why would you do that?!

[gwEm]

I don't think it's too terrible, to be honest.  The speed knobs are an eyesore, but easy to change, and it's easy to get a new (or even vintage) scratchplate and change it back to two pickups.  Ok, so there's a bit of wood routed out under the plate.

It's only a "Rare Valuable Vintage Medallion Flying V" with the benefit of hindsight.  The owner might've added that third pickup in 1974.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new Gibson and modify it.... and I don't think you would either.

i like the pragmatism in your reply philly

[Philly Q]

Look at it another way - that hole gouged under the plate will also gouge a chunk out of the value.  Which guarantees it'll be much cheaper than a pristine one when you're ready to buy it.   :P 

[Dmoney]

but what if that bit of wood that is cut out is the exact spot where "the mojo" lives and it just got amputated.

[gwEm]

but what if that bit of wood that is cut out is the exact spot where "the mojo" lives and it just got amputated.

i'll trim the wings and make it a King V in that case

[Roobubba]

but what if that bit of wood that is cut out is the exact spot where "the mojo" lives and it just got amputated.

i'll trim the wings and make it a King V in that case

Or trim the wings and make a bonfire :)