New project or chuck it

marklester · 08-13-2010, 05:30 AM

hiya,

right, got some pictures, thought I'd start a new thread....basically do I continue or chuck it..

It looks like cheap wood block inside the guitar with cavity space and then laminated with plywood to give shape.

It's in poor condition, but the neck is straight and wonder if it's worth saving. Bit confused as to how to paint cause of the binding round the sides etc?! thoughts?

let me know if I should chuck it, or fix it!

let me know!
happy friday!
m

YeahDoIt · 08-13-2010, 06:28 AM

It looks functional so I'd keep it.

marklester · 08-13-2010, 06:32 AM

we think it dates back to the 1970's and on the neck plate says 'made in japan'.

the headstock has been half drilled out for 10mm holes, and there's loads of little pilot holes where different tuners have been on there.

Couple of the pearl inlay has fallen out (still got them though)

paintwork shabby....
body in the above condition...

should I sand it rough and leave it like that? or turn it into a thing of beauty? or should I just paint the whole thing black again and loose the bindings???

thoughts and idea's please!
ta
mark

DagerOne · 08-13-2010, 08:59 AM

I'd say it depends on what you're hoping to accomplish with it. If you've scavenged the best parts of the guitar, you might consider finding a donor body and using the parts off of this one. If you're absolutely set to refinish this one, you could paint over the binding, but I think I'd remove the binding and ultimately replace it as it doesn't look to be in much better shape than the rest of the body.

Not saying you couldn't get a pretty result, but I think the time, effort, and expense of it would probably be more than it will ever be worth with the exception of the experience you gain from doing it (which I'm not discounting at all!). Good luck either way!

ghostwolf · 08-13-2010, 04:45 PM

if you're going to paint it, you could mask off the binding before painting. just remember to remove the tape before the paint is completely dry, or you'll have chips in the line.

BillStickers · 08-13-2010, 05:06 PM

Turn it into a real Seasick Steve bodge job that has a beautiful quirkiness...

OR

Sell it.

The crazy bodge industrial monster instrument birthed by mad scientists sounds like the fun option. I'd turn it into something that makes freaky sounds using springs and weird strings with pickups made from old speaker magnets. BLAMMO with the Fuzz SMACK with the plug and the Stomp Box EPIC BOOSH dissonant madness... f*k yh....

Sorry.... what were we talking bout again

Stratatattat · 08-13-2010, 11:23 PM

i'd paint the sucker. right over the bindings. get creative with your colors. worst case scenario, u hate it, u strip, u sell it. no harm, no foul.

ratdog472 · 08-22-2010, 05:29 PM

Sand it smooth wipe it down and assemble it. Just play it.
Leave it ugly. There are too many purrrrrty guitars out there. This one would be unique.
If it is worth anything then go ahead and restore it but if it is a cheapie or freebie then go fo the relic look.

*the above information is provided as only a random neuron firing.

mijstrat72 · 08-22-2010, 08:27 PM

I had a similiar scenerio last year year. So I looked around and noticed that one of my guitar idols had used a les paul during his career...so I did a copy of his guitar. The player in mention initials are EVH if that helps. Generally a touring pro musicians instruments are a little tattered and torn, so the already rough exterior helps pull off the "just off the road from touring" look.

Regardless, I did a rattle can paint job (much like the original), spent some time on it and everyone that sees it now has to pick it up and give it a strum. She plays real nice, unfortunately she's back in pieces temporarily otherwise I'd throw a pic down.

marklester · 08-23-2010, 07:32 AM

lol, well, I had the same idea over the weekend - I kinda liked the beaten look - it's more natural looking, proper beaten, so thought it'd be good to keep it like that, you couldn't manufacture it like that really - okay it's been sanded and left so there's swirly scratches all over it, but I just kinda like it, it has a certain charm...anyway, here's some pics, let me know if I'm on the right lines!!! hehee

thoughts...
m

Vott · 08-23-2010, 12:09 PM

I'm pretty sure I have the same LP copy you have. Made in Japan, the body on the one I have is not bad at all visually but it looks like laminate inside with an exterior shell over that. If I tap the top it sounds hollow inside. Mine has a butterfly inlay on the headstock, it looks like yours may have had one too at one point... cant tell for sure though. I'm redoing mine, just for the experience. Im getting new (but low cost) tuning machines,bridge and both humbuckers the rest of the guitar appears to be in OK shape. I'm just going to get mine working, see how it plays and sounds and go from there.

Basically I guess it all depends on how much time and money your willing to drop on fixin it up.

marklester · 08-23-2010, 12:16 PM

oh very good..

mine I think is an EROS guitar....made in the 70's...think it was part of the EKO group if it's the real deal... the only identifying mark is on the back of the back plate saying made in japan.

I used to use it about 15 years ago in a little local band, tuners were naff, but I liked the rest of it. when I tried it recently, it didn't sound that great but the neck etc felt nice.

I'm going to wire up just the neck pickup and think I'll leave the other hole open for a kinda hollow body sound. I might screw on a surround to where the bridge pickup should be just incase any of the wood gets 'more' damaged.

I might get a new bridge, but for now will get some strings, wire it up and see what happens hehe, will load just two knobs on it and leave the other two open to add to the messed up look...thought I'd put the original switch back on even though it won't do anything....

I have high hopes for the guitar, but we shall see hehehe, as long as it stays in tune and the epiphone pickup sounds okay (it's new), then I'll be a rather happy chappy! I got some nice full size pots to put in there to replace the small rubbish which was in there...

lovely jubbly!
m

Vott · 08-23-2010, 01:06 PM

Then switch the wiring to the other tone/vol side to test those and the switch. I'll get some pics of my LP tonight and post here tomorrow and we'll see how similar.

Vott · 08-23-2010, 01:42 PM

Turns out I had a pic on my thumb drive. The binding looks chrome on it but it isnt its camera flash...it's really a cream/old white binding.

Suek · 08-23-2010, 11:14 PM

Keep it and paint it!!! If you've got nothing left to work on for the winter, Work on it!!! Who cares whether the body is this or that. But then now that I think of it, You'd have to buy new hardware etc. Or used even!!!

marklester · 08-24-2010, 04:59 AM

vott, that does look the same doesn't it...has yours got any markings on it? just MIJ on the backplate? anything on the bridge or anything?

think some were badged columbia too etc..either way, I think they're quite nice playing guitars - I remember when I was 17 I used to rock with mine - but then I wasn't as good as I am now....maybe had blinkers on? hehehe, we'll see - I like the feel of the neck so hopefully will be okay!!!

good stuff, nice to see there's still some about!
m

Vott · 08-24-2010, 10:58 AM

Mark. Yes they do look alike. When I was first given this guitar I did a little reasearch on it. Basically the Butterfly LP is one of the many Japanese LP copies from 70's. The company that made these produced them for other companies to be rebranded etc.. Usually small cosmetic changes (headstock shape, inlays) between the so called "different" brand names. My butterfly headstock LP is an unbranded model, basically sold straight from the manufacturer to mom and pop stores, I guess.

Well I'm glad to hear you say they rock, I might move it up some on the mod queue!

I've got it put away at home untill its turn to be fixed, but it's no big deal to pull it out and take a second look for markings. I only have internet here at work, so it'll be tomorrow before I can post anything new.

Cheers!

marklester · 08-24-2010, 11:03 AM

lol @ 'until it's turn to be fixed'....sounds just like me at the moment...

so many guitars and projects and so little time.

I got my 'ratty squier affinity project' to finish....still more laquer to go on and decals on the head and ready to be assembled....then the telecaster to finish that off, but got side tracked with the hofner which I'm not happy with at the moment and then this 70's les paul type 'thing' has created a bit too much interest for me hehehe..

I'll let you know once it's wired up, set up and it's plugged in and cranked up, I'm after a fat mellowish tone - let's hope eh..

;-)

Vott · 08-25-2010, 12:48 PM

Hey Mark.

Well, checked her over last night.... NOT A SINGLE DAMN NUMBER.... Nothing! There could be some numbering under the neck in the pocket, but I dont wanna take off neck unless I really have to. While I had it out I shot some new pics. Notice how similar the shell and the insides are of our LPs.

marklester · 08-25-2010, 12:53 PM

oh yeah, must be the 1970's *** thing...wow, they must have distributed them far, UK AND US!

the cavities do look the same don't they - your beading around the body, is that one thick strip of white or is it double like my one? wonder if they offered more than one option?!

Saying all this, that does look in nice condition still and savable to be a nice guitar....I got mine for £7.50 over ten years ago hehe was battered then, even worse now - if I can create some art from it, and make it 'sing' again, I shall be happy! hehe

once I make a bit of progress on it, I'll let you know and post more piccies!
m

Vott · 08-25-2010, 01:59 PM

Thank you, it is in pretty good shape. I wanna hurry up my Korean strat rebuild now.. and drop some parts on this LP sometime soon. Looking forward to your pics and I'll do the same. Good Luck

Suek · 08-25-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vott

Thank you, it is in pretty good shape. I wanna hurry up my Korean strat rebuild now.. and drop some parts on this LP sometime soon. Looking forward to your pics and I'll do the same. Good Luck

Yes nice guitar Vott. I need a winter project since summer is flying by....lol
You know I remember some company making a Les Paul copy like that. I always had wanted one when I was a kid, The black with the white binding. I'm trying to remember the companies name. There were so many unknown companies back then. My friends had some weird named guitars back then. People would say,"What in the hell is that"" lol I'd say, I don't you buying a Gibson or Fender.lol We had what we could afford.

Vott · 08-25-2010, 02:44 PM

Suek.

Yeah thanks, the LP is in good shape. I flipped out when a friend of a friend just gave it to me. He said, 'this has just been sitting in the garage, you want it for parts?'........YEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!. Also like you said, when I was trying to dig up info on it most people that have/had them say the same as you. They had tons of those knock offs years ago and nobody ever knew who made them. I still prefer my Squier strats and teles over this LP, but what the hell.. 20 bux for tuners 40 for buckers and strings. 60 dollar LP.... See how it sounds go from there.

Suek · 08-25-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vott

Suek.

Yeah thanks, the LP is in good shape. I flipped out when a friend of a friend just gave it to me. He said, 'this has just been sitting in the garage, you want it for parts?'........YEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!. Also like you said, when I was trying to dig up info on it most people that have/had them say the same as you. They had tons of those knock offs years ago and nobody ever knew who made them. I still prefer my Squier strats and teles over this LP, but what the hell.. 20 bux for tuners 40 for buckers and strings. 60 dollar LP.... See how it sounds go from there.

I would be happy if someone gave it to me also. That's right, Put some stuff into and have fun. It's like restoring an old car. There's always the moment of excitement when you first turn it on.

marklester · 08-26-2010, 05:26 AM

have a look into the history of eros and columbus these were some of the names applied to the guitars in the 70's... think it could be one of those... maybe
m

Suek · 08-26-2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marklester

have a look into the history of eros and columbus these were some of the names applied to the guitars in the 70's... think it could be one of those... maybe
m

One thing for sure Mark. Yours had some kind of name plate. unless someone had put a name plate on after. Then the abalone in the of the headstock that was removed looks long. So I'm looking to see if I can match one in the search engine. So far I have come across a whole lot of Les Paul copies I NEVER heard of .lol It's fun though. Meanwhile I'll keep an eye out for Vott's too.

Suek · 08-26-2010, 06:39 PM

I've come across Burny guitars and a guy who maybe you can write to:http://www.japanguitars.co.uk/burny%20info.html
He may know!
Vott, I can see the shape of the truss rod cover in one of your pictures. It's shaped like a Teepee, That's the best I can describe it.

Vott · 08-27-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suek

Yes nice guitar Vott. I need a winter project since summer is flying by....lol
You know I remember some company making a Les Paul copy like that. I always had wanted one when I was a kid, The black with the white binding.

Got anything you might consider trading for it?

Suek · 08-27-2010, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vott

Got anything you might consider trading for it?

An old shoe........

Vott · 08-27-2010, 02:31 PM

The way this thread's been going I bet Mark has the other old shoe.

Suek · 08-27-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vott

The way this thread's been going I bet Mark has the other old shoe.

HAHAHAHAHA!! And a sock to go with it. lol

Suek · 08-27-2010, 03:14 PM

Vott I found this. Maybe you've seen this.
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/othe...ock-inlay.html

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...d.php?t=343790

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1313772...n/photostream/

Vott · 08-27-2010, 03:27 PM

The first link I've seen. Now on that second link..the pics posted by Donovan, now thats my guitar dead on. 99 bux new in 78.. what's that these days bout 150 ya think?

Thanks for the links.

Suek · 08-27-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vott

The first link I've seen. Now on that second link..the pics posted by Donovan, now thats my guitar dead on. 99 bux new in 78.. what's that these days bout 150 ya think?

Thanks for the links.

Your welcome. I love learning anyway about these guitars. You never know if I run into one somewhere.

marklester · 09-01-2010, 07:27 AM

heey.....

I got to work on the 'eros' (I'll call it that for that, that's my nearest guess), and wired in the neck pickup. So it's literally the neck pickup, volume and tone...that's it......plugged it in with no strings on it and silence...little bit worrying, so cranked up the volume and put my watch by it.....I can hear ticking....very good sign...

So, I put the bridge pickup in to fill the hole and strung it up with 5 strings laying about (not new). Tuned up and all seemed okay - action was VERY high....not good enough...so started to lower it.... and a bit more, and lots more, was very high.....and then it started buzzing....action was still high and it's buzzing.....

Chased the buzz and it was the strings hitting on the bridge pickup, that pickup was as low as it could go!!! So slack it all off and out comes the bridge pickup - it was in the way and didn't do anything anyway - reckon it must have the wrong pickup ring on there (was the original one).

Then could drop the action further, until, I think i might have hit perfection........

for a 40 year old guitar, battered and bruised, the neck is straight, I have got the action incredibly low with virtually no buzzing - result!!! Had a jam with it for a bit and yes, I think it was right to get it working again, it plays and feels really rather nice - very impressed.

Plugged it in and hey presto, we have nice guitary noise.....however, it's a bit muddy sounding, so think the capacitor I've used is the wrong type, it's just a bit muddy, nothing more than that, played with the pickup heights etc, and wow it's a very loud and fat sounding......it's a epiphone pickup in it, bought in a bargain bin cause it's gold and has a few marks on it (it is new though)

So, need to change the capacitor on it, put a proper set of strings on it, intonate it, and rock on! that's it...... ;-)

I know I'll never see anyone playing a guitar that looks such a state, and doing gigs with it will look so very amusing.......looks like cr@p but plays great.

The guitar used to have a nameplate on the top - something I did when I was 17....my nickname was 'tat' so put the logo on a bit of alu and stuck it on the head - might stick it back on and leave it as my work of art beater...

once all is done and playable, I'll get some nice piccies again in it's final state and post it up....

at this rate, that'll be the squier done, the eros done......gasp....I need a new project!!!

anyone fancy giving me a grotty guitar for £30?? ;-)
m

Vott · 09-01-2010, 11:56 AM

I'm glad to hear you're digging it. I'm dieing to get mine going but broke as heck right now. It'll be awhile for me, unless there's a power outtage soon..... Breaking glass. LOL j/k

marklester · 09-01-2010, 12:19 PM

lol, what you need to get it going? tuners and pickups? I got the originals for mine, but they were rather poor, single coil in humbucker body and it all fell apart when I took it out hehe...

the tuners i just nicked from a squier....bit annoying when tuning cause GBE strings, the tuner turns the wrong way - psh, I'm sure I'll get used to it! ;-)
m

Vott · 09-01-2010, 12:44 PM

Yeah LOL... I tried Squier tuners on mine too, when I got to the bottom side of the headstock......... Well S@#*. I forgot about upside down. I still have the fake Humbuckers that came with it. But I'll find me some buckers somewhere for free/cheap.
Possibly tuners too.

Another friend just gave me a harmony jagmaster look alike. I looked under its pick guard and it's dated Mar 14 1966. The pickups on that thing are the strangest looking things I've ever seen. It's a cherryburst and the body is chipped here and there but it was a complete guitar. I've got it in here at work today taking the electronics apart and cleaning the corrosion out the pot's and switches, reflowing the joints etc..

marklester · 09-01-2010, 12:53 PM

oh show me a piccie of the jagmaster....if this is right, this is the other type project I've been after!!! (but I'm too tight to spend good money on one at the mo! hehe

Vott · 09-01-2010, 01:56 PM

Ok will do. I'll try to remember to snap a few picks tonight. I really want you to see those pickups. I'll pull the pg so you can see the date stamp. just remember the body is pretty rough.