I've got the opportunity to get an Intruder 5. Seems in good enough condition though I don't know how it sounds - any evaluation would need some TLC for an hour first since it has been stored for a decade or so.
The question (if I get it) is "Restore" or "Trick"
First step is always "Restore" to check, involving: remove the rusted strings clean I wipe the fret board check & buff up the frets clean out and lube the bridge & screws (unscrew, clean:lube:reattach. Patch the nick on the body (forest green modelling paint?) De-ox on the pots Pull pups and check, grounding (ground posts if required - common failing on many guitars) Polish out bridge saddles and nut, Chap-stick + graphite polish 11-49 D'Addario Rock/Jazz strings
Go into the shooting gallery and see what it is suitable for (Question: Metal : Rock : Blues?)
Assuming the pickups pass muster - any opinions on these out there? comparisons?
Restore or Darken
Darken Drop in Epiphone 57 pickups with a touch up to the pickup covers Some ebony staining to darken the rosewood of the neck Some lacquer mixed with deep bronze - wipe on and wipe off quickly (fills nooks, crannies for a darker aged look) DR Black Beauties (light ones) Slightly darken the cap (add a .010uF Orange Drop cap ,022 + .010 -> .032 dark...) Bore oil on the fret-board (coat, work in, soak, wipe, repeat) Add push-pull - in Pull putts pickups inn series (even darker)
Bright Restore Leave Bore oil on the neck (repeat) DR Red Devils to match the red dots (optional) Wax & buff that body * headstock up... Assuming I do get it.... once I've oiled the fretboard (dry dry dry from storage) it won't be taking any stain, and once I wax/buff it won't be getting a Lacquer treatment. Either way is "one way"... what would you do?
I'd be getting it Saturday.. and there is no snow to ski. What would you do?
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