a pretty Truetone acoustic of unknown year (any guesses?)

[Joel]

acquired here in Nashville "for a song" as they say.

Some issues:
the major issue first: the neck's been reglued (sloppily) and is pulling back up some. It doesn't appear to have ever split or cracked however. I greatly appreciate any advice you might have on repair!

The pickguard is missing (and would be great to find a replacement for!)

The guitar still plays nicely and there is no warping issues.

I would love a non-invasive way to mount a mini-hum by the end of the fretboard but of course the other issues above take precedence. I've seen some floating mounts but they require two small screws that I just can't see myself doing to a vintage instrument.

If anyone is interested in sharing information or advice - Many thanks!


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[Michael Ambrose]

Hey Joel. Welcome to the group!

Peer inside the f-holes and see if you can get a model number there.

Truetone guitars were sold, typically, at Western Auto department stores. They were manufactured by either Kay or Harmony and re-branded for specific department stores. Going by the slap-on logo, I'm guessing its a mid-60's Kay.

I can't tell from the small pics, but it looks as though the original finish has been stripped (probably around the time the neck was separated).

These boxes are GREAT guitars (I own several), but they're not-so-hot o the resale market. They're probably the last great vintage "player's axes" out there that players can actually afford. You'll never see these floating above the $5-600 mark... and thats being generous.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about drilling into this piece and hurting the re-sale value on this piece. These boxes are MEANT to be played.

You can get a jazzbox pickup that mounts right to a pickguard (though you'll have to drill to mount the guard, so you'll be making holes regardless).

Me, personally... whenever I get my hands on one of these 60's badboys (which happens every few months), if I don't pop a surface-mount DeArmond on there, I've got no qualms with cutting into the top and popping a nice TV Jones (or other high-end single-coil) in the bridge.

Good luck!
-Mike.

[Joel]

Thanks for the welcome!
Glad to hear that I've got a guitar that is meant to be played and that I can try to improve without too much worry!

Y'know, "check the F-holes" was my first thought too. Just cobwebs!

The thing that saddens me is if the finish has been slapped on. I've included a pick of the back. Hard to tell...

The neck heel appears to have pulled up when someone strung it with heavy strings. I don't see a truss rod adjustment anywhere. Maybe I should have one inserted through the back? Fortunately there's no neck bow or twisting to speak of.

I'm glad I can get me a nice pickup for it without too much fuss. It is loud and swampy sounding and I just can't help wondering...
May be a TV Jones Dyna'Tron which is a top-mount deal. Thanks for your suggestion as to the bracket-mounted pickup!

I'm just going to make this guitar a real player again. thanks for any more observations or suggestions you may have!