Clipper six parts - help

Hi there,

I have just picked up a black Clipper six from 86, made in Japan it says and pretty much original I think. It needs a few bits, partly due some bad handling by couriers and partly some rust issues. Before I go hunting for replicas or try to tidy up what I have does anyone have any original mini switches, a bridge and a volume pot? I think all else is fine but haven't tested the electrics fully yet. Can post some pics if needed if someone explains how.

Thanks

The micro switches are a standard item; I bought mine in Dunedin, NZ for my Clipper CL4112, so they're no problem and the pot is also a standard thing; any decnt electronics store will be able to help, or failing that Stewmac or any of the online guitar part sellers.

The bridge should clean up real nice with some elbow grease and polish etc.

Thanks very much for the advice, I looked at some electric bits and I think I see what you mean, so I will try that. The saddles also need new grub screws at least but may need full replacement, can I just use any replacement ones here too? The body also has some major dings, down to the wood. I heard that stripping and repainting these could be a nightmare. I dont mind a bit of a relic look to be honest..but any advice on whether it would be too difficult to attempt?

Some pictures would help to see what you're dealing with here, eh! The grubb screws should be a standard size as well, though I'm not sure of the length; I know there's at least one Clipper Six owner in here who should be able to chip in at some stage.... My Clipper's no good as it has the Bendmaster Deluxe on it....

Major dings can be a problem, but if we can see what's what, there are some very experienced people in here that I turn to when the need arises!!

These will fit
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-quality-guitar-bridge-saddles-chrome-black-gold-/390323265761?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&var=&hash=item99acde53ff

The switches you can get from Maplins, DPDT switch.
Volume control , any full size 500 ohm B will do, plenty on ebay or your local guit. shop.
good luck.

Hi again,

Here are some pictures of the general condition of the guitar. The last two are the major dings. Is there an easy touch up I can do that will look OK apart from a marker pen? Otherwise I may try a full sand down and repaint although I have never done anything like that. By the way does the pickup look orginal? Aplogies if the pics are not great but hope they help.

Get some black nail polish and add a layer/coat to slowly build it up to thickness. Flat down with fine wet+dry, polish.
Works a treat.
Yes the pickup looks original , black plastic bottom.

Here's a link to my little problem.
http://forum.westoneguitars.net/t2442-clipper-six-that-s-been-clipped

Wow, makes mine look a bit pathetic.....good luck with that one!!!

... *ahem*... we all have tales of projects undertaken in here, eh!!

http://forum.westoneguitars.net/t2458-and-so-it-begins

Joking aside, patience is the virtue you need for this sort of thing; not like me where "rip, sh*t and bust" is my normal way of approaching things!!

I know that method, my favourite usualy too as I am not the most patient 'diy'er myself...but I guess never you are never too old to learn... By the way the bridge below is pretty rusted up. I guess there is no easy fix on that one? Rechroming would be ridiculous on a guitar this value I reckon and I looked at replacments but hole positions seem different for the back two screws, so that would mean redrilling and filling the old holes or is there another way?

A bigger pic would be good as my old eyes ain't as good as they used to was!! However, is the bridge gold or chrome? I don't imagine re-chroming would be too costly if they're really in dire straits; charge off down to your friendly neighborhood electroplaters with the bits and ask 'em!!

Here's some decent economical bridges. You'd have to make some new holes though. Both of these will cover the old holes.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thru-string-hard-tail-fixed-chrome-6-saddle-bridge-/130336735544?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1e58acc138

Or something a little meatier.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thru-string-hard-tail-fixed-square-guitar-bridge-B31-/140385803343?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item20afa55c4f

Stew Mac makes a black super glue that a lot of guys use to fill in black paint blems. I'm doing this right now on a friend's guitar. Supposedly it polishes up nice and glossy, and is easier than nail polish and a clear coat. I'll let you know how it works, I'll be doing the sanding and polishing this week.

The Chad wrote:Stew Mac makes a black super glue that a lot of guys use to fill in black paint blems. I'm doing this right now on a friend's guitar. Supposedly it polishes up nice and glossy, and is easier than nail polish and a clear coat. I'll let you know how it works, I'll be doing the sanding and polishing this week.

Interesting. Haven't heard of that one. I'll be curious to hear how it works out.
You'd think that Black should be the easiest colour to fix but it can be tricky. There's black and then there's black. The variation in shades can be confounding!

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the advice, really great for a newbie at this stuff like me. Being this side of the pond I didn't know Stewmac but anyway found a place called Tonetech Luthiers in Stockport www.tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk who seem to have the super glue, so will look out for your comments on how it works. Will press on with my project Clipper and maybe post some pics, although I know it wont ever look as sexy as some of the ones other folks are working on...