Restoring an Old Takamine Guitar

[lanko]

Hey guys I recently brought out my super old MIJ takamine guitar and realised that it is in pretty poor conditions. The strings are obviously rusty and worn. The tuners and tuner posts seem to requirement a replacement too. And I think i'd want to readjust (lower) the action of the guitar.

Just seeking for advices on how i should go about restoring it back to good conditions? Should I just head down to a guitar shop and let them handle all the dirty work? Haha im kinda tied down by schl work and stuff right now. Any idea how much it would cost?

Thanks for reading and i'd be glad to hear your opinions!

 

[edyeo123]

i suggest u to bring down to da guitar shop. Perhaps u can try guitar77; they have services which could restore ur guitar in perfect cond. U might wana check out a recent thread. One guy got his 1993 ibanez guitar restored: http://soft.com.sg/forum/gear-guitar/123095-old-ibanez-restored.html

For price, not so sure though. Give em a call.

 

[kerplunk182]

Um, i'm speaking from my experience. Before you start thinking what you should do with the guitar, i think you should start by bringing it to a luthier to check the trussrod.

I once planned a list of upgrades i was planning to do on a guitar, until i brought it for a setup and the the luthier told me that the trussrod was pretty messed up. So i figured changing the trussrod wasn't worth it.

 

[Breen]

I just sent my uncle's old 70's Yamaha FG150 to Luthermusic, they changed the pins, bridge, tuners, restrung and restored it to a extremely happy state. It's now being played again after being silent for probably 20 years, sounding pretty awesome vs mid range modern acoustics. Wait till it's properly broken in =]

Thank God it doesn't need a refret right away.

If you do not have experience on setting up, specially an older guitar, do send it to a trustworthy guitar tech or luthier.

Maestro/Zen Guitar, Luthermusic are great guys for your acoustic needs. Malcolm is also around too~

 

[Cavett]

Right timing...

I'm thinking of "upgrading" a Takamine I recently acquired secondhand as well.. Thought of changing the pins, saddles and nut to bone...

Would that makes a significant difference to the overall tone of the guitar??

 

[MadWerewolfBoy]

Changing the pins that holds the ball of the string won't really make much of a difference but changing the saddles and nut will..

U can try Maestro or Luthermusic at excelsior hotel to get your guitar setup

 

[lanko]

Thanks for the informative posts guys! Looks like i need to replace the nut as well, it has fallen out!

@Breen: Hey my situation is very similar to yours, can you be kind enough to tell me how much you paid to restore your guitar? Thanks alot!

 

[Breen]

New strings, new bridge and bridge pins, replaced tuners from the old crudy uncovered ones to Grovers, set up and sprucing, SG120.

Satisfaction at new playable vintage family heirloom stuff, priceless.

 

[lanko]

Ahh sweet thanks! Haha I think the takamine guitar will sound pretty awesome once properly set up too!

Now the question is where can i go for reliable services without busting a hole in my wallet Is luthermusic good? What about others like guitar77 or davis?

 

[Breen]

I think we have answered that earlier man.

Nah don't bring it to Davies. If your in the west Standard Value can also be consulted.

Well a set up already cost 40-60, and new nut and strings will cost appropriately.

 

[lanko]

Ahh woops lol yea hor. ok im gona check up standard value first since its incredibly near where i live