by VintAxe » Wed Apr 11, 2012 8:55 pm
Hey Allen.
I own over 200 60's Japanese guitars and fix them all the time. Here's my perspective on your guitar.
These guitars are worth two to three times value in parts compared to an intact instrument. You'll never get your money back if you buy vintage parts to restore this instrument.
Here is my advice. If you want to practice your refinishing skills and don't care about time, labor and money, do whatever you want.
If you would like to break even on your investment, sell this project guitar and buy a more interesting Japanese body shape. This is a yawn guitar shape that looks like a stubby stratocaster. There are plenty of cheap strats in the world for someone interested in that shape.
Collectors like 60's Japanese guitars because they are cheap and have unconventional body shapes. If I was to put the time and expense into a restoration, I would start with a cool body shape. It's probably cheaper to buy quality new parts than original vintage parts so I say if you're interested in restoring a gutted guitar, build yourself a player using new parts. If you want vintage Japanese, just buy one in good shape. Like I said, you'll pay more in vintage parts than the cost of an intact instrument.
This is advise based on financial considerations so if you don't mind losing money then you are free to do whatever. I'm sure this isn't what you wanted to hear. Sorry, it's my experience.