I submitted a post a few months back about a set of Musser M-55s that I was restoring and planning to sell. Well, I have just about completed the restoration except for repainting the tubes and mounting the control box more securely. the problem, is, now that I have restored the M-55s, I am struggling whether to part with them. These were built in the early 1970s, and I purchased them from a guy who owned them a year and then his wife made him sell them, since he was not playing. These vibes are better than the M-55s Musser is currently selling, mainly because of the frames. Originally, it took a number of year to break them in, but they were really good. Still, they are 100% better now. These vibes saw about 15 years of non-stop weekend gigging in NJ, and they are still in great shape. I had to replace the casters, but decided to go with adjustable legs (I had to cut them down to fit the frame but there are still 3 heights.) Here is a video of the M-55s I made last night, after I put them together. the room, and I, are both wrecks, but this is not about my looks (thank God). The video explains the restoration. https://youtu.be/VIsrl0IE13U
I also have an immaculate set of Aurora II vibes from, I believe the 1960. Gilberto Serna restored them for me, noted they were perfectly in tune, and then offered to buy them. These vibes belonged to my teacher and have sentimental value, as well as they look and sound great. Still, for those of you who have always played Musser, the M-55s have a richer sound. Here is a video of the Deagans that I made several years ago. I apologize for the playing - I have been really out of practice. I realize that the sound quality of the video is not high-def, but I wanted to demonstrate the evenness of the timbre and tones. https://youtu.be/2UU3qDSHmD8
So - if anyone wants the Aurora's , make a fair offer. I will decide this in a few days. I have someone who is willing to buy the Mussers, and I will give him first shot if I sell them; however, if that does not work out, I will post them here.
I also WELCOME any feedback on what some of you might do in this position. I do not need two instruments at this point. any feedback would be appreciated
dumbarranger56
19 August 2015