Decision on Going Forward w/ 1966 360/12
Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 4:03 am
Thanks to many of you here on the board, I have gone as far as I can in getting her back in working order. The archives provided a wealth of information. Here's what I've done:
1) Bridge...Added a new bridge plate...replaced the original with a current 6 saddle model (thanks Gary)...added a new bridge cover.
2) Tuners...cleaned them up...the Maas Cream was a great recommendation...they look new. 1 drop of light oil in each tuner.
3) Set Up...Installed Ric strings (45 minutes), adjusted truss rods (thanks, Philco, Mark, Peter, John H.)
4) Pickups...adjusted height (replaced rubber grommets.
5) Wiring...re-attached loose black wire (Thanks Mark) It was a loose ground which became detached when I replaced the bridge plate. Had to de-solder from the treble pot, feed one end through the extra hole near the treble side bridge plate hole, screw down the plate so the strands make contact with the plate and re-solder to the pot....cleaned the switch contacts and lubed "wings" per MA recommendation.
So now it plays reasonably well as far as action seems to be stable after 2 weeks.
Now, here's what I'd like to do going forward:
...Send it to Mark Arnquist for a nut modification, 12 saddle bridge (I'll return the loaner, Gary), including moving the bridge plate back, pickup assessment (re-wire if necessary), fret redressing and a total fret job if necessary. (plan to do this within the next 3 months when budget permits)
...My rationale for doing this is to optimize it's performance. It's impossible to intonate now. The frets down low are quite worn. I don't know anything about pickups.
I will not do anything to the finish. I'm interested in comments...since I'll never sell the guitar I'm not as concerned about vintage value. I plan to play it and want it to perform at it's best.
Once again...thanks to all who have helped me learn a lot so far.
JJ
1) Bridge...Added a new bridge plate...replaced the original with a current 6 saddle model (thanks Gary)...added a new bridge cover.
2) Tuners...cleaned them up...the Maas Cream was a great recommendation...they look new. 1 drop of light oil in each tuner.
3) Set Up...Installed Ric strings (45 minutes), adjusted truss rods (thanks, Philco, Mark, Peter, John H.)
4) Pickups...adjusted height (replaced rubber grommets.
5) Wiring...re-attached loose black wire (Thanks Mark) It was a loose ground which became detached when I replaced the bridge plate. Had to de-solder from the treble pot, feed one end through the extra hole near the treble side bridge plate hole, screw down the plate so the strands make contact with the plate and re-solder to the pot....cleaned the switch contacts and lubed "wings" per MA recommendation.
So now it plays reasonably well as far as action seems to be stable after 2 weeks.
Now, here's what I'd like to do going forward:
...Send it to Mark Arnquist for a nut modification, 12 saddle bridge (I'll return the loaner, Gary), including moving the bridge plate back, pickup assessment (re-wire if necessary), fret redressing and a total fret job if necessary. (plan to do this within the next 3 months when budget permits)
...My rationale for doing this is to optimize it's performance. It's impossible to intonate now. The frets down low are quite worn. I don't know anything about pickups.
I will not do anything to the finish. I'm interested in comments...since I'll never sell the guitar I'm not as concerned about vintage value. I plan to play it and want it to perform at it's best.
Once again...thanks to all who have helped me learn a lot so far.
JJ