Restore or leave as is?

[Astral Traveler]

I don't usually change or restore guitars to their original condition, if I don't like it I don't buy it. This one came as part of a package though and despite thinking I wouldn't like it, I really do. I'm pretty sure it started its life as the Randy Rhoads "signature" model, which means that it now has a non original pickguard and non original knobs. One pickup has obviously been changed too but I'm 98% sure the other one is original.

Now, I kinda like it the way it is. The changes are part of its history, at the same time it wasn't just any old LP copy at the time.

Restoring it would mean getting gold speed knobs, sourcing an original bridge pickup from fleabay and finding some worn (aged) gold pickup covers. I doubt I'll be able to find an original pickguard with "Randy Rhoads" engraved in it but if I wanted to go there I could always have this engraved. Probably for cheaper than what an original would cost and there are enough photos available for a pro to get it right.

Restoreing it would obviously be the thing to do if I was selling it but I think (know) I'm keeping it. Maximizing resale value is not the here.

Just curious to hear your thoughts.

 

[BFT Gibson]

Woh, this thing just 4 posted ..lol

When i get a new guitar, i run it through every amp after a set up. The record it. If i bond, it stays as part of the line up in a tone range i can depend on. After all this gear binge..funny, most left is all stock amps & guitars.

 

[Thatbastarddon]

That thing screams for black speed knobs IMO. I don’t see a need to change anything else...unless you really dislike a pickup(or both) for sound/tonal reasons.

 

[CoyotesGator]

I would play that just like it is.

 

[Ebidis]

If it were mine, I would keep it like it is. It has personality and tells a story.

Besides, I detest the idea of having someone else's name on my pickguard. I don't even like having Slash's signature on the headstock of my Les Paul.

 

[SG John]

I'd leave it alone and play the hell out of it.

 

[Don O]

Well, having spent many years restoring a 1969 Big Block Corvette back to the way it left the factory (not factory original, a car and a guitar can only be original once), it kinda bleeds over into this hobby for me. The 81 V I recently purchased had SD pups in it since both Dirty Fingers pups had died. The previous owner was cool enough to have kept them and included them in the sale. I made 1 good one from the pair and sent the defective bobbins out to be rewound. It felt really nice to have “restored” it.

 

[iblive]

Original only means something if it’s an investment and you plan on selling it. I say play it.

 

[eSGEe]

Sir,
All due respect --- the proper answer -- SEND IT TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[iblive]

Sir,
All due respect --- the proper answer -- SEND IT TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or Zzzzzzzzz

 

[eSGEe]

I'd leave it alone and play the hell out of it.

this

Or Zzzzzzzzz

traitor!

 

[Clockworkmike]

If you did anything? Id change the switch ring to a standard Rhythm/ Treble, go with Grover Mini Tuners and black speed knobs if you have the exposed coil humbuckers. Or just leave it lol

 

[Astral Traveler]

this

traitor!

Competition

 

[eSGEe]

LEAVE IT THE HELL ALONE (says Randy)

 

[Astral Traveler]

Keeping it as is eh? That's what I'm leaning towards. It plays and sounds gret.

 

[Astral Traveler]

If you did anything? Id change the switch ring to a standard Rhythm/ Treble, go with Grover Mini Tuners and black speed knobs if you have the exposed coil humbuckers. Or just leave it lol

Hehe! That switchbring is what set it apart from the others. It's an original feature :d

 

[Astral Traveler]

I detest the idea of having someone else's name on my pickguard

Yeah, not a fan either.

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

I'd leave it alone and play the hell out of it.

I'd sell the P. O. S. and get a real guitar. HAHA

 

[Astral Traveler]

I'd sell the P. O. S. and get a real guitar.

I have her SG sister too

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

AT, I would keep it like it is, of course unless you find parts that aren't working right or sounding good. Or you just like a more comfortable knob etc.