rorywolf Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Hi-new here but need help. I just bought a pretty much mint, under the bed since almost new 1967 Epiphone Casino ES230TDC-serial number 370697. Its one of my bucket list guitars-had one from 1968 till 1974 and foolishly sold it. Anyway, the only flaws are that someone removed and lost the pick guard, screws and bracket. I also have the Epiphone tremolo and the arm was taken off. I have the arm but need the correct nylon washer, screw and retining nut. For the pick guard, I am having a new correct guard made, but wonder why the correct bracket seems to not be available. I can buy a Les Paul style -1 bend bracket, but the orig. has 2 bends. I called everywhere-Gruhn, Elderly, etc, and after saying "No Problem" it seems no one has the right one. Allparts has a similar bracket, but it has 2 holes where it attaches to the rim of the guitar with screws. It looks like The "IBJL" and the "Elites" have the correct bracket, but no one can seem to get parts for them. Any ideas? - I want to get this lady back in shape and complete.Thanks.
retrorod Posted October 27, 2014 Posted October 27, 2014 Nice find rorywolf! I am not familiar with the bracket that you are seeking. I just want to say that I am familiar with your feeling of wanting to put the guitar "back to" original glory. I have had this 'feeling and need' on several vintage guitars that I have been in possession of. My bittersweet realization is that once "original" is gone....everything else is a "replacement" and hopefully "vintage correct". Imagine my horror when years ago, I made a quick deal on a '67 ES-355, only to find later that the whole wiring harness/pickups had been replaced. It certainly was not divulged to me before buying. I certainly ,in good conscience, sell or trade it, knowing that and not disclosing it, so I dealt it back to the original perp!!! Good luck in your search[thumbup]
rorywolf Posted October 27, 2014 Author Posted October 27, 2014 Thanks, Retrorod. I have not given up yet. I called Gibson and asked a CSR about the availability of parts since Elites and IBJLs were still being sold. He said Gibson was only concerned about replacement parts in warranty situations to the orig. owner-that I could buy a new guitar for the parts and then sell the rest of it off. I remarked that maybe "Henry" was missing out on some profits since obviously there was a market. He said if there were any money to be made on parts they would be doing it. I guess Allparts, WD, and others are just in it for giggles. He blew me off with kind of a nasty attitude. I called around Nashville to repair and restoration shops to no avail. No one had a clue where I might find anything and echoed that Gibson did not give a rats butt about anyone restoring a vintage product. Got in the pick guard listed as a fit for mid 60s "short neck". Casino...not even close....not giving up yet.
rorywolf Posted October 28, 2014 Author Posted October 28, 2014 This is it just after unboxing on Friday. The orig. case is the soft, cheaper one but I found a mint gold lining Victoria on Ebay in Memphis and its on the way. I just need to settle the pick guard and trem. bar issue. I had no idea that there was so much variation or that the correct parts would be so hard to find. I have a blonde Peerless Casino and the guard from that one is close but a little short of the neck screwhole on the top. Comparing the two of them , as much as the `67 is superior esthetically and from the vintage angle the MIK is no slouch. The MIK neck is a tiny bit chunkier, but they both are great players. If it were just a matter of which one was the better player I would have a hard time choosing.
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