Macgregor 693s

[Peter S. in Indy]

I'm on the lookout for macgregor 693s, but I want the old growth 1950s models.  I've seen on the -bay 693, 693T, W693, and T693W,  some with butterfly soleplates and some with sweep-backs.  What's the difference in years of manufacture and in perceived quality?

 

Thanks!

Peter

[raggal62]

The swept back soleplates were used on the oldest models .... 693, 693T.

[RobotDoctor]

The butterfly sole plate version were made in the 1980s.  While they are good woods, these are not the classic 693s.  You are on the lookout for a 693 like these:

 

There have been remakes of the classic 1950s 693 as well.  The tell whether you have a true 1950s model compared to the remake is the sole stamp script as well as the two screws at the back of the sweepback sole plate.  The 1950s version will have both screws installed vertically aligned with one another.  The remake will have them offset slightly.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 15, 2021 by RobotDoctor

[dcopp7]

Deejaid is reworking a 50's 693T 3 wood for me right now.  They are true gems of clubs IMHO.

[Maxwell]

I believe the 693's came in several colours. Black, Rosewood and Eggplant Purple. The Rosewood colour is a favourite of mine. 

Blair  - Canada

 

 

[RobotDoctor]

4 minutes ago, Maxwell said:

I believe the 693's came in several colours. Black, Rosewood and Eggplant Purple. The Rosewood colour is a favourite of mine. 

Blair  - Canada

 

 

I think the black was a run from 1949. The Rosewood was the most common finish.  I agree, my favorite as well.  I believe the other color was a burgundy finish and this was rare.  I’ve only seen a couple sets in the burgundy finish.  Bobby Grace has a set of original condition with neck numbers that are incredible.  @stevehj …If had the funds …… 😂🤣😂

[Peter S. in Indy]

What does the "T" in 693T indicate?  I thought it might be a later date head, but from dcopp7's post, it seems not.

[RobotDoctor]

7 minutes ago, Peter S. in Indy said:

What does the "T" in 693T indicate?  I thought it might be a later date head, but from dcopp7's post, it seems not.

 

The "T" designation indicates that the original grip was a cord type that MacGregor used.  My 693 (with no "T") originally came with a leather wrapped grip.

[stevehj]

Sam, is this the color you like? 

 

As far as I can tell, this club (and the set) still has the original finish.  So I'm am struggling with refinishing it, since it's kind of an original.  What do people think, keep is as is, or refinish?

 

[RobotDoctor]

2 hours ago, stevehj said:

Sam, is this the color you like? 

 

As far as I can tell, this club (and the set) still has the original finish.  So I'm am struggling with refinishing it, since it's kind of an original.  What do people think, keep is as is, or refinish?

 

Yes, Steve. That’s one of the finished MacGregor did.  I love the grain.  You’re in the dilemma zone … should I restore or not?  🙂

[LeftyMac]

4 hours ago, stevehj said:

Sam, is this the color you like? 

 

As far as I can tell, this club (and the set) still has the original finish.  So I'm am struggling with refinishing it, since it's kind of an original.  What do people think, keep is as is, or refinish?

 

Steve,

 

That looks pretty good to me.  If the insert and soleplate are still good then I'd leave it.

[thepunch_out]

One of my favorite sets of persimmon woods here, an all original set of MacGregor 693T's. Never refinished, no cracks, neck numbers very pronounced, with original shafts and grips in pristine shape.

[mocokid]

WOW 

[Stephen8802]

Punch, those are just perfect. There are lots of great persimmon clubs, none better than those.

[thepunch_out]

Attached the wrong photo of the grips and shafts earlier, here's a better shot of all 3.

[RobotDoctor]

On 9/21/2021 at 2:04 AM, thepunch_out said:

One of my favorite sets of persimmon woods here, an all original set of MacGregor 693T's. Never refinished, no cracks, neck numbers very pronounced, with original shafts and grips in pristine shape.

 

I LOVE that set!  Great 693s!!!!!!!!!

[RobotDoctor]

I just picked up this set.  Temporarily hijacked another thread so I'll move these to this thread.  The driver will be making an appearance at the Dave Wood spa in the next coming months.  While @BIG STU observed "those are rougher than a night in the county jail" I am certain the driver will come out shining like a pearl after being rescued from the pig pen.  😆  I have send Dave drivers in worse condition and those came back flawless.  Hoping for the trend to continue.  All the woods have the original finish and I will keep the fairway woods as they are.  I already have a great restored set of 693s (1-4) so I don't have the need to restore these.

[BIG STU]

10 hours ago, RobotDoctor said:

I just picked up this set.  Temporarily hijacked another thread so I'll move these to this thread.  The driver will be making an appearance at the Dave Wood spa in the next coming months.  While @BIG STU observed "those are rougher than a night in the county jail" I am certain the driver will come out shining like a pearl after being rescued from the pig pen.  😆  I have send Dave drivers in worse condition and those came back flawless.  Hoping for the trend to continue.  All the woods have the original finish and I will keep the fairway woods as they are.  I already have a great restored set of 693s (1-4) so I don't have the need to restore these.

Oh I double guarentee when Dave Wood gets through with it that will look like it rolled out of the factory yesterday. His work never fails to amaze me

[RobotDoctor]

Dave is simply the best in the business. His attention to detail and perfection is incredible.  

[LeftyMac]

Is there much difference in the turning between a 693 and a 653?  I know that the 693's were the best blocks and the 653's were the next level down but aside from that is there much difference?

[tstephen]

My favorite 693 drivers. All time best gamer and it’s Unicorn Big Bro

[tstephen]

2 minutes ago, tstephen said:

My favorite 693 drivers. All time best gamer and it’s Unicorn Big Bro

The worn sole plate 693 next to Kali is the gamer

Edited October 23, 2021 by tstephen

[raggal62]

11 hours ago, LeftyMac said:

Is there much difference in the turning between a 693 and a 653?  I know that the 693's were the best blocks and the 653's were the next level down but aside from that is there much difference?

I may be wrong but I recall reading the 653 was a overall smaller head than the 693.

[RobotDoctor]

I thought the 653 was a model 40 head while the 693 was a model 69 head.

[dcopp7]

Here's the 693T that DeeJaid redid for me

 

[dcopp7]

Here's how I bought it

 

[BIG STU]

8 minutes ago, dcopp7 said:

Here's how I bought it

 

Damn!!! --- I knew he does great work but this is over the top stunning !!!!!

[xgolfx]

Robot doctor is correct 69 =693 and 40 = 653. As to quality, if there were a difference, 653 would  have the edge

CHARLEY PENNA

[BIG STU]

Yep I always knew Robot knows his stuff on Mac woods and now it has been confirmed by none other than Charley Penna himself.

[Brewski_golfs]

13 hours ago, dcopp7 said:

Here's the 693T that DeeJaid redid for me

 

That is stunning work, just a beautiful restoration.  Curious if that is the original insert?