Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Twinfan on February 28, 2010, 10:33:56 AM
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Took a few pics of my new (old) SG today. Thought I'd share them before I head over to Martin's later for a second opinion on whether to keep it or not.
I've swapped the knobs out just to see what it would look like, plus if I keep it I'll get hold of the proper scratchplate (it should be 5-ply BWBWB) and the correct cover between the pickup and the neck (it should be single-ply black. I have Throbak PAFs with nickel covers ready to go into it, plus some better pickup surrounds. I'm also waiting on Jon at Feline to get back to me on a price for a complete set of TonePros hardware in nickel.
Here's the front of the guitar as it stands at the moment:
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Front.JPG)
Plus the rear:
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Rear.JPG)
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Here's the headstock repair, which is much better than I was expecting:
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Headstock.JPG)
And as you can see below, the guitar would meet Fender's "Heavy Relic" spec:
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Rear%20Edge.JPG)
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Rear%20Corner.JPG)
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My favourite feature is the lacquer checking - which is just awesome. Enjoy!
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Top%20Edge.JPG)
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Contour.JPG)
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Top.JPG)
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Looks OK to me. As I said before, it's got character.
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nice,a real relic for less then a fake relic. 8)
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Yep - it clearly had a lot of play when it was new. The wear on the lower bout shows belt buckle wear from someone who used it high up, not slung low.
Just the nut width to decide about, but I think I can cope with it being slightly smaller than 'normal'. hell, it's character as Shobet says!
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Blimey, that looks OLD. And so it should, it's older than me.
I assume the Floyd Rose, locking nut and DiMarzio Super Distortions are on order?
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That does look lovely. I thought we'd all agreed on EMGs not Super Distortions though?
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:lol:
Proper old isn't it! Solid as a rock though - plenty of playing life left after it has a much needed refret :)
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Is the stop tailpiece original? The markings behind the tailpiece look like it's had a Vibrola trem or something similar fitted at some stage?
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It had a Vibrola from new - stop tail was a later addition. Nothing is original on the guitar as far as I can tell, except for the body/neck/fretboard.
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first job has to be a refinish though, soak in Nitromors and a half-inch thick coat of polyester, it'll come up lovely
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^ :lol:
It do look mighty fine there, Dave.
Sadly, with it's "change" of date it loses some of it's attraction for me - it's now younger than I am! :lol:
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I think it's great, if you don't keep it please pm me Dave... I was born in '65 and love that guitar! :wink:
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It looks great IMO, and the headstock repair appears to be a very decent job (presumably those Schaller "Klusons" are another late addition!).
My '64 SG Special had probably a bit less wear and a bit less lacquer checking overall, but all the finish at the back in the lower "waist" was worn away - those '60s guys obviously preferred their guitars high up! :lol:
I was quite sceptical about this, but if it feels solid (neck joint OK, presumably?) and sounds good, what a cool thing to have as a "player" guitar!! :D
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Just the nut width to decide about, but I think I can cope with it being slightly smaller than 'normal'. hell, it's character as Shobet says!
I'd keep it and work with it.
It looks cool and you might not see another at that price
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simply changing the knobs has improved the looks immeasurably.
very nice dave, very nice
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That looks awesome. I almost can't wait for my SG to get to that stage of wear/tear :P
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It needs work, but its most definately a keeper.
I'd put the old tailpiece back on too - love the old trem SGs.
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That looks awesome. I almost can't wait for my SG to get to that stage of wear/tear :P
Better send it to me so it can undergo Uncle Shob's patented ageing process.
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That looks awesome. I almost can't wait for my SG to get to that stage of wear/tear :P
Better send it to me so it can undergo Uncle Shob's patented ageing process.
I must have the same problem - people always comment on my cool vintage guitars. All I play is a 1991 Les Paul standard and Tele made about 7/8 years ago; they just LOOK battered.
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I'd keep it of it were me.It is full of character but not all original and therefore the sort of guitar you'd feel ok about gigging.
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I'd put the old tailpiece back on too - love the old trem SGs.
I love the trems too, but it has the stoptail posts in the body now and getting hold of a Lyre Vibrato is expensive. Angus himself converted his trem guitar to stop tail. so it's in good company.
I'd keep it and work with it.
It looks cool and you might not see another at that price
My thoughts exactly. The thinner nut makes it quite a slick playing guitar actually, plus I'm not too fussy about neck widths and profiles etc. As long as it doesn't cause physical pain I can live it it!
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That is certainly an excellent stable mate for Francine and the Telecaster ! As you said, the 'crazed' finish and natural wear ( added to it's wonderfully zesty character ) make it like a less famous, but eminently interesting 'Francine'.
I keep thinking that if Gary Moore kept gigging the PG / GM Les Paul for decades after the neck got snapped off in the boot of his car - then there seems great promise there. I too was pleased to see the existing neck damage on yours seems to have been controlled nicely thus far. I appreciate that a Les Paul neck is not an S.G. neck - but if your chosen luthier(s) think its all systems go, then in all other respects, you have another 'Jewel In The Crown' of Rock history there !
My compliments to the photographer, for the EXTREME CLOSE UP shots.
As the second police officer said to Clint Eastwood in the film 'Dirty Harry' :
" You got a lotta class Harry .... " 8)
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Lovely aged axe, indeed. Natural relic'ing definitly looks better 8)
Hopefully I've never been a huge fan of SGs, else I'd suffer from a serious GAS attack :mrgreen:
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nice :)
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hey dave, any chance of a pick of the frets, curious to how worn they look
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I'll try and get one later, but they're flat. Like proper flat! No crown at all.
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That looks fantastic TF! I've always liked SGs, but I have a problem with the neck heaviness of some, does this one suffer much from that?
Although I have to admit, your recent acquisitions have me gassing for LPs and SGs.
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From the latest set of pics the finish looks right.
It also hasn't faded very much, so still has a nice cherry finish.
In 1964/65 Gibson reduced the nut width from around 43 mm to around 40 mm. The slimmer nut width necks were also slightly deeper, although by the later 60s the necks became less deep.
Obviously, neck profiles are very much down personal taste.
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gorgeous, absolutely friggin gorgeous.
and yeah, the neck repair seems well done. give this baby a refret and it's brand new!
what are the pups on it? still stock or changed like everything on the guitar?
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I really like that Dave. I've never really sat down with an SG to see if it's for me. LPs aren't so maybe SGs will be. £1299 strikes me as a complete bargain.
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what are the pups on it? still stock or changed like everything on the guitar?
Stock pickups would be Patent # humbuckers and worth £1000 or so. They're long gone! It currently has a set of Juicy Pickups in it :?
I've been over to Martin's today for him to give it the once over, and he reckon's it's all good to go too. Therefore, after consideration and a second opinion, I'm keeping it!
The new plan is to try and find new but vintage correct parts, and get this baby looking and sounding like it should do.
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Good stuffmate, glad you're keeping it!
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Here's a quick pic of the frets as requested - flat or what!!!!
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Frets.JPG)
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Awesome. Just..... ...awesome.
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Cheers Bainzy! :)
I've just ordered a full set of aged hardware from RS Guitarworks in the US:
* Aged double-ring double-line Klusons (correct spec for a '65)
* Aged TonePros ABR-1
* Aged lightweight aluminium tailpiece and studs
* Aged rhythm/treble ring
* Aged slotted pickup height screws
* Aged dial pointers
I thought about aged pickup rings and knobs, but that would have doubled the price of the order :o
I'll live with my new reflector knobs and the existing (worn) DiMarzio pickup rings!
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Yep, them frets is, er, low :lol:
Glad it's worked out :D
I really like that Dave. I've never really sat down with an SG to see if it's for me. LPs aren't so maybe SGs will be. £1299 strikes me as a complete bargain.
Give SGs a go (this is stratman to fellow stratman :D).
I like LPs, or the idea of LPs, but don't play them that much - stick one in my hands, I'll have a nice couple of hours, next day I'll pick up the strat without thinking...
SG, once I've got into playing it again, I'll keep reaching for it. I've even been known to stand between the strat and SG with a worried look on my face :lol:
Some of your expression and left-hand stuff from a strat seems to translate easily into the tone coming out of an SG. But on a LP it seems you've got to think differently.
Although it's more cumbersome, the most "strat-like" Gibson I have is an Explorer. Put that on and play it and you're in the best of both worlds. Just have to watch out for the extra bit sticking out the back - we've nearly lost the TV a few times...
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Here's a quick pic of the frets as requested - flat or what!!!!
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Frets.JPG)
These are Japanese frets, these are "flats" :)
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Has it been re-fretted before? On the old ones I assume the binding had those nibs at the end of the frets like they do on the new ones?
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I think it may have been re-fretted once, yes. The nibs are there but they're quite small - you can't see them in the photo.
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Cheers Bainzy! :)
I've just ordered a full set of aged hardware from RS Guitarworks in the US:
* Aged double-ring double-line Klusons (correct spec for a '65)
* Aged TonePros ABR-1
* Aged lightweight aluminium tailpiece and studs
* Aged rhythm/treble ring
* Aged slotted pickup height screws
* Aged dial pointers
I thought about aged pickup rings and knobs, but that would have doubled the price of the order :o
I'll live with my new reflector knobs and the existing (worn) DiMarzio pickup rings!
Ah Dave, going to be superb .... and a plaayers guitar too! What could be better? Nice one mate... yet another guitar I'm going to need to see. 8)
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Should be a little cracker when it's complete :)
I'm installing the Throbak PAFs tonight, to see how they sound, then it's a case of waiting for all the hardware to arrive before stripping it down for a good clean and a rebuild. After that, it'll wing it's way to my luthier of choice for a full re-fret and possibly a new nut as the original is quite low.
I reckon it'll be good to go in about a month or so, ready in plenty of time for my next 'DC gig :D
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Here's a quick pic of the frets as requested - flat or what!!!!
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/65%20SG%20Frets.JPG)
Gosh, they are even lower than the '76 I used to have ; a true "fretless wonder". I do like the look of them - as I am presuming such flat / wide(ish) frets , allow the strings to feel / appear nearer to the fretboard itself. :)
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Yep, they'd be great for Jazz 8)
Rubbish for bluesy rock with loads of string bends though!
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No one can say the relicing on this one is done badly. Years of playing have certainly aged it into a really cool looking guitar. Looks like you got another lovely guitar in that stable of yours.
Enjoy :shock:
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Give SGs a go (this is stratman to fellow stratman :D).
Cheers for the advice - this could get dangerous!
Looking forward to some pics with all the new hardware Dave!
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Of course!
The Throbak PAFs are in now - :o
Wow, it sounds good. Like REALLY good! Switched it to the correct wiring too, and now it's bright and zingy with loads of punch. No flabby bass, even with the neck humbucker into my loudest and bassiest amp. Through a cranked half stack this thing is REALLY going to sing!
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Did this guitar have the t-tops taken out then?
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Yep, everything was gutted at some point.
Like you say gwEm, the originals would have been Pat #s or T tops...
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Just wanted to chime in as a closet SG lover...That is a really sweet guitar, and now you're saying it sounds great as well?! I think you've found a real nugget 'o' gold there ;)
Jealous much?! :D
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Could you take a picture of the heel? I want to compare to the one on my CS SG.
Cheers.
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I'm really pleased it's sounding great... and almost a little jealous now!
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I'm really pleased it's sounding great... and almost a little jealous now!
Well, I'm a lot jealous! I really do want to give an SG a go and this thread isn't helping much. No disposable cash = no SG for Mr Price :x
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You can try mine out when it's finished might - you never know, it might REMOVE the GAS if you don't like it!
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You can try mine out when it's finished might - you never know, it might REMOVE the GAS if you don't like it!
:D It could go the other way though!
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You can try mine out when it's finished might - you never know, it might REMOVE the GAS if you don't like it!
:D It could go the other way though!
And he knows it :lol:
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Twinfan, how's about a thread with your current lineup of guitars?
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Yeah - do it Dave! I've just gone through an old threa of stuff I used to own - my line up has totally changed in the space of a few months, none of what I had 8 months ago is now left!
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Twinfan, how's about a thread with your current lineup of guitars?
Is there enough space on the internets for that?
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Twinfan, how's about a thread with your current lineup of guitars?
I did one not long ago - I'll update it. Here's the thread:
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=19921
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I've just tried an SG standard out. Loved it - was only a 10 minute fumble through some Led Zep, ZZ Top, AC/DC and Rush songs but it sounded nice and meaty.
I shouldn't have tried it out really as I can't afford it. Tw@t.
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Yep, everything was gutted at some point.
Like you say gwEm, the originals would have been Pat #s or T tops...
poor thing :(
but at least its future is bright now! :D
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Quick update for those who are interested.....
My first parts arrived today - an aged scratchplate, neck spacer and pickup rings made by Montreux Guitar Parts and supplied by GM Vintage Restorations in Canada. Both are now fitted, along with my Throbak PAFs, so I'm just waiting for the delivery from RS Guitarworks in the US. Fairly subtle change so far, but the transformation begins!
Before (as it came to me):
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/sh62sg.jpg)
After:
(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/1965%20SG/New%20pickup%20rings%20and%20scratchplate.JPG)
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Dave, that's flippin' awesome! How do those Throbacks sound? I've never heard of them :? Are they high end re-makes? Don't take this the wrong way mate, but out of all your great guitars this one speaks to me the most.... if you were giving them all away and I had first pick it would be this guitar! 8)
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I'm with d1dsj on this... Pearly/Francine would make me stop to think, but this would be the one I'd really want to take off you :D
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...so any plans to BKP it up?
What's that you say? Riff Raff and Stormy Monday combo? Good choice :lol:
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...so any plans to BKP it up?
What's that you say? Riff Raff and Stormy Monday combo? Good choice :lol:
Nah, he's going high-gain (elsewhere on an amp thread), just bung a couple of C-pigs in and have done with it (distressed black camo covers with gold pole-pieces :lol:)
However...
I suspect, considering what it's going to get used for, it might get a Riff Raff pair (it might even get the pair out of the guitar it's destined to work with), but he won't do it in a hurry :D
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I'm with d1dsj on this... Pearly/Francine would make me stop to think, but this would be the one I'd really want to take off you :D
Are we forming a queue? I think it'd be the CS Tele, Esquire, Fano for me.
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Cheers Don/Andy!
I have Riff Raffs in my Epi SG, which is now the backup for this guitar. They'll be staying there.
The '65 won't be getting any BKPs, and I won't comment any further on the Throbaks out of respect for the BKP guys and gals who pay for this forum.
The only non-aged parts I'll end up with on the SG will be the knobs, which is a pain in the ass. You can get them, but they're $120 plus shipping and taxes :( I may have fork out for them unless I can find a cost-effective option, but there's no immediate rush...
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I'm with d1dsj on this... Pearly/Francine would make me stop to think, but this would be the one I'd really want to take off you :D
Are we forming a queue? I think it'd be the CS Tele, Esquire, Fano for me.
You're only allowed one Philly - he's not made of guitars, and there's a lot of us interested :lol:
I have Riff Raffs in my Epi SG, which is now the backup for this guitar. They'll be staying there.
The '65 won't be getting any BKPs, and I won't comment any further on the Throbaks out of respect for the BKP guys and gals who pay for this forum.
Had a feeling that might be the case. I'd probably want to swap the Epi and Gibson pickups round in the privacy of my own home to, er, "see what happens" :lol:
The only non-aged parts I'll end up with on the SG will be the knobs, which is a pain in the ass. You can get them, but they're $120 plus shipping and taxes :( I may have fork out for them unless I can find a cost-effective option, but there's no immediate rush...
That would bug me a bit too :lol:
Eg: My Roadworn has it's own scratchplate, but the pickup covers, knobs and switch-tip are off my old JV Squier - all very old, yellowed, and bashed to hell by me. They look and feel "older" than the bits that were on there. In addition, the 11 scratchplate screws (and the two jack plate screws) are from the JV - absolutely rusted to pieces, looks extremely righteous - slightly dulled screws just did not look right. But I found the old pickup screws are too thin for the pickups :lol: (So the shinier ones are getting treated to regular dabs of salt and vinegar solution - coming on nicely so far, they're starting to rust in the slots, only a matter of time...)
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Looks sweet!!
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I'm inundated with guitars and not in the market, but if I'd have seen your SG in a shop I would have found a way of affording it. I absolutely love it. That's probably the best lacquer checking I've ever seen, looks like a spider had a go at doing a flame top. I envy you your Pearly, but my SG envy runs deep and wide. To my mind the most exciting guitar I've seen on this forum.
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To my mind the most exciting guitar I've seen on this forum.
Bloody hell mate - I wouldn't go that far!!!
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I've just tried an SG standard out. Loved it - was only a 10 minute fumble through some Led Zep, ZZ Top, AC/DC and Rush songs but it sounded nice and meaty.
I shouldn't have tried it out really as I can't afford it. Tw@t.
I love my SG Standard, SGs are my favourite guitar type right now :) I go through phases of liking the Gibson pickups, dunno if I'm gonna bother changing as I don't have £200 to waste :(
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Quick update on this guitar....
All the aged parts I ordered from RS Guitarworks in the US came a week or so ago and they look great! I've fitted the tailpiece and pickup selector ring, plus removed the supplied ABR-1 bridge and tuners.
The existing tuner bushings were the wider sort as the previous owner had fitted Schallers in place of the original Klusons, so the aged RS ones were too small. Arse! I found a supplier of "conversion" bushings in nickel though and I've aged them a bit using vinegar fumes and salt water. That's taken the edge of the newness and they look like the rest of the hardware now. Nice one!
I don't have the appropriate tools to fit the ABR-1 posts, and the new bushings are a very tight fit, so rather than risk me screwing it up the guitar is going "as is" to my luthier this morning to have the remaining parts fitted and to get a full re-fret.
I should get it back in a couple of weeks all finished, so look out for a new thread then......
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Sounds good mate. It's a bit of time to wait but I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end! Looking forward to seeing some updated pics etc when all the work is done.
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Sounds cool. That SG has to be one of the nicest guitars you've got! Looking forward to seeing it once it's back.
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Just dropped it off, should get it back after Easter :D
I asked about removing the overspray on the back of the neck but was advised to leave it as it is. Unless I wanted it stripping back to the bare wood!!! :o
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Your SG restoration project is inspiring. I got on this forum just to look for pickups to put in my 72 SG that needs some love. It has the old 'tail-piece swap out' holes in it. A previous owner drilled her for coil tap switches. On the narrow width neck, I have noticed the same thing. Mine has a brass nut at the top and the neck is quite narrow. Schaler tuners as well have been installed.
Please post your progress. Intersting idea on aging the hardware. I will shamelessly copy that!
Peace,
Heritage Softail
Atlanta Ga. USA
Great Mesa Amps
Wonderful Guitars
Lesser Skills
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Well I've just had a phone call out of the blue to say the SG is ready - i wasn't expecting to pick it up until next week!
I'm assuming that when the luthier who's done the refret asks you if you want to sell it, it's turned out pretty good, right? :o
Off to pick it up now, more info and cr@ppy phone pics (as the wife is away with the camera) later......
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Well, that's a nice easter surprise for you!