WTF? :: 1970's Gibson EB-3

View fullsize

This is a severely modded 1970's Gibson EB-3. Someone moved the rotary switch and plugged a couple controls, not to mention adding a middle P pickup.  This freak show has random cavities routed/filled, an active preamp installed, stock controls either plugged/rerouted/removed and a 3rd P pickup installed. The customer and I decided to remove the preamp and try to make sense of what's left.

I try to keep an open mind with these older modifications as there was not the plethora of information floating around like nowadays. But what the fuck is going on here?  Maybe it was used in some historic recording session?  Or maybe someone just had a bunch of ideas they wanted to try out.  I need to know why!  #eb3mystery

View fullsize

Check out the video below to find out what's under the mysterious gold foil!

Duct taped output jack :: 2008 Gretsch G5135 CVT Electromatic [6.7 lbs]

View fullsize

Duct taped output jack :: 2008 Gretsch G5135 CVT Electromatic [6.7 lbs]

This has an old school Tele cup output jack that was completely floating in the side of the body, to the point that it was duct taped in place.  There was no way to resecure the original jack as the mounting hole was enlarged (for some reason).  I opted to replace it with an electrosocket, but had to wrap it with a thin mahogany veneer in order to make it fit tightly.  Once the jack was squared away, this Bigsby-equipped guitar was then setup.

2001 Gibson SG :: broken screws

View fullsize

2001 Gibson SG :: broken screws

I needed to fabricate a couple custom screw extractors to cleanly remove two broken strap button screws.  The extractors are made from stainless steel tubing sized to fit over the screw with teeth cut into the end.  I sourced the tubing from McMaster-Carr.  The extractors are run counterclockwise in a drill to not risk driving the screw deeper if it grabs.  The broken screws can be seen here.

Look for a blog post coming soon with more details on this guitar.

2001 Gibson SG :: broken strap button screws

View fullsize

2001 Gibson SG :: broken strap button screws

This SG has been in the shop a few times before for a broken control cavity and to correct a failing headstock repair.  Now it is in for a broken strap button screw.  Actually, two broken screws as one was broken before.  I'll need to make a couple different size screw extractors to get these out. 

Look for a blog post coming soon with more details on this guitar.