Nabbed a new one... Silvertone 658

[Michael Ambrose]

[Michael Ambrose]

Okay, fellas, weigh in.

This thing is pretty close to cherry. One or two little dings, and that it.

There is, however a nasty hump in the neck at the heel/12th fret, just at the fretboard extension, so thats a drag.

I just took one of my old surface-mount DeArmonds and made myself a wiring harness.

Now... to drill... or not to drill...

[VintAxe]

Hey Michael.

I know you are a skilled tinkerer and I respect that skill unconditionally. My basic philosophy is to let an instrument be what it was designed to be. In many cases expectations were not high so improvements are obvious to a trained eye like yours. However, I think history suggests that any modifications to an instrument reduces value even if the improvement improves functionality. Obviously, we are not gambling a bag of gold with your Silvertone. So, if you drill, value will likely be less value in the future than if you don't drill. On the other hand, if you want to improve functionality and don't care much about making a few more bucks on resale, I say drill away.

Keep us updated.

[Michael Ambrose]

You know, Steve, I'd though about investment and all that blah... but man, the way I look at it, if I'm going to sell this piece eventually, its going to go to a like-minded guitarist who'll appreciate a hot rod.

So.... I went ahead and did it.

VERY simple, just a few holes... pulled a '61 DeArmond from the parts drawer, added a volume and tone pot, and threw on a pair of Silvertone Hi-Fi knobs just for looks. (I actually ordered two cream Dakaware knobs from Ebay). Replaced the bridge base with the bottom half of a metal bridge I took from an old Teisco. Kept the original pickguard, just added a rubber grommet so it would slightly exceed the height of the pickup.

VOILA!