So, seeing the diverse content of this challenge, I decided to commit to a project and as this challenge is time limited, I might actually complete it as well.
My project isn't actually a new idea, rather it's a restoration I started some time ago, but after a multitude of cock-ups, I lost the will to continue. As I'll now be answerable to the challenge, I'm hoping the peer pressure will push me through to completion.
Enough of the BS. My project is to take my knackered old 1976 Antoria LP Custom (I think a 'pre law suit' version) and get it to a place where it is not only functioning as an electric guitar but a nice player too. This was my first electric guitar, bought from new, so holds some sort of sentimental value, even though it's currently a real bag of shit.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4680/38551202725_83c47c74eb_k.jpghttps://farm5.staticflickr.com/4634/38551202265_f57c17ad90_k.jpg
As you can see from the pics, the guitar finish is battered. Also the pickups have been destroyed, the control electronics corroded and tuners were useless in the first place. The original bridge was corroded.
The frets have always buzzed like crazy and needed leveling and redressing. So, about a year ago and inspired by lurking around this website, I removed the neck, bought a leveling beam and straight edge from Crimson, removed the neck and set about it. Well, I was stupidly aggressive with the fret leveling and made a real mess of them - they are very low and flat - and the neck now needs a new fret job.
The idea, with Santa money funding, is to:
- Get a fret check / re-fret job
- Replace pickups - I already have these - Ironstone Alnico V. Has anyone any experience of these ?
- New bridge posts already done - have also bought new bridge.
- Replace controls - LP wiring kit from Axetec. Again, already bought.
- Replace pickup selector switch
- Replace jack socket
- Replace tuners - from Vanson Guitars. These already installed on the screwed up neck.
- Reassemble
I'm planning to leave the guitar finish in its' battered condition, mainly for the distressed vibe, but also when removing the pickups I can see the body is made from a composite of crappy woods, MDFs and other materials of dubious nature and quality.
This is the first time I've attempted any modding / upgrading, so any advise, offers of help (especially anyone who wants to take on the neck re-fret for a suitable cost), gratefully received. Will post on progress.
Comments
But use of different woods hasn't really held Danelectro back ...
I kept it for ages and I genuinely preferred it to my first Gibson Les Paul (a late 70s Deluxe fitted with DiMarzios), and so sold the Gibson! Sadly I did a dumb deal with it and swapped it for a Sound City 50w head and 4x12 about 25 years ago. I still regret it and every day I search the Antoria listings on eBay in the vain hope it comes back up for sale.
Good luck with the project! :-)
If your "destroyed" humbuckers are the MMK45 type, there are some obsessive hoarders collectors who might buy them and get them rewound.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/201634549914520?view=permalink&id=1445269728884323&ref=content_filter&_rdr
@billyk57 - good luck with project
Mine was quite heavily modded and distinctive - I’m not going to derail the OPs post though! Thanks for the thought.
@Funkfingers Thanks for the tip ref the pickups. I'll try and unload them.