So this is what I've got:
My addiction started w/ this target burst '65 Jaguar. They're pretty pricey usually, but I found one that had been routed for humbuckers underneath the original pickguard, and had been rewired (pots and caps still original). This guitar has handwound Novack pickups in it, the original finish throughout, and almost all original hardware (upper bout control plate and trem arm are repro). I paid LESS for this guitar than I would have for an American Vintage Reissue by about $500 - and it has the original hard case which is in great shape!
Next, I came across a little red '64 MusicMaster in a pawn shop. It is the short short 22.5" scale, but I have found that it is very comfortable to play while I'm lounging around in my recliner. I've written most of the new songs that my band plays on this little guitar. It sounds great, as well. I take it to jams and band practices, but haven't gigged it due to the small upper register being difficult to solo on. This guitar is 100% all original. Got it cheap as well, w/ the OHSC.
Recently I picked up this white '65 Fender Mustang. It was a studio guitar at "Pilot Recording Studios" - who have recorded some greats. None of my heroes, but some that are up there (Joey Ramone, Taj Mahal). This guitar is all original other than the knobs and pickup covers. The tort guard has shrunk so much that I couldn't even get pickup covers installed at first - I had to file and sand these down until they fit. The knobs are stuck on there - damn they're ugly! I've got Mustang knobs ready to go on, but I'm worried about ruining the pot to get these knobs off. I've pried and everything... no budging. This one I picked up for the same price as a new Japanese (ahem... poly finished) reissue and the cost of a hard case combined. I'll take the vintage one any day!
Anyways, I'm looking forward to being a member at the forum here. I've lurked for a while, waiting to get activated!
And, pix - in random order:
With my '69 Gibson Les Paul
