harpinator
Junior Member
I'm taking Daryl's advice and delving into my M75 work in progress. I have a few better pictures here that highlights the finish and updates.
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The refinish was done by Classic Ax in Nashville, who did a fine job. I'm not sure what the original color was, since I bought it in an un-finished state. But it was likely a solid color (black?) since the back appears to be a 2-piece. They also made a complete headstock overlay since the old one was trashed. New grovers, and a newly cut pickguard (traced from the M65) were added. The pickup covers and harp were re-plated. Should have worked on the covers a little bit since there is some oxidation on them. She looks great and feels great. The only issue I have is the pickups. They seem to be loud enough but they are quite microphonic. That is they seem to amplify every every touch of the strings, much like tapping a microphone. That drives me crazy. Also, they don't seem to deliver the type of Blues tone I am looking for, as the Franz in my M65 (overdriven sound on a tube amp). Of course that just may be a characteristic of the guitar itself. Even though it is structurally similar to the M65, I can tell it is quite different in terms of top wood, appointments and workmanship. And it could be the M75 is more suited to jazz.
Given my search for tone I am considering changing out the pickups. I am sure that is a topic that has probably been discussed at length here. The mini buckers appear to be difficult to replace without cutting bigger holes of a standard humbucker. That would open up several choices, including HB sized P90s I have seen discussed here. Since P90s were on the original Aristocrat, I wonder if anyone has experience with that model and its sound. Daryl suggested I consult with the experts here before I make any rash decisions.
[/img]The refinish was done by Classic Ax in Nashville, who did a fine job. I'm not sure what the original color was, since I bought it in an un-finished state. But it was likely a solid color (black?) since the back appears to be a 2-piece. They also made a complete headstock overlay since the old one was trashed. New grovers, and a newly cut pickguard (traced from the M65) were added. The pickup covers and harp were re-plated. Should have worked on the covers a little bit since there is some oxidation on them. She looks great and feels great. The only issue I have is the pickups. They seem to be loud enough but they are quite microphonic. That is they seem to amplify every every touch of the strings, much like tapping a microphone. That drives me crazy. Also, they don't seem to deliver the type of Blues tone I am looking for, as the Franz in my M65 (overdriven sound on a tube amp). Of course that just may be a characteristic of the guitar itself. Even though it is structurally similar to the M65, I can tell it is quite different in terms of top wood, appointments and workmanship. And it could be the M75 is more suited to jazz.
Given my search for tone I am considering changing out the pickups. I am sure that is a topic that has probably been discussed at length here. The mini buckers appear to be difficult to replace without cutting bigger holes of a standard humbucker. That would open up several choices, including HB sized P90s I have seen discussed here. Since P90s were on the original Aristocrat, I wonder if anyone has experience with that model and its sound. Daryl suggested I consult with the experts here before I make any rash decisions.
