CrackerBlues44
Junior Member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2010
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I found a black Jet Star on Craigslist around May 2010. It was in good shape overall and had the not-so-unusual assortment of mismatched / incomplete control knobs. These, were missing the logo inserts and one of the smaller knobs had been replaced with an oddball, non-ribbed piece: Minor details, considering it was the desirable “Muddy Waters black” and according to the seller, had recently been purchased from the infamous Chicago Music Exchange store… in CHICAGO! I took this as a divine ‘mojo’ indicator and had it shipped out to L.A., post haste.
As I found out; any Jet Star worth its weight (which is considerable) cries out from within, to be a Thunderbird. Mine was no different.
To say I was repeatedly convinced that I would never find the parts for the upgrades; would be a gross understatement. It took a painstaking, 11 month journey to accomplish what you see above, and below. Weekly, often daily research; countless email inquiries; Craigslist; Ebay; multiple guitar forums… the list of resources utilized, goes on and on.
Finally, earlier this year, in 2011, all my hard work started to pay off… at an accelerated pace… often, too fast for my wallet But, as we all know, when it comes to ultra rare guitar parts, one has to strike while the iron is hot… even when you haven’t a clue how you’re going to pay for the stuff. “Sure, I’ll ‘Buy It Now’… I have no other option !”
The Upgrades:
1) A pristine, unused, NOS vibrato tailpiece w/spring assembly and correct arm
2) (original) Guild Thunderbird 3-slider-switch panel
3) Replace p/u toggle switch w/single slider-switch and panel
4) (original) Guild Thunderbird rear-mounted ‘kickstand’ w/hinge assembly
5) (original) Guild Thunderbird truss rod cover nameplate
6) Replace incomplete / mismatched control knobs
The Work:
Body had to be routed out to accept the vibrato tailpiece spring assembly. The 3-switch panel was re-chromed; the pickguard accurately cut to fit it, and the body routed out to accommodate the switches. The panel is correctly countersunk and is positioned so it is level with the pickguard’s surface. The single slider-switch panel had to be fabricated by hand and was done so, according to dimensions provided by an ever-so-kind Ebay seller who had an original Thunderbird. As opposed to the other switch panel, this one is correctly mounted atop the surface of the pickguard, and not countersunk. All the custom wiring was completed per function descriptions, only… as there are no schematics available. All the switches work properly and are correct to their use, including the tone-cut feature. The ‘kickstand’ was re-chromed, as well. The rear of the guitar body was precisely milled out to accommodate it and the hinge assembly. It works perfectly and sits even with the surface of the guitar body when closed. [A magnet will probably be installed soon to hold the kickstand closed when not in use, as it tends to swing open on its own when the guitar is being picked up or moved.] The control knobs were all replaced with units of the larger ‘logo’ variety, due to the fact that during removal, it was discovered that the only correct small knob, was glued to its shaft and subsequently broke into pieces when attempting to remove it. Two of the correct, small, ribbed knobs are still needed, but have yet to be located. [ *** Any help finding 2 of the correct small, ribbed knobs would be SO greatly appreciated! ].
Extra special thanks, goes out to Eric Chaz of Eric’s Guitar Shop in Van Nuys, CA for the flawless installation work and custom wiring. The scarcity of even a Jet Star, like this one, mandates the need for “first-time-right, no-mistakes” workmanship… and that’s exactly what was delivered. Hope you enjoy the story and the photos!
