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Non original parts...

JJ Jones

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Sep 28, 2001
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My 1960 Special misses the following parts: a tailpiece, the pickguard and the truss rod cover. Now, how much does that affect the value of the whole guitar? Let's say that the parts would cost a 1000 USD. Is the guitar worth 1000 USD less than a guitar in similar condition (NOT mint but no breaks) or does it affect the value more?


special_carmen_1.jpg



I understand that the non original tailpiece can be a "turn off", both tone wise and value wise. (I have a Pigtail on it now.) But does the plastic play an equal part?
I have been thinking about getting the parts for a while but I have hesitated. And meanwhile, the prices has skyrocketed and the Swedish Krona hasn't. The dollar is expensive right now. :(
 

zorglub!

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Aug 13, 2003
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I think you should really try to go for the tailpiece and forget about the plastic. That way you would have all the correct parts tone-wise, and even notice a difference in the sound. Nowadays it seems that original plastic is for rich people...
 

bigjimsguitars

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Sep 12, 2005
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Will it really be all original even if you put the period correct parts back on it? I will not go down that road...

If you keep a keen eye out, you will eventually find the right parts for it on ebay, but I word of caution, buy only what you can verify as being the real McCoy.

I nice wraparound just sold on ebay for $525.00 or so...I think if you look, I clean one could be had or maybe even less.

Personally, I like the idea of having a real truss rod cover....again, those pop up on ebay.

The pickguard maybe a bit tougher, but to me is not as important as the other two parts....you could always artificially age the pickguard to make it look as old as the rest of the guitar to give it the right look. However, it appears to be a very nice looking Special as it is.

If you are not going to sell it, it really doesn't matter that much if you are happy with it.
 
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TomGuitar

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Apr 28, 2005
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It also looks from the photo like it once had a bigsby or other vibrato mounted on it. Hard to tell and I could be wrong. If true, wouldn't that reduce any incentive he might have for paying lotsa bucks for a 59 wraparound? I would think that that would reduce the value more than having a non-original tailpiece on it. True? False?
 

JJ Jones

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Yes, apart from the missing parts, there are drill holes from some kind of vibrato. I know, it is a player and no matter what I do or what parts I might buy - it's still a player.

The pickguard that is on it now was made by Johan Gustavsson, he's the one that restored it a bit for me. He reliced it for me so it fits the overall look of the guitar.


special_carmen_2.jpg
 

keef

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Jan 27, 2002
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5,006
Best repro pickguard that I have seen on these guitars.
 

RickN

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Feb 12, 2002
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JJ Jones said:
...it is a player and no matter what I do or what parts I might buy - it's still a player.
That's the essence here, in a very concise sentance. I went through the same thing with a '61 LP/SG I bought a few years ago. The PAFs had been robbed and it was converted to a stop-tail. The original bridge and tuners were also gone, but the body is perfect - no breaks, etc. - just like yours. Given that it has been drilled for a stop-tail, it will never really be able to look 'original' again, no matter what parts I bought for it. So on the advice of others here, I just got the best replacement parts I could without worrying about "vintage" and now I just play the damn thing.

If I were you, I'd leave the guitar just as it is. The Pigtail tail piece is an outstanding piece and you won't gain a thing by spending the money for an old original... other than 'bragging rights', which seems to be more important to some people than others around here. That pickguard is a very good looking item. I'm a bit leary of buying old plastic like pickguards and trying to install them on other guitars. That old plastic shrinks and warps - a very common thing. There's no promise that a guard pulled from another guitar will actually have all of the screw holes still line up with the holes in the body of your guitar. The guard on my '61 is visibly shrinking and pulling a couple of the mounting screws at slight angles so I'm not going to bother removing it from the guitar. Be satisfied with the guard you have. :biggrin:

You've got a really really nice piece there. Leave it alone and put your money into something else. :salude
 
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RAB

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Mar 17, 2005
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wow, that repro "guard" looks outstanding...like others have said, enjoy and play your fine guitar! Happy Holidays!
 

JJ Jones

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Thanks guys, it's cool that you like my little guitar. Yes, the pickguard is really nice, as I said above Johan at JG Guitars made it and we all know what he is capable of! :)


Regarding the tailpiece, I think you convinced me not to get an old one. It won't really matter, it's not like the guitar is a "tone turd" or something. As a matter of fact -
IT RAWKS! :biggrin: :dude :biggrin:

Merry Christmas everyone!
 

johan

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Oct 23, 2002
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I've played this guitar and it's AMAZINGGGG!! I want one too...
Merry Christmas!
 

JJ Jones

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Thanks Litcrit, but that won't fit mine...

I see that this seller also has a tailpiece, but as in many cases, no shipping outside US.
 

JJ Jones

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Sep 28, 2001
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There have been many interesting threads lately on 59/60 Specials! So I give this one another bump :)

I'd like to sum things up and maybe you could help me to establish a value on my guitar?

The issues are as follows:

Non original tailpiece (pigtail).


pigtail_1.jpg


Reinstalled original tuners. The holes have been drilled at some point to accept Schallers and Klusons. Screw holes are filled and the bushings are those "adapter" ones.

headstock.jpg


Non original truss rod cover and pickguard. The guard is hand made for this particular guitar and slightly aged to match the overall look. All repairs were made by Johan Gustavsson at JG Guitars.

DSCN0427.jpg


tailpiece.jpg


Holes from some kind of vibrato.

DSCN3178.jpg


DSCN3175.jpg


Various non original screws and strap buttons.

Otherwise no breaks, original (faded) finish, original P-90's and wiring harness.

DSCN3176.jpg


cavity.jpg



I think the frets are original, but they are very low. Still playable though, no buzz.


frets.jpg
 

mr Fix

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Sep 24, 2005
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Did that guitar have a hagstrom vibrato/tailpiece on it at some point?
 

JJ Jones

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Sep 28, 2001
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I don't know? It is possible, but I don't know what they look like...



EDIT:

Maybe something like this:


hag131.jpg
 
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