It arrived today. I knew there were some unoriginal parts to it so here goes with the usual strip down + commentary in true OSG style....
As it arrived:
Pickguard (previously assumed modern) actually has the trademark curl at the back, and the right bevel angle to be vintage, hmmmm:
Mustang bridge and a very gunky mute. Both of these are getting fucked-off sharpish:
Underneath of the guard. Still thinking it's an old one if I'm honest:
Electronics all seem to be in order:
I knew the pickups were replacements. There's no markings at all on them and they sound like fucking garbage. I'll be putting in my spare AV65's while I'm here and lobbing these into a drawer where they belong:
Repro? Looks really shiny to me. Could be wrong though:
How it sits now all set up with the AV65's, a Staytrem and some fresh 12-54's:
With it's Japanese 4-string Grandson:
I spent a while looking for any trace of the original finish, even using a little acetone in the vibrato cavity and found nothing until I had the idea to check in the the mute plunger hole. Now, those that know me (and my gear history) will have a little chuckle at this...
----
So, from what I can tell, it's unoriginal parts are: finish, bridge, vibrato arm, pickups and
possibly neck plate. Now I can say it was CAR originally I'm certain the pickguard is the original mint one.
It's nice and resonant and feels pretty light. With the new pickups it sounds very familiar. Neck profile is that nice 64/65 round-ish shape that is always nice in the hand.
Seems like a good deal for the money. Plus, it's black....always a winner
