Original hardware...and binding question

[Jack FFR1846]

I finished up another guitar project and decided that the 69 studio 302 wasn't going to just sit in the case....and with Christmas coming...I'm playing 2 Sundays coming up in church.... so I set out to fix what was broken. First was the audio output jack, which I simply removed and replaced. The hum was gone (I assume there was enough corrosion that the cord wasn't connecting well). I pulled out the pickup switch that's been a problem since the '70's (yah, procrastinate like a pro....). Lots of bending and checking and more bending and checking and 40 minutes later, it worked in all 3 positions and actually stayed in place in each setting with no play when in the center. Yay!

Ok...the long setup to ask....do collectors look for original hardware like the corroded output jack that I have? I don't want to throw it out only to find that it's some desirable thing for uber-must-be-original restorer or something.

The next thing that I was wondering is...what breaks down the binding? Mine has yellowed a bit and has some very fine lines....not really cracks, but maybe micro cracks here and there. I ask because every vintage guitar that I find in stores has binding that's missing, broken, majorly cracked. Did 30 years in it's case under my bed help me in this? (Pretty much...that's where it's been). I also do store all of my guitars in their case except for one that's next to my couch.

Thanks for any response, guys.

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Jack; can't answer your question on the binding but I think I'd hang on to the old output jack; it's not about originality or authenticity ... it's evidence that the one in the guitar has been replaced.

Ok ... you could have found it by the road but you have something to show ... let the new buyer decide what to do with it. In the world of amps, good techs always return old caps, parts, whatever ... they just do.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I'll tag it and hold on to it. I don't plan to ever sell the guitar, but maybe some day, one of my kids will want to and have that info. I figure after holding on to it for 41 years, so far, I might as well keep it....

 

[adorshki]

I'll tag it and hold on to it. I don't plan to ever sell the guitar, but maybe some day, one of my kids will want to and have that info. I figure after holding on to it for 41 years, so far, I might as well keep it....

Actually I think in the case of original output jack will be good to have JUST IN CASE you DO run into that one guy who really values the original parts. And an ST302 may be rare enough to warrant that. LIke cars: when it's repaired they return the old part to prove it's been replaced but a lot of collectors still value having that original part. They might want to take a whack at repairing it to keep 100% originality.
AS for the binding I DO remember it's been discussed here before and it's a generic problem with the material used, it outgasses over time and thus cracks, shrinks and literally evaporates away. Some makers were worse than others, I think Gretsch was s'posed to be particularly notorious in this regard. A little searching should yield more info. My foggy memory says you've actually got a better material than the REALLY early stuff. At the time it was plastic, it was cheap and modern and nobody really much knew or even cared how long it was really going to last. "Vintage" guitars were still a gleam in yer daddy's eye... :lol:

 

[playsvintageguilds]

" it's been discussed here before and it's a generic problem with the material used, it outgasses over time and thus cracks, shrinks and literally evaporates away. "

I was thinking in a different direction.
Sunlight/heat/cold.
However,I expect I am off on this one. Just seems to me that
nearly everything of value that is handmade tends to breakdown over time
due to the nature of the materials used and environment.
So,my guess will stand as...sunlight...heat..cold.

The guitar I own which required the most attention recently,is my Guild '67 D40 BJ.
Had a back crack and a couple near the pickguard.
Also needed a neck reset.
Now, it is the best sounding/playing unit in my quiver..
and there is some formidable competition in there.

Sometimes I wonder if the best thing we can do for our guitars
is something I heard from my auto mechanic regarding my '66 Chevy Malibu Chevelle.

" Fire that thing up everyday and drive it like you own it !"

 

[john_kidder]

my '66 Chevy Malibu Chevelle.

Always loved that car.

 

[AlohaJoe]

Always loved that car.

Not me... the man that stole my first true love was driving a brand new red '65 Chevelle. Remember the Leo Kottke song "Pamela Brown"? Anyway, I had a great life, she had a bazillion kids and he ended up in prison. So I guess in the end it all worked out pretty well. :lol:

 

[murkat]

Keep the old jack on standby...

yes, plastics degass. Mostly happens when the instrument is kept in the case for long periods of time, degassing is accelerated by the closed in area, not "breathing". Plastics of all kinds usually loose there "oils" sooner or later....
Faux Tortoise shell type pick guards, binding, etc. are most notorious for degassing and taking other parts along with it.
I have seen many Gibson Johnny Smiths do this.