The Jimi Hendrix Signature Guitar That COULD Have Been - The ACOUSTIC BLACK WIDOW

[@DetroitWrecker666]

It's official. This channel is more important to me than Steve Vai's 61st birthday video! That is a really cool and interesting guitar.

[@TheGuitologist]

Schweet! I'm sure Mr. Vai will understand.

[@BrianKaplanUCNBG]

As I started to watch the video...when you mentioned Acoustic Control - and Jimi's favorite guitar before the picture even came up I knew the answer "Black Widow" why not becuase I read it somewhere - In 1969-70 I attended Jr.High in Skokie Illinois...my best friend Larry Finkl and I had two friends...Marty Hanan (Drimmer & Ronnie (Farfisa Organ Player - Scott Gara (Bass and ) a kid that was a year younger than us Steven Matskin - his dad was General Mgr of Acoustic Control Corp..yes tat the talent show spring of 1970 They played on stage Purple Haze and Inagada- Davida on stage the whole song...little 7th and 8th Graders with a full line up of Acoustic Control Amp...Steven 150 amp with 6 Ten Speakers Gara - played a clear Ampeg Bass with an Acoustic 260 Amp and Ronnie Schwartz played his Farifisa Professional through another Acoustic Amp... cant't remember the model - but I do know one thing...Sreven had a one of a kind guitar in our Neighborhood...none of us ever saw one of these at Main or Skokie Music store...it was a Black Widow...supposedly Jimi Hendrix's favortie guitar Steven "Said" we were just 12 & 13 year olds...who were we to question him "His Dad was General Manager and he was his son...now I now for sure 51 years later...the story is true....THANKS MR GUITOLIGIST...i will send the video to my friend Marty Hanan in Texas...he still is an active drumemer for fun...and this will bring back a Memory for him and I sto share...I remember practice sessions in his brothers bedroom in their home in Skoke with Ronnie, Marth, Scott and Steven and him bring that guitar "Black Widow" one of I guess the 200 that were made...wonder where he is these days...I will have to ask Marty!

[@misterknightowlandco]

This just screams two friends in a backyard by a fire pit drinking beers and one guy saying “yeah man I do set ups n shit drop it off I’ll look at it for you.”

[@rredeyee2460]

Sure does but instead of waiting they just set it up using the light of the fire.

[@PaulCapps]

Owned a few Mosrites in my time ,did not know they built guitars for other company's. Very cool video.

[@theartistone5860]

I have played a few of Jimi's guitars, magical for sure.

[@brazilianmegaman258]

Great work Brad and really nice playing too on the background tracks. Very Davy Graham!

[@aaronmcbryer4362]

Longtime fan of yours, I'm SO happy someone covered this mysterious guitar. Keep on fighting the good fight 💪

[@thebestian]

I'm really happy to see the guitar setup/repair videos again! I like the thrifty, nifty, and creative ways you solve problems. Like with the shielding for example, using the cupcake tin. You're not trying to sell some "guitar premium super duper stew mac 3000 shielding" (not that stew doesn't make some amazing tools of course). It's just simple solutions that you've found over time with experience and I appreciate that! And the story behind the guitar model is entertaining as well, I had no knowledge Jimi had anything to do with this guitar. A quick reverb search blew my mind on how much they sell for just with his name attached to it. Good stuff brad.

[@frustro4323]

I have 2 working Acoustic G60's one is a 112 valve unit (1 12AT7, 3 12AX7 and 2 6L6GT) and the other is the 212 solid state. I also have another G60 112-109 FET but my transistors from Russia havent made it to the states yet. the 112 with valves is starting to have trace delam issues so I have decided to convert it to point to point. The gold plate bottom mount ceramic sockets just came in Wednesday so that's gonna be an adventure. There is a group on tapatalk "unofficial acoustic control corp forum" where I have posted a huge library of schematics for Acoustic amps if you're interested.

[@TheGuitologist]

I’ve had one or two Acoustic amps on the channel before. Been a while.

[@frustro4323]

@@TheGuitologist weird, I must have cut off the relevant part that was the reason for the whole story I wrote LOL.....so let's put this at the beginning of my post.....WOW COOL!! I've never actually seen an Acoustic Control Corp that wasn't in a photo! I'd love to get my hands on it and try it out on one of my Acoustic amps!!!

[@Jester-Riddle]

30:17 Noticed the Fret Nibs ... so probably original frets and shows some original build quality ...

[@jaymeseaston8117]

I appreciate being shown how to shield a control cavity using expedient, what you have materials, as it works, and better than nothing. However, you can go to the local garden section of most larger stores and get copper tape at a very reasonable price. It's in garden as copper is toxic to snails by chemical reaction. The tape is 1" in width, with an adhesive on one side. The smoother the surface the better it will stick. Shape it first to take the curl out. The tape is much cheaper than the electrostatic paint. It also looks professional. Works beautifully on the back of plastic covers. Thank you, for your good work.

[@2dazetake]

Great job as always Brad, definitely has it's own sound,cool historical guitar indeed.

[@timothyehonea]

I like the subtle “product” placement in the background of your recent videos.

[@gregivey183]

Brad....puts the soul back into a guitar by simply using what he feels is the right way to repair..outstanding final result.. and yes ......nice rose bush.

[@jasonkeen712]

I learn something new Everytime I watch your repair videos. Great video.thank you

[@rickya3877]

Very cool guitar and nice to see it brought back to playing condition

[@zankyalbo2208]

Give that guitar a hug, it hasn't seen any love in a long time

[@patrickwilson623]

Great video Brad! For the history lesson and the repair. I own a Black Widow copy by Tokai (actually it's a sunburst) and it's a strange beast. Mine has slightly different tuners, bridge, tailpiece, nut and pickups which isn't a surprise with all the different makers of the Acoustic guitars. I see that the Moserite-made versions didn't have the neck-tilt screw between the bridge pickup and the bridge. It's a clever feature that lets me dial the action even after getting the right neck relief. That one seems pretty resonant. Mine is actually made from many, MANY plys, even the neck and it's a hefty guitar. Interesting to see different designs hidden and pretty much lost to time. Keep 'em coming!

Great work as usual!!..I use a plastic spat to smooth out the wrinkles and bubbles whenever I am installing vinyl stickers..foil..or window tint..nice and smooth..

[@TheGuitologist]

Yeah, I could have spent more time smoothing out the aluminum if I wanted and found something more appropriate for the job.

[@Goldenearz-Goldenearz]

Thank you for posting Brad I love watching your videos I've been watching KZbin videos for years and you are the only Channel I subscribed to . you continue to be an inspiration to me on and off the bench thank you for being real and unfiltered I would love to buy you a beer sometime till then thanks again I am inspired to go work on my guitar now

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks, Angelo. I'm glad you get something out of the channel!

[@mattfleming2287]

Great story! I have an old Acoustic amp and it’s really an amazing amp. I feel for that poor guy who was just being an honest guy. Love the original music! Hope you are doing ok. The beard is epic, but looking a bit ‘mountain man’. If you ever make it to NY hit me up and we’ll go for a beer.

[@TheGuitologist]

If I come to NY, I'll have to go to the Catskills. I'd fit right in, I hear.

[@mattfleming2287]

@@TheGuitologist It's a beautiful area. I'm sure you'd dig it. If you're there first week of August, seriously, send me a message and if you're into it, we'll have a drink or just hang.

[@kirkwilson8738]

Loved your acoustic playing in this video.. Was a nice touch while watching you work.. What a fantastic well done video and very interetesting with the history of the Guitar.. I learned quite a bit from this.. Thank You and Excellent Work as usual.. I thought that using the muffin pan was an Awesome Shielding hack.. Nice thinking outside the box. Thank You for all of the work that you put into your videos and all of the thought that you put into them. It is very much appreciated. Had a laugh at the Pistol on your bench. No One in this world is going to screw with you while you are working. LOL.. Anyhow, thank you once again for all of your hard work.. Please know that it is super appreciated from me and the rest of your viewers.. Cheers!!!

[@CarsInDimension]

When using a knife like that, it's preferable to cut away from your other fingers.

[@bjbeardse]

Thanks for the obvious OSHA!

[@alanagottalottasay997]

such a cool design with how distinct the components are...

[@TheGuitologist]

Yeah, the saddles are pretty interesting with how massive they are.

[@rawknbearbell7032]

Man they monetized the s*** out of this one bro! I'm glad, I'm glad it helps you out, you deserve it. I've never watched a video of yours where every two or three minutes there's another ad. Cool video, always love the guitar repair videos. Keep crushing

[@evanwilliams8908]

It’s almost the exact same story told on the JHS show when they interviewed some one from dan electro and they tell the story about a prototype Eddy Van Halen wanted.

[@benwright6330]

..a little firefall riff in there, .." ..i go crazy, when i look in you eyes, ..," ..haha nice playin man

[@imannonymous7707]

Didnt know alot about the brand or that jimi even played em...... cool.! Brad yer a great player bro

[@burtreynolds2969]

I have an Acoustic 360 bass rig. Sounds glorious!

[@lousekoya1803]

Love the Opening Brad , well done !

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks, man. Trying to put in the effort.

[@Jester-Riddle]

Great Rescue of an old and interesting classic guitar ... Well done Brad ... I had almost given up during the vid as I am not into Horror Movies ... but you saved it.

[@keefjunior4061]

Great work! You find yourself doing much more like this, you may want to get cozy with using wood chisels. On a side note, your playing zoned me out and i dropped a roach on my leg and burned myself a bit! 🤘🏼🔥🤘🏼

[@DavidSmith-sw5kg]

Hey Brad Maybe you won’t disparage another tech, But I WILL! OMG What a mess! The previous tech was a thief and his work is garbage. You did the owner and the guitar a big favor by gutting it out and starting from scratch.

[@jefflitchfield4950]

If you don't know what the fuck you're doing...... You should ask an amp tech.

[@lroy730]

That nut slot looked like a melted sleestak Temple. Glad you leveled that. Oh and Rob Halford was in Kentucky to yesterday.🤟😎

[@Al-Madhloom]

Great video! Very informative and educational for guitar players who may want to dabble in their own luthiering 👏🏽 👏🏽 🍻

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Great job brother

[@planefixerguy5188]

Got to meet harvey at his studio in texas. Sat behind the console you you have photographed. Said he had writing credits for the B side single (can't remember the name) of Byrds Turn Turn Turn. He had told me he worked for JBL in its earliest days and I mentioned I had a D130F if a Showman and he said he developed it. So on my next trip to his studio I had him sign my D130F. I can't get Leo, Les, or Ted McCarty to sign anything, Harvey's right up there with them and he graciously did sign it. I think he was quite surprised anyone would ask.

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

Hey Brad thank you for the video thank you for 15 minutes of fun informative educational cool guitar stuff love it sincerely us, Bob the blind bedroom guitarist PS hope you're well hope your family is well man

[@Lu_Woods]

I had a chance to play his Black Widow when Al had us over one evening. There was a bass there too. I was just a kid....late 70's.

[@jeffbeckfreak54]

Wow! A very unique sound.

[@lonnieo4676]

another piece of history saved from the dumpster,,, great job brad...

[@ianwebb8066]

The visual difference of the wiring is almost unbelievable in comparison

[@Twobarpsi]

OMG that before, and after wiring is AMAZING 😮!!

[@stevenconrady1990]

Great Job, Brad! I love watching these guitar restorations!

[@davidhelmuth6654]

I’m no expert, but I would say maybe whoever set it up, if you can call it that, has never set up one with a zero fret. I’m sure I’m give this jack hole a bit too much credit. As always awesome job and well explained! Thank you!!!

[@DimestoreLiam]

That's pretty much what I was thinking too...

[@chuckdriver8269]

I would have tapped up those pickups before I cut the saddle slots, but that’s just me. Great video as always, Brad.🎸🇺🇸

[@dustinthiessen]

If those are indeed brass saddles, it shouldn't be much of an issue, as brass is non ferrous

[@chuckdriver8269]

@@dustinthiessen - I completely understand that; however I also noticed Brad didn’t tape the pickups when he polished the frets. (Brad is a professional who has probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know. Much respect.) Regardless, my OCD would still tape the pups just to keep it real. Just a friendly observation.🎸🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@dustinthiessen]

@@chuckdriver8269 ah, fair point about the fretwork. Can never hurt to be extra careful I guess 👍🏻

[@michaelcraig9449]

What kind of pickups etc, tell us the full story on these guitars, and can you do a video playing other Mosrite guitars, different tones etc?

[@chukzombi]

sounded like you threw in a little "Last Rose of Summer" in there at the end. great fix, man!

[@Bob-Whiting]

Okay brother, I'm @ 21:16 and we can tell that from the nut and the headstock, someone absolutely HATES sanding and/or scraping. Geeezus. Not to mention down at the switch.

[@deanallen927]

THANK YOU!!! NO TREBLE BLEED CAP! Excellent choice, those things are crap. I always wire my humbuckers and P-90's with 300K linear on the volume and 500k audio on the tone, Gibson style, but almost all humbucker guitars besides Gibson have all 500A. My SG Junior came with 500K audio for both which I think is a personal preference of the new Gibson big-wigs, but it works fine and I have no plans on changing it. On Fenders, I go with what they've always used, 250K audio. BTW if I buy a guitar with the treble bleed cap it comes out first thing.

[@deanallen927]

2 1/2" metal ducting tape (NOT duct tape) is the easiest and neatest shielding.

[@frustro4323]

Before you even pointed it out I saw that torn torn cap....Then the pots..Seriously man WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT TECH SMOKING?

[@rogerfurer2273]

What a nice job Brad. Very sweet. Cool guitar too.

[@graxjpg]

You’re lucky that the stream starts as soon as I go on lunch. There would have been nasty letters sent

[@EwetoobSucks]

Commercials, Commercials, Commercials, and More Commercials ! Remember when youtube wasn't obnoxiously innundated with excessive commercials ?!? Pepperidge Farm Remembers !

[@MyButtsBeenWiped]

@@EwetoobSucks Yep ! I remember when Brads videos were Commercial Free and Enjoyable ! If one thinks about it, it is curious as to why Brad hasn't moved over to Odysee like everyone else !

[@rickengh1943]

the power of the beard...living it,brother...

[@ColinStuart]

Wow Brad, this video made me ask , just WHEN do you just say "sorry man, it's trash"! This seemed WAY more of an expensive repair than I can imagine ANYONE paying for! Salute for your diligence!

[@haplozetetic9519]

You may be the only guitar tech I've ever heard recommend linear pots in a guitar, and I've worked with techs and designer/builders. I don't think I could put up with linear pots for long.

[@randyheath8566]

Great Video Brad and a Nice old Guitar 🎸👍

[@josephesposito3499]

Great video Brad, keep up the good work.

[@jfinester]

That guitar appears to be one of the Acoustic Black Widows made by Semie Moseley. The bridge, neckplate, and string guide/nut are definitely Mosrite parts.

[@PeasGraveny]

Harvey Gerst - Co-writer (with McGuinn) of The Byrds' 'It Won't Be Wrong'

[@benwright6330]

That's still a really nice guitar. I'd try to rework and reuse all the original parts on that as i could. That's an original mosrite bridge on there. On Mosrites, the string guid nut was held in place by string tension, not glue, kind of like a floating bridge is, on an arch top.

[@robbysguitars8223]

Brad, i think you're becoming a guitar hermit. Not that that's a bad thing 😉

[@Mr3DBob]

Warehouse Sound, one of the first large mail-order musical gear sellers, had a special on these. They were not too expensive, and I was actually considering buying one, faintly-employed country rock musician that I was at the time (early 70s). I was playing the first Ibanez guitar I had ever seen, a goldtop LesP.

[@LanceJean02]

Real nice job Brad.

[@jasonbates2687]

love the diy shielding.

[@fredmahar5431]

Great job Brad....one of your best !!!

[@MBRMrblueroads]

I have messed up many a nut. Love the shielding . 👍👍

[@Green-yp9ix]

Fantastic job...

[@ALF-Tupper]

That’s a Mosrite version for sure, the neck plate gives it away. Paul Barth of Bartell of California created the first design around 68, Harvey Gerst was with Jimi in Oct of that year at TTG STUDIOS in Hollywood when Jimi fell in love with Harvey’s ‘Black Widow’. Jimi ordered another one from Bartell. Paul Barth gave his brother Carl a piece of wood carved from the one he made bespoke left handed for Jimi, and of course a 2nd one for Harvey, hence why there are 3 known left handed versions of the original. Acoustic (probably Harvey) added their amplifier tuner knobs to the guitar to replace the witches hats that Bartell normally used. I meet the daughter of Paul Barth this year and recorded for the NAMM Oral history programme about the Bartell company. The full story Jimi’s black widow is in my book ‘Finding Fretless’. One of Jimi’s Black Widows is on display at the Museum of Musical instruments. www.findingfretless.com By the way Semie Mosley was employed by Paul Barth, at Rickenbacker in the 50s

[@scarmyguitar]

No notification! I'm starting to get pissed!

[@legatomodi3522]

As soon as I saw i thought "German carve. Before mosrite?!?" Yeah, but it was mosely who built it. Should known

[@deanallen927]

Many Moserites have the "German" or "Violin" carve.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Good eye I thought the same.I raise a glass to your erudite observations.

[@rothbekirkendall7756]

Pretty satisfying, when you can change something, from the inside out , and make it work, the way it's supposed to. Huh?........ Brad, for President!

[@TheGuitologist]

Rip the whole thing out and start over would be my approach to that job.

[@adamhester8751]

I like it. It's different and well thought out for its time.

[@williamkaylor1191]

Aspen Pittman, the founder of Groove Tubes and GT Electronics, used to work for Acoustic. He had 2 of these Acoustic Black Widow guitars, and a bass in his collection.I have had the privilege of playing them and they are unique. Semihollow but no openings making them resonant. The scale is neither fender nor Gibson.They also have a zero fret . Aspen also related this story, but he added that management told the guy 'If Jimi likes it and wants to keep it, give it to him. We can make you another." This implied that the guy's ego got in the way and he REALLY didn't want Jimi to have it. I'm sure there were many players that resented Jimi. Hell, Keith Richards says in. his autobiography that after Pete Townsend saw him in London he said" But Im still the best white guitar player, right?"

[@mark5150ty]

No technician has had their hands on that wiring . More like a hacknician. Lol

[@gumbomudderx7503]

I came here to say this. No way who done this was a guitar tech! What a hack job

[@mark5150ty]

@@gumbomudderx7503 yeah I wouldn't doubt it if the guy did the work himself, too embarrassed to admit it said he took it to a tech. I've had guitar show up like that, they say a tech did it. I just smile and Nod.

[@shadtrisdale5444]

I'd like to see the guy's reaction when he gets this guitar back

[@PaulCapps]

Hope he watches the video.

[@JohnnyGuitaristOfficial]

Dude, that is one sweet looking axe!! 🙌🏻🎸

[@jerrycrabb9234]

Sounds good now sorry I said that about nut cause you addressed all that after I commented but good job on guitar sounds sweet.

[@jamesnewton485]

Ky is open bro. 🪒SHAVE THAT BEARD!🪒 😁 Looks like the neck should have a slight angle to it like a Les Paul but Im most likely wrong. Surprised to see fret nibs. I bet the checking looks good when its cleaned up.

[@sirfultonbishop]

Great side story!

[@rredeyee2460]

It's a surface mount cap that they pulled the legs open on. Judging from the boogers on those pots looks par for the couse.

[@bloodmoney88]

Top work Brad, I wish you were in my town. I do have one good tech I used to use, but he's across the border; & we all know what crossing the border is like these days.

[@brucehumpert8156]

Loved the video! I have an original Mosrite Black Widow guitar I bought brand new around 1972. It is in GREAT condition. Would you have any idea how much it's worth today? I'm thinking about selling it...

[@c.i.dangelo4515]

Zappa plays one of these on Zoot Allures and Lather.

[@pedroleal7118]

Hi Brad, I once got a very high action guitar (way up there!), probably the guy used it to play in a lap steel style...could be one reason for such high action.

[@marakashu]

zero frets are one of the most misunderstood and vilified guitar innovations

[@misterknightowlandco]

That home brew shielding is a great idea. If he ever wanted to sell it “stock” you could always rip it out.

[@TheGuitologist]

In this case, stock is inferior. Because of the addition of the shielding and the radiusing of the saddles, this guitar is better than factory.

[@misterknightowlandco]

@@TheGuitologist I agree

[@jasonrackawack9369]

Shape looks like the inspiration for a late 80s Hammer guitar.

[@TheGuitologist]

I can see that. I really love the Mosrite German carve.

[@jasonrackawack9369]

@@TheGuitologist They are cool too, real similar to the Mark II Johnny Ramone played.

[@MinimGuitars]

That's cool, nice work!

[@theelectrodefunhouse4651]

I almost bought a Bartell Shatterbox fuzz on eBay 10 years ago. Was out bud unfortunately

[@cantyouhearmeknocking1961]

Hey Dr. Brad. If you had to pick say, 3 'desert island' electronics/tube amp repair books, what would they be? I have always tinkered with anything electrical growing up, & I have always tried to take care of my own musical gear. I really want to learn more about amps, pedals, guitar electronics, etc. What would be some good books? I have been watching Uncle Doug, The Guitologist, Fazio Electric, & now I have the bug! Thanks man!

[@bjbeardse]

Now I can fix my M10 and Precision.... THANKS BRAD!!! Just one question. Why not use thick aluminum foil or tape for the shielding??

[@robnic52]

Nice repair but how badly botched was the previous work? Like the pickup sound. Fab video Brad. Cheers!

[@manson9083]

Looks like the luthier who did previous work, was green behind the ears and had zero business working on this guitar. Probably works for guitar center would be my guess.

[@TheGuitologist]

Yeah, I was gobsmacked when the owner told me the guy was intending to replace the original nut.

[@jeffholliday8304]

Am I mistaken or did Hendrix Use A moserite on Spanish castle magic

[@TheGuitologist]

Don't know. Maybe.

[@joecooper7803]

Hagstrom 8 string bass👍

[@Robster-Craw]

I have a guitar that when you turn the volume down and up it gets noisy like a single coil 60 cycle hum but it has humbucking pickups in it. It's the strangest thing. It's the only guitar I have that does it or has ever done it. Ever heard of something like that?

[@PhillipBlanton]

No judgement, I'm just curious. Why would you use a cupcake pan instead of that copper shielding tape that's especially made for the task at hand?

[@okayestguitar66]

Great job on this. As for the log pots (audio taper) the do work if you use a treble-bleed on them. If you don't use one, I totally agree with you, log pots SUCK. I never understood why Gibson used them in all 4 positions in my 2013 LPJ, just didn't make any sense.