In need of advice ('59 JM)

[Axolotl]

Well, I can't say for 100% sure if the pickups are original, but the grime, absence of markings, some of the apparently original wiring cables and the fact that the mods seem to have been done well before the time of aftermarket JM pickups make me think that they are the real thing. I wish I could be more precise.

Glad to know the guitar feels and sounds well. Looking forward to your NGD post, as I'm pretty sure you'll be getting it. A 59 gold guard for under 3k in Brazil... Once in a lifetime deal. Parabens!!

[blackbox]

Yeah, if the pickups are legit, then it's a good price.

[eggwheat]

I agree but the problem is the op doesn't know what he's looking at..could be a pile of repro parts. I can't tell from the photos of those pickups are original.. I can't tell if anything is original to be honest apart from the neck looks like an old fender one.

[Pacafeliz]

Yeah, if the pickups are legit, then it's a good price.

Agreed. But they could also be cij. Sure hope not!

Good luck!!!

[Axolotl]

Agreed. But they could also be cij. Sure hope not!

Good luck!!!

They could be, that should be fairly easy to tell by looking at the bobbins though.

[Pedro Canales]

I agree but the problem is the op doesn't know what he's looking at..could be a pile of repro parts. I can't tell from the photos of those pickups are original.. I can't tell if anything is original to be honest apart from the neck looks like an old fender one.

I checked the guitar out, and besides the switch, the tips and the tone capacitor, it’s all original. What makes me unsure about the pickups is the white color underneath the hole between the poles (first pic).
Besides that, the wire color and how wide the windings are (almost touching the pickup cover) really look like a ’59. It’s not a CIJ, that’s for sure.

[Pacafeliz]

cool!
...has the upper horn been messed with, too? or does it just look weird because of the strap button placement?

[eggwheat]

I agree but the problem is the op doesn't know what he's looking at..could be a pile of repro parts. I can't tell from the photos of those pickups are original.. I can't tell if anything is original to be honest apart from the neck looks like an old fender one.

I checked the guitar out, and besides the switch, the tips and the tone capacitor, it’s all original. What makes me unsure about the pickups is the white color underneath the hole between the poles (first pic).
Besides that, the wire color and how wide the windings are (almost touching the pickup cover) really look like a ’59. It’s not a CIJ, that’s for sure.

Ok go for it if you know what you are doing..it's hard to make a judgement for based on the pictures shown.

[PorkyPrimeCut]

...has the upper horn been messed with, too? or does it just look weird because of the strap button placement?

I thought this too.

[Axolotl]

...has the upper horn been messed with, too? or does it just look weird because of the strap button placement?

I thought this too.

+ 1 . It seems like the lower part of the horn was a bit scooped and looks curvier and more convex.

The placement of the strap button looks alright for a 59. Mine has it in the same spot, lower than in the 60s.

[Pedro Canales]

...has the upper horn been messed with, too? or does it just look weird because of the strap button placement?

Yup, it has! Looks like whoever did this was going for a Maverick vibe. Unlike what he did to the guitar's bottom, I actually like it

[Pacafeliz]

OK let us know how it goes. if you like its feel and sound... that's all that matters.
like i said, SO many times here people told me not to buy something that turned out fantastic in the end.

...so, when are you picking her up? i'm dying to see more pics and stuf!!!

[Pedro Canales]

..so, when are you picking her up? i'm dying to see more pics and stuf!!!

Tomorrow afternoon! I don't usually do NGD posts, and my camera's not great, but I'll do my best

[Pacafeliz]

[Axolotl]

Looking forward to this! C'mon it's a 59, do her justice with some nice pics!