$20 Marketplace Wreck to Guitar Gem: Neck Restoration Ep. 01

🎸 Hey, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Welcome to Rising Sun Guitar Mods!
Today, I'm starting an exciting new series where I transform a $20 marketplace find from a neglected wreck into a stunning guitar. Found in a less-than-ideal condition, the challenge is: Can I make it awesome?
Part 2 here: • $20 Marketplace Wreck ...
🔧 In This Episode:
* I take you through my initial assessment of this budget guitar restoration project.
* You'll see the detailed tear-down process, showcasing the potential hidden beneath years of neglect.
* I dive into the step-by-step journey of neck restoration, fixing twists, and renewing the fretboard to breathe new life into this old guitar.
💡 Why This Project:
This series isn't just about fixing an old guitar; it's about the passion for uncovering hidden value and potential in what many might overlook. It's a journey of transformation, craftsmanship, and a bit of guitar makeover magic.
👀 What's Next:
Stay tuned for the next steps in this guitar refurbishing series. What challenges will I encounter as I continue to mod and restore this guitar? Don't forget to subscribe to follow the journey!
🎶 #GuitarRestoration #DIYGuitarRepair #CheapGuitarFix #MarketplaceGuitarFind #GuitarNeckRepair #GuitarModding #BudgetGuitarRestoration #GuitarRefurbishing #FixingOldGuitar #GuitarMakeoverChallenge
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Hit that like button, drop your thoughts in the comments, and share to support the channel! Your interaction is greatly appreciated and helps me create more guitar mod content.
🔗 Links & Resources:
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Get in touch for your guitar’s revival story: / risingsunguitarmods
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👍 Like & Subscribe:
Enjoyed the video? Hit the like button, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more guitar adventures! Keep on rocking!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Check oiut the other Marketplace Tele getting a teardown to identify if it has the same makers marks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYGtdHZtpL5ko6ssi=trBJcmJC-rZJ8D_q

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

The bamboo figerboard would be an ecological bragging point these days and $20 for just a thinline body alone would be a steal!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@JohnSmith-ki2eq it did have some issues, but yes it was a great find. I’ve never seen a bamboo fingerboard before which is why I wanted to save it.

[@nigelboothman6653]

'I'm going to zip it and check back in when I've got something useful to say'...98% of KZbin could learn a lot from this.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

😂😂

[@GuitarRx]

I am already in love with this tele. Has a zero fret! Sweet find for $20

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

I’m trying to decide on putting humbuckers or p90’s in it. Think I’m leaning towards p90’s.

[@GuitarRx]

P90s 100% @@RisingSunGuitarMods

[@gotthardish]

Something very therapeutic about watching craftsmen repair/mod a guitar!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thank you for the comment man, I am happy it does that for you. I also find it very relaxing to watch others doing the same thing. 🤟

[@Daddy53751]

As a guy who’s been modding since the early 80’s, I finally did my first refret. Stainless steel on a bound rosewood 5 string Jazz bass, as a part of a total rebuild/mega mod. It was quite a pain, but the result was awesome. I actually love modding more than building. Nice work dude.🤘🏻

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man appreciate the comment. I was nervous about my first regret but once I did one I realised it was easier than I thought, just take your time. 🤘🏼👍

[@ZacharyDial]

This is premium Guitar KZbin content! I can't wait for more of this. 😁

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man. Appreciate the support.

[@Defekcija]

That factory logo is Mercedes. You're welcome.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Hmmmm 🫤

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Looking at it upside down. Well done man. Lol.

[@johnoakley6696]

Very cool!

[@michaelreed4158]

Like watching repair content. wanting to try it myself but haven’t gotten up the courage yet

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Grab a cheap branded one on market place and go for it. You’ll be surprised what you can make from a no name brand. Check out what I made for my bro out of a scrap pile no name guitar: Unveiling the Mystery: The Incredible Rebirth of a Cursed Guitar as a 50th Birthday Gift! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2HVpnV4qp56gac

[@braydenpayne5501]

"it is sanding after all!" made me chuckle

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

🤪 need some type of relief during the never ending dust storm.

[@user-ib8uj1ic7d]

On that era of Japanese guitars, the stamp on the neck heel will usually be the quality inspector's mark, and unfortunately, not a maker's mark. The truss rod cover shape reminds me of Guyatone/Kawai neck from the 60s. It could still be Kasuga however. Bamboo is unusual for a 1960s guitar, but it's now used as a sustainable wood - especially on acoustics. So someone was ahead of their time!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

I come to similar conclusions. I believe I was wrong about the bamboo neck. It’s actually maple but laminated like plywood and has the bamboo look about it. Check out the other two episodes in this series. It come up realy cool in the end. ✌️

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

the zeroth fret was also a givaway that it was early Japanese. They seemed to love that idea.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

It was common in that era for the copy guitars, the German offset copy on the wall also has the zero fret. 🤘🏼👍

[@inthestudy]

I was so happy when I saw you taping the headstock. Every F-style guitar should have a matched headstock. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. n.b. yes, "matched" means a natural head on a natural or burst guitar. I'm not banning wood headstocks!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

lol. I’m a big fan of matched on everything. ✌️

[@phatmanoflove]

That neck looks great! Well done.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thank for your comment. Appreciate the support. 🤘🏼👍

[@wacokid2532]

I like how you don't talk all the way through and show detailed method of neck restoration. Bravo !

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for your comment. Appreciate the support. 👍

[@rsmrsm9374]

Well done!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for the supportive comment. 🤘🏼

[@DevanSabaratnam]

Nice work on that neck! This was really enjoyable to watch and looking forward to Ep 2!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for your support. Appreciate it. Working in the next part so hopefully it’s not far off. 👍

[@sakatana79]

Amazing transformation of that neck toy make it look amazinng and i bet feels and plays great too!!!!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man. Appreciate the comment. It does feel amazing, still yet to play it though so stay tuned for that. 👍

[@propatriabellum]

Great project. Thanks for the video.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

You’re welcome. Thanks for the comment. 🤘🏼

[@sledgecity]

Oh man super entertaining and really high quality video man huge respect we Def need a part 2

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man. Really appreciate your support. Working on part two now. Hopefully next couple of days so stay tuned. 👍🤘🏼

[@garybrady9531]

Great work looks fabulous

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man. Appreciate the comment. 🤘🏼

[@davehildebrand38]

Cheers mate!😊

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

🍻

[@hisproperty1438]

G'day RSGM, Thanks for a great video. I bought Torch Vintage Series Strat in the mid 80's, so I'm very interested in watching the videos on this restoration series. I haven't seen the guitar this century, but it's safely locked away in its hardcase. I'll get it out soon. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for the next video. Keep up the good work Andrew

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks again Andrew. Phill. ✌️

[@lucagarciaferrari]

Far out, that neck looks happy! I've subbed, super keen to see where the rest of the guitar ends up. I love these kinds of vids, and especially that there are people out there restoring these old guitars and making them awesome again!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for the comment man. Appreciate the sub too. Both these guitars are getting done at the same time so more vids coming soon. ✌️

[@chicagochris1988]

Great video!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for the comment. Appreciate the support. 🤘🏼👍

[@CyberBrew]

Thank goodness. I thought I was the only one that sipped like that.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Might as well enjoy it brother. ✌️👍🍺🍺

[@vince89503]

Don't forget to pet the dog and give him a treat. Pretty much all good restoration work includes these type of duties. Thanks for the video man, much appreciated.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Hahaha, yep she definitely doesn’t have a tough life I can tell you that. 😊

[@vince89503]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods I'm sorry. She needs a treat haha. You're doing great things my brother. I am grateful for you and the knowledge you share.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@vince89503 thanks for the kind words bro. ✌️

[@12footgrave]

This was awesome.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man, appreciate the comment. Be sure to check out parts 2 and 3 on my channel. 🤘🏼✌️

[@tomscotland]

Instant sub.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man, and welcome. I appreciate your support. 🤘🏼👍

[@MrTails36]

The Y logo might mean an export model. Only a guess, but we used to have Y as a prefecture denotation on our license plate in Japan as foreigners.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Interesting. Thanks for the info.

[@robhum3z]

mmm...brown water. Great vid mate

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Cheers mate, appreciate the comment.🍻

[@madeofnapalm]

Bamboo fingerboard?? Well you learn something new every day I guess 😁

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Yep. First time I’ve seen it used. I guess whatever works right? 🤷🏻✌️

[@scottkellogg8145]

Nice video

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man. Appreciate the comment.

[@ST-wn7ml]

great work and cool find. a cool (semi natural) husk like that with wear would be $100 - 200 in the US. Wish I could be so lucky to find one like that.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Usually the case here too, this was a lucky score. It’s getting harder to find deals like this. But every now and then you get lucky. Just got to keep looking and trying. 👍

[@nothinglikeasongbird]

Great vid. Plus love hearing a familiar accent.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for the comment bro. I’m originally from NZ but Aus has been home for 23 years. 🤘🏼👍

[@jaysinpentell373]

That neck stamp looks similar to the Electra logo 70s era.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Interesting, I’ll look more into it. Thanks for the info.

[@CatIsQueen]

sick vid

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@CatIsQueen cheers man. Don’t forget to check out the other two parts. 🤘🏼

[@avepunkfloyd7691]

Wow, it's Musima De Luxe 25 on the wall

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

It sure is. I actually bought it thinking it was an MIJ but then realised it’s made in Germany. It will get a restomod eventually as it’s very cool. Best headstock ever. 🤘🏼

[@patrickkem689]

I’m commenting before finishing up on watching but was that nut Bo e by chance,,,or damaged? sure hope you were able to save it without destroying,,,I am really enjoying your video always a pleasure to watch any resto ‘mod projects!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate your support. To answer your question be sure to check out parts 2 & 3 :)

[@mikedtubey]

Love that neck! The neck looks awesome after you worked on it!!! How's a bamboo fretboard feel and play?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man. Feels just like maple. It’s possible of made a mistake and it is maple but put together like bamboo. I’ll address this in the next video. Stay tuned. 🤘🏼

[@wizrom3046]

How dare you drink BEER while working on priceless vintage guitars!! ... RUM man, RUM. Get it together 😎

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

lol, problem is, the rum is always gone 🤪🤪

[@jensk4140]

I spotted a Musima deluxe on the wall 😊

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

You sure did. It will get its time in the spotlight. Stay tuned. 🤘🏼

[@FoulOwl2112]

Something about the sound of the radius block on bamboo made my skin crawl

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Any sanding makes my skin crawl. 😂😂

[@ukebox00oftheworld63]

A bambu fingerboard, I've never heard of that before. How does it feel to play? Great video. Keep em coming 😀

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Well I haven’t played it yet, 😂 but after the huge amount of work rolling the edges and getting the fret ends all smooth, and with the finish it feels very much like maple.

[@danielmiller2886]

You said the fingerboard was bamboo? Did I hear that correctly? Thats fascinating, knowing what great a durable wood bamboo is, it actually seems like a great choice for a custom builder to consider.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

I did say bamboo, and I’m not sure but I’ve found some new info while researching that suggests it’s actually laminated maple. I’m going to make another video about it comparing as I’m still not completely sure.

[@Smitoons]

Between sanding and fretting you put a finish on the neck. Looks great. What did you use?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

No the finish went on after the frets. I used Montana Varnish, wich is a solvent lacquer. It is really humid where I live so we have a lot of trouble with drying and curing. Takes much longer to fully cure.

[@GuitarRx]

Was meaning to ask you. What is the brand name of the red handle snips you use for cutting the fret ends? I like the size and design of them.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

FastCap, here is where I got them in Australia, I’m sure they would be available somewhere in the US. www.timbecon.com.au/flush-cut-trimmers-fret-nipper

[@seal010101]

If you don’t mind, would you describe your red work mat? It looks very practical and I wonder if I could get one in the States? Thanks!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Hey man, it’s nothing special, there are two, one on top of the other, both are 900mm x 400mm computer desk mats, one on the bottom is a neoprene one, it’s just a gaming mouse pad, available on Amazon, and the one on top is a leather type of one, also from Amazon. Hope this helps. ✌️

[@seal010101]

Thanks!@@RisingSunGuitarMods

[@agcacustoms2852]

Another KZbin channel did a video about a similar Japanese tele copy which looks similar to your guitar. His turned out to be most likely an early 70s Ibanez telecaster copy which had a similar truss rod cover to your guitar.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Do you remember the channel name. I’d love to check it out. I wonder if it’s the one where he gets it from a flea market at the start. If so I need to go re watch it. I think he did a heap of research on it too. ✌️

[@agcacustoms2852]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods I do believe it is that video. He did a whole spread sheet of the import 70s telecaster guitars to find which one his was most likely since a lot of those copies were made in the same factory and just had slight differences along with a different brand.

[@agcacustoms2852]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods I do believe it is that video. He did a whole spread sheet of the import 70s telecaster guitars to find which one his was most likely since a lot of those copies were made in the same factory and just had slight differences along with a different brand.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@agcacustoms2852 yep that’s the one. I’m actually subscribed to his channel. He does some awesome vintage sampling stuff too. Think I’ll have a re watch see how close it is. 👍

[@deathmetalmachine]

who did the background music I would like to hear more of it

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

🤘🏼Thanks man. That’s me playing. This one is just a quick put together for the video, song is towards the end of the vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYPUmoZuZrZ2ba8 And this one my brother wrote about 30 years ago. Song towards the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2HVpnV4qp56gac

[@victoresarey4036]

In the 70s gibson commonly used pancake construction for les Paul's, not that uncommon

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Yep agree, was very common in these MIJ copies too. 👍

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Very useful info! Glad I subscribed!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks man, apreciate the sub.

[@Udimet720]

So, what exactly did you do that got rid of the twist? Was the fingerboard sanded unevenly and that created a twist under tension? I have a neck with a twist and I think that may be the issue. Neck looks great. Love the headstock!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Hey, thanks for the question. In this case, I think the original neck wasn't exactly all that accurate, and there may have been some warping due to the way it had been stored. But I was able to sand the main part of the twist out of the heal as this was where it looked the worst. Just be patient and take it down a little bit at a time. 👍

[@ivorj4715]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods I'm thinking you meant to say heel not heal, thats for the Doctors. 🙂

[@michaelmillican5592]

I had a guitar neck that was twisted like the one you have. I wrapped it in a towel and then I gently drove my car over it a couple times. I know it sounds insane and reckless but it worked. The neck was just about perfectly straight. I've never told anyone about this before but it seems like someone should know. It was a Squier Strat neck.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@michaelmillican5592 😂😂😂 whatever works man. 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@MrSchecter45]

Nova caster "bamboozled series " bsmboo neck

[@use0fweapons]

this might be a silly question but why do you sand after the frets are installed. is the fret wire not the desired shape already?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Fret levelling, I installed by hand without a press, almost impossible to get them perfectly level, even if you have a press actually. If you want a perfect fret job, with a run off above the twelfth fret, important if you like low action, you need to level. Also need to shape the fret ends. Look up re-fret vids, some videos out there go into much more detail than I did. Hope this helps.

[@use0fweapons]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods thats a great explanation. ive never heard anyone say it so simply, or at all honestly. ive seen a bunch of guitar work videos but noones ever specified it.

[@DMSProduktions]

Sweet lookin' old J Tele! What part of Oz you in & how long have you been here bru?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Sunshine Coast. 23 years now man. 🤘🏼

[@DMSProduktions]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods Choice eh! Yeah I am in Melbourne.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@DMSProduktions I originally moved to Melbourne with a band I played in, lived there for about 3 years before moving out to Traralgon. 2.5 hours south east Melbs. Only moved the family up to Sunny Coast at the start of 2019. Missed the shitstorm by about a year luckily. 🤘🏼

[@DMSProduktions]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods Haha cool. I have a cousin in Traralgon! Matt Fry from The Pedal Picassos channel is also in Traralgon! My late besty moved his family up to Bris in late '18 & missed the Covid mess by a year or so! He died suddenly Dec 22! Cheers!

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@DMSProduktions ah sorry about your friend. I used to own and operate a digital agency (Scribblevision)in Traralgon. Operated there for 13 years. Still service a good amount of clients in Gippsland now. 17 years in business. Time flys.

[@metalextras]

This is probably made by today's Fujigen guitar... The guys who made Fender and Ibanez Japan...

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Yea its out of one of the Ibanez factories.

[@ThomasMoreHamill]

Would love more explanation of how you got out the neck twist. Hard to believe sanding would do it.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

The fingerboard was fairly thick and the high side of the twist actually had more material on it. Almost like it was twisted from the factory. Wouldn’t surprise me as they were hand made. But yes sanding got it out. And there was a lot of sanding. Started with 80 grit so there was a lot of work in it. 🤘🏼

[@fabiowalterflorio6665]

my good lord .. I find it hard to follow your lingo. New Zealand?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Hahaha. Yes NZ but been living in Australia for 23 years so it’s a muddy mix of the both. Pretty horrid mix I know. 😂😂

[@TheAmphibic]

sanding is a tough job .... any help is appreciated ... ;)

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

😉

[@jstnjstnjstnjstn]

what is song/band playing?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

🤘🏼Thanks man. That’s me playing. This one is just a quick put together for the video, song is towards the end of the vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYPUmoZuZrZ2ba8 And this one is me playing a song my brother wrote about 30 years ago. Song towards the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2HVpnV4qp56gac

[@AdamWellsMusic]

What’s in the glass?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

10 Toes Brewery, IPA. 🍺 🍺🍺😉

[@DMSProduktions]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods YUM!

[@ranman58635]

I live in the gut of the valley in California. There's zero taste here. It finally dawned on me, the people here actually lack life. Can't find anything like this around here.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Sounds like you need a good old fashioned road trip, excite yourself on a pickers hunt. ✌️👍

[@ranman58635]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods , like a hole in the head. 😆

[@rphntw1n]

Could have left the gulping out but… cool guitar

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

🤣

[@nickdryad]

Biggest truss cover plate ever.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

It’s massive aye, I think I’m liking the retro look of it though. 🤘🏼

[@nickdryad]

@@RisingSunGuitarMods That neck came up sweet. Adding side dot markers was a great idea. Cheers.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@nickdryad thanks man. Appreciate the comment. 👍

[@bradlivey7867]

twist is still there and will continue to twist only way your getting it out is heat clamps and tension you just removed a ton of material when you absolutely shouldn't have

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Well I’ve heat clamped a neck before and that was less successful. It didn’t actually take a lot of material to remove the twist. The fingerboard still has more than enough meat on it. And after several weeks it’s still straight and plays amazing. So maybe it will come back and you’ll be right, but as it is now it’s pretty damn good considering it was on its way to the trash. I’d love to see your video on how to do this correctly as I’m always keen to learn.

[@ranman58635]

Great response. This I your show. Obviously you can do how you feel. Just love it when I see a tactful response. Great job! I have yet to do a fret job as I want it to be perfect and the tools I want to use are expensive.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

@@ranman58635 I hear you. My fret level beam is home made, my fret end files are just needle files from Amazon. My most expensive fret tool is my crowning tool. Which at the time I thought was too much but it’s been worth every penny. ✌️🤘🏼

[@Bikilable]

It was $20 , but now ?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Now it’s not for sale. Not sure how I would value it. But with the work put in and parts probably around 1500 Australian $.

[@spokes28]

It would be helpful to all of us that don’t do this kind of work but find it interesting, if you would describe the process you are doing and perhaps the parts and tools. You are very talented, but I am not. Thank you.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a tutorial playlist and I’ll be adding some more to this playlist soon. I will be sure to do some more detailed vids for that when I do so subscribe for updates. 😉👍

[@theshyguitarist]

You didn’t finish the body?

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Coming soon man. Sub and hit the bell to get notified.

[@maggsvamp]

wonk, wonk, wonk.... video not complete.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

Part 2 coming soon. If you want to watch complete builds in a single video check out my mods playlist: Guitar Mods kzbin.info/aero/PL1Wft6ng6GyeSUWsp13nmaYbF1OSeTpyh

[@user-dx4xf1dd6s]

'I'm going to zip it and check back in when I've got something useful to say'...98% of KZbin could learn a lot from this.

[@RisingSunGuitarMods]

😂😂