NOS Gretsch Astro Jet Bodies

Elias Graves said:
No idea. Maybe I'm not following the significance. What does it matter?
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My apologies, I don't mean to derail the thread. I was just wondering how EBMM were able to get a patent (actually further investigation reveals it's a trademark) on their 4+2 headstock when Gretsch were already doing it decades before. Sorry, I should really start another thread about it, so let's leave it there.
 
I'd go straight up TOM on that, fuk that trem. Pickups? Don't know what fits beside what was posted above. Of course, it's your choice. Have fun and keep us up to date.
 
Some research. These were 24.5" scale and used SuperTron (blade) pickups. TV Jones makes some.
Looks like some guy from the Reranch forum bought up the lot of 24 last week.
Searching around, I ran across several build threads, most of which went unfinished after not being able to find a neck to fit.
One I found that did get completed was a Cabronita build. The guy filled the neck pocket and re-routed for a tele neck. Looks odd but it turned out ok.
I think I'm gonna go with a set neck, more like a Corvette style with the small Gretsch 3x3 headstock.
The trem idea may not make it simply because of the weird bevel off the back of the body. The originals had an ebony base Space Control bridge. I may do something like that with a Gretsch trap tail. We'll see.
The originals were solid red on the front and black on the back with a black lucite pickguard. Master volume, individual volumes, tone switch, three way switch and standby switch.
These bodies are 14" wide. Much bigger than an SG.
I'm excited!
 
I bought one of these, too, and it just arrived yesterday. Finding a neck will be the biggest challenge, but not insurmountable. What are you guys thinking for necks?
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Will Adams said:
I bought one of these, too, and it just arrived yesterday. Finding a neck will be the biggest challenge, but not insurmountable. What are you guys thinking for necks?View attachment 20442 View attachment 20443
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Did you get this from the guy in Tennessee?
Mine hasn't even shipped yet. I'm filing a dispute with paypal later today.

Assuming it get it, I will build a neck. I found some good pics of a rebuild project and what looks to be a fairly accurate PDF drawing.
 
After traveling by caravan, apparently, it has arrived.

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Every bit as ugly in person as it looks in the pics.
Trying to decide if I want to go Gretsch or reshape it. The Gretsch option is going to cost nearly $1,000 in parts alone. :embarrassed:
 
TV Jones SuperTrons $135 each.
Gretsch switches $25 each x3.
Gretsch knobs $14 each x3.
Strap buttons $12 each.
Mahogany for the neck, ebony for the fretboard...
It adds up fast.

I'm strongly considering reshaping it and turning it into a platform for firebird pickups.
 
If I go that route, my parts bill goes way down.
$87 for another firebird pickup.
I have walnut to make a neck.
$95 for another p90 for the white guitar.
My choice of other hardware. Probably a short trapeze and another carved wood bridge. Knobs, etc are my choice, too.

Looks like I can basically carve it down to a Les Paul shape without any problem. Could even do a walnut top to cover the control cavity and make it rear access.
 
Elias Graves said:
If I go that route, my parts bill goes way down.
$87 for another firebird pickup.
I have walnut to make a neck.
$95 for another p90 for the white guitar.
My choice of other hardware. Probably a short trapeze and another carved wood bridge. Knobs, etc are my choice, too.

Looks like I can basically carve it down to a Les Paul shape without any problem. Could even do a walnut top to cover the control cavity and make it rear access.
Click to expand...
:thu:
 
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