71-72 M75

[beinhard]

Don't know how I missed this great thread!

I have a spare strap pin, like the one on the right in the picture, without screw hole.
PM me if you want it.

I see you have some nice Japanese instruments too. I'm guessing you like pointy guitars?
I'm into certain Japanese guitars myself, not the pointy ones though.

beinhard

 

[parsox]

thanks bienhard

I ordered one off of the bay but if it does not work I will be in contact

In regards to Japanese guitars, yes I really like those pointy relics

 

[parsox]

'twas the night before christm

Oops wrong story

Anyways, the luthier called and stated that the Bluesbird is ready to be picked up
Stated we might have to fight for it as he was impressed with how great it sounded

 

[dapmdave]

'twas the night before christm

Oops wrong story

Anyways, the luthier called and stated that the Bluesbird is ready to be picked up
Stated we might have to fight for it as he was impressed with how great it sounded

It's been a long wait! Gotta see how this turned out...

Dave

 

[Los Angeles]

Pics!

 

[parsox]

Well its finally back from the luthier. It may not be as smooth as a newborn baby's hind end but it sure does play and sound nice.....what do they say about not judging a book by its cover?

A big thanks to Darryl Hattenhauer for leading me to John Kally and thank to John Kally for the Thunderbird 3 way switch plate which originally belonged to Darryl Hattenhauer. (A part we all thought would be next to impossible to find due to the rarity of Thunderbirds and all...I doubt their are many folks parting them out which would be a travesty in itself.)

Thanks to Hanz, Dr Spivey, SFIV1967 (Ralf), The Guilds of Grot, Bienhard and everyone else who has supported this thread with information, parts, well wishes etc

Now for the pics of the finished product

Before

After
Installed: Pickguard (routed for 3rd pickup), Pickups, Master Volume Knob, Pot (Tone) and Wired correctly to switches and master volume.

Cut and installed back plates to cover wiring, switches, and pots

Before

After

Side by Side with the "Family"

Not sure if I should leave it as is and play it or have it refinished (a visit Fixit possibly?)at a future date. That aside, it functions and plays well.

P.S. I am still looking for a Vintage G Shield Volume Knob with 1-9 on it. I have a tone knob to trade or $$.

Also I need a case to store this bird (the current one has no latches) in so if y'all have ideas of a hard case that will fit it, please let me know.

Thank you all again, what a great community

v/r
Parsox

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Frickin' Awesome!

Now that's the way to bring one back from the dead!

Tough call on the restoration.

Mojo vs Shiny!

I could go either way.

 

[Los Angeles]

I fear a refinish would cost more money and actually diminish its resale value (not that you'd ever want to sell it - I wouldn't).

I say keep the battle scars.

If it were already a victim of refinishing, then I'd sing a different tune, but this one seems just oh so genuine.

 

[parsox]

Now that's the way to bring one back from the dead!

Speaking of bringing back from the dead, it makes me wonder what the story/history of this guitar was and why anyone would remove its pickup and other various parts in the 1st place? :shock:

 

[hagmeat]

Great job Parsox ! Enjoy that HB1 equipped tone monster.
A very nice family you got there.
Cheers. Rob

 

[hansmoust]

..... it makes me wonder what the story/history of this guitar was and why anyone would remove its pickup and other various parts in the 1st place?

Hello parsox,

Having witnessed the 'customizing' craze of the '70s and '80s I'm often surprised that there are still that many older, original instruments around!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[SFIV1967]

Hi parsox, great job with bringing her back to life! And thanks for documenting that all in pictures, it is so much fun to watch them. Leave her as she is, other people pay insane amounts of money to get a heavy reliced Fender custom shop model! I did the Fender Custom shop tour last Friday and the luthiers sit there and beat bodies with all kind of metal pieces and file away paint to come to that old used look! Strange to see!
Ralf

 

[powerwagonjohn]

That was one of the best rescue and repair stories of a rare guitar I have heard. Esp. nice it was a Guild.
Thanks john

 

[Jahn]

How did I miss this thread??

What a great story, thanks for bringing this baby back to life! I love stories like that! Oh and nice touch with the jaguar switch plate, muahahaha!

 

[rampside]

That is simply an OUTSTANDING restoration parsox. By leaving it with all that MOJO, you know it's got a story.

 

[parsox]

thanks all for the well wishes

I believe I will leave it as is and play it for all its got

 

[parsox]

How did I miss this thread??

Oh and nice touch with the jaguar switch plate, muahahaha!

Thanks Jahn apparently a couple of the bluesbirds were produced with these

 

[SFIV1967]

How did I miss this thread??
Oh and nice touch with the jaguar switch plate, muahahaha!

Thanks Jahn apparently a couple of the bluesbirds were produced with these

Yes, Jahn apparently missed that post: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=31764&p=346153&hilit=70s+try+outs#p346153
Ralf

 

[Jahn]

what the hey. yes i totally missed that part! i had zero idea that the triple bucker with jaguarish switchplate thing was factory stock - WOW!

And I hear you on looking for a full sized knob for the master volume - I found that the one on my old SFII Special was much easier to use than the tiny one that came stock on the IV/V/VI:

 

[SFIV1967]

what the hey. yes i totally missed that part! i had zero idea that the triple bucker with jaguarish switchplate thing was factory stock - WOW

Before Hans told us we were also totally unaware! And it was the Guild Thunderbird's switchplate used.
Ralf