Well, it's been awhile since I've updated this thread.
ARIA PRO II URCHIN 60T
Still not too much progress on the Urchin I'm afraid, the headstock repair is just about done though. I had another look at what I thought was a previously tight crack at the neck pocket. I guess the humidity or something exaggerated the hairline crack to expose it for the actual fracture that it was! So, back to the old drill and screws to reinforce it before continuing. I've finished that repair and filled and sanded the holes but the weather has just not cooperated in order to continue spray painting...too hot, too humid, too windy, too rainy, too cool, or all of the above. I'm chomping at the bit to get back to it.
You can click on the link in the original post above to follow the progress and see the actual repair.
New Additions!
VINTAGE V100 MRPGM "LEMON DROP'
As some of you may know, I'm a big
Vintage fan and this now makes 3 of them that I own. I have lusted after this guitar for awhile now but couldn't afford it at the list price of over $700! Then one day a miracle happened. My son's guitar teacher, who is also the local Vintage dealer emailed me with the news that he was clearing out his top end stock, and at a healthy discount! Long story short, I ran not walked, to his studio and grabbed it at a $250 savings, taxes included!
Now she's mine, all mine!
You can read the technical details here:
http://www.jhs.co.uk/vintageiconguitars.html Scroll about 2/3 down the page.
This is just an amazing guitar to play, and feels just like the neck on my '64 Gibson; thin and fast. And the sound in the mid position is pure Peter Greene/Gary Moore. Outstanding!
ARIA PRO II TA-60
I got really excited when I saw the ad for this one in London (about a 2 hour drive from me!). I thought I had asked the appropriate questions and had convinced myself via the serial number that this was a Matsumoku (Japanese) made guitar. When I got there I looked her over, and when I looked at the back my heart sunk. She was MIK! Damn! I asked every question but the obvious one, "Where was it made?"
Again, long story short, I bought it anyway. She's beautifully made and not a mark on her, and she cleaned up beautifully:
The only issue was a reversed bridge pickup and needing some adjustments. I also discovered that the original pups had been replaced at some point and then "reinstalled" hence the reversed bridge. I also discovered that the wiring had not been soldered! The wires were just dry twisted with piece of tape over top, which was falling off.
Morals of the story:
1. Ask where it was made before you go get it!
2. Always check the wiring!