What the Hell is this thing?

[MasterShake2003]

Hey all,

So, I've had this guitar in the back of my closet for over ten years and I finally have some money to fix it up. The thing is thrashed, but still salvageable. Problem is, I have no idea where to begin buying parts as I don't know what the hell it is.

I can only look into the f-holes and I don't see any labels or marks of any kind. The nameplate is missing that was once on the headstock. The back neckplate says only "REINFORCED STEEL NECK Made in Japan"

I believe it is a pre-1970 Ibanez Hollowbody, but I'm not sure and thought that some of you afficianados might have some answers for me. Here;s a pic:



Any help you all could give me would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

[Michael Ambrose]

Well, thats definitely an Ibanez "I" on the tremolo...

...but DeArmonds???

I call frankenstein on this.

[MasterShake2003]

This is the closest I've come to finding it online, and this is a sixties Ibanez



Researching guitars online is like an exercise in torture. Just when you think you've got it, nope, not it.

I just don't know how much it would take to get the thing playing again, the neck needs some work, it needs a bridge and output jack and trem handle...not even sure if the pickups work...I want to get it going, but I can't see spending thousands on it if it's a frankenstien-ed guitar.

[cheepaxes]

Michael, those look a little like DeArmonds to me but I'm not convinced they are. I would think it would be possible to get that guitar up and running for under $100 assuming the parts it has are in reasonable working order and you're not going for an exact restoration. And assuming you do the work yourself.

Scott

[Spud1950]

I'm pretty sure this is it. Ibanez Model 480, made from 1965 -1966.





The pickups appear to be original, but I too don't think they're DeArmonds. Probably,like the guitar itself, of Japanese origin.

Here's a real good site dedicated to early Ibanez guitars.

[MasterShake2003]

That's gotta be it...now if I can just find the parts...

You all have any prefered online sources to look for parts?

[Spud1950]

You're missing the the arm and clamp assembly and the tension spring for the Bigsby tail piece. You will not be able to put strings on it without those parts.If you want to keep the Bigsby,you will need to get this.Lots of places sell the arms and springs,but this is the only place I know of that also sells the clamp.The unit clamps on to the protruding end of the bar and the spring goes under the clamp and sits on that round indentation on the base of the tailpiece. Might seem a bit expensive,but an entire new Bisgby unit like that cost around $120 -$150.



The bridge is easily replaceable. Just replace the whole thing,including the base.Guitar Fetish has a nice roller bridge. This type of bridge goes real well with the Bigsby vibrato. They also have the output jack in the electronics section.



First thing to do is to determine if the pickups and other electronics are working.

[Bassassin]

Go here:

http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/forum/

Or specifically:

http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/forum/5 ... 60s-world/

Wouldn't be remotely surprised if someone there doesn't have the parts you need in their spares box. They can probably tell you loads about your particular guitar too.

Jon.

[MasterShake2003]

You guys totally rock.

Now I just need to find a pickguard and Name plate...a tuning key and I'm set.

One more question, would you touch up the finish? Refinish? Repaint?

[VintAxe]

I say never touch up unless you are preventing a finish problem from getting worse. Touching up dings and chips is like putting make up on Grandma; it just doesn't seem honest. If you're old, you probably have some dings and chips; own up to it and move forward. Personally, I've never seen a guitar appreciate in value with restoration work unless it improved playability.

[JLHooker]

I have an old guitar indentical to the picture that Spud 1950 posted.I bought it used in 1969 for $75.I has the name Ralston on the headstock.The plate on the back says made in Japan.I have been told that it was made by Ibanez.The pickups are identical to ones in Spud's picture and are original.It's still playable.I started to rebuild it but I remebered that I don't like the narrow neck and so I didn't want to sink any money in it.

[Bassassin]

It won't be made for Ibanez, but is likely from the same factory. Ibanez is only a brand name, and as a result the same guitars turn up with other, unconnected names, particularly 60s & early 70s instruments.

J.

[devnulljp]

Hmmm... here's a very similar looking 1963 Kay Jazz II (although that I is a dead giveaway for Ibanez) -- not mine unfortunately

[DeMontGuitars.com]