, nor do the brand of pick ups. Some of the best sounding guitars are the $200 Pawn shop specials.

So, did not mean to bore you nor rant. I just wanted you buyers to have a little background on me. I am not a store and do this for love more than money, the love of great guitars. My feedback is Very important to me so please ask any and all questions before committing to buy. I will be delighted to answer any and all questions. The eBay community has been wonderful to me and I pledge to pass that along. Thanks for looking.