My 1976 Fender Bronco Guitar

dorfmeister · Post by **dorfmeister** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 2:32 pm

I bought this guitar in 1980 when I was 14 years old. It was my first electric. I played it in punk bands (Some names of bands: "Three Demented Guys Not Carrying Trash", "Droning Pygmys", "Deathdonkey".....for some reason we felt a need to feature the letter "d" in our band names.) during the 1980's, thus the scratched up look. Wiring is sketchy. Pickup was replaced in 1986. I've got the trem bar somewhere. Its got a really nice thin playable neck on it. So I am trying to figure out what to do with it: Leave it like it is; sell it; restore it back to a nice state of appearance and playability.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 2:59 pm

that looks great as-is.

my only recommendations?

- take that ernie ball sticker off (maybe replace it with a pin-up a la 2008)
- replace the pots and get bronco knobs on it
- put a black mustang pickup cover on
- ROCK

also, where's the output jack?

Ankhanu · Post by **Ankhanu** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:16 pm

hotrodperlmutter wrote:that looks great as-is.

my only recommendations?

- take that ernie ball sticker off (maybe replace it with a pin-up a la 2008)
- replace the pots and get bronco knobs on it
- put a black mustang pickup cover on
- ROCK

also, where's the output jack?

+1
I love that finish, it looks tremendous... sticker's gotta go, though

dorfmeister · Post by **dorfmeister** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:20 pm

hotrodperlmutter wrote:
also, where's the output jack?

It needs to be rewired.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:34 pm

oh, and i'd probably throw a hotrail in the bridge, but that's me.

if you decide to sell it, hang around for a bit, get 50 posts, and make sure to sell it to someone here.

dorfmeister · Post by **dorfmeister** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:38 pm

hotrodperlmutter wrote:oh, and i'd probably throw a hotrail in the bridge, but that's me.

if you decide to sell it, hang around for a bit, get 50 posts, and make sure to sell it to someone here.

I've already got 50 posts.....have been a member here for a couple of years....not sure I want to sell it though....I've had this guitar for more than 30 years.

dorfmeister · Post by **dorfmeister** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:39 pm

Ankhanu wrote:
hotrodperlmutter wrote:that looks great as-is.

my only recommendations?

- take that ernie ball sticker off (maybe replace it with a pin-up a la 2008)
- replace the pots and get bronco knobs on it
- put a black mustang pickup cover on
- ROCK

also, where's the output jack?
+1
I love that finish, it looks tremendous... sticker's gotta go, though

The sticker was an early 90's addition to the guitar. I am not sure why I put that on.

James · Post by **James** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:56 pm

Almost everyone here is going to suggest keeping it as is, which wouldn't be a bad idea. Assuming that isn't a crack in the body and is just a scratch to the paint, then I'd definitely agree with that.

Johnny Noir · Post by **Johnny Noir** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:59 pm

you'll regret if you sell it.
you don't have a lot of work on it.
(except if you want to repaint it but it looks great with all the scratches)

i sold too much guitars. some were nice 10 or 15 years ago.

dorfmeister · Post by **dorfmeister** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:01 pm

James wrote:Almost everyone here is going to suggest keeping it as is, which wouldn't be a bad idea. Assuming that isn't a crack in the body and is just a scratch to the paint, then I'd definitely agree with that.

Yeah....body is just fine......scratches are in the paint.

lorez · Post by **lorez** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:05 pm

I like it as is if I'm honest, if its just the electrics are giving you issues sort those out and enjoy it.

SKC Willie · Post by **SKC Willie** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:10 pm

you'll regret if you sell it.

rewire it properly. but some bronco knobs on it and keep playing it.

stewart · Post by **stewart** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:49 pm

^ that.

BillClay · Post by **BillClay** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:20 pm

^
That plus the black pickup cover. Ditch the sticker if you want but honestly I don't think you've got anything to be ashamed of.

Billy3000 · Post by **Billy3000** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:28 pm

I would also say leave the finish as is, and remove the sticker. Also, string it up properly.

singlepup · Post by **singlepup** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:35 pm

Everyone is right, for sure!

Keep that guy. It's a classic. And it won't fetch much if you try to sell it.

The effed up body is what makes it a classic. I'll have to post some close ups of my MM. Body is beat to hell, it's part of the charm.

Sticker definitely has to go.

Pens · Post by **Pens** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 10:56 pm

Yeah, I think everyone agrees that it ought to just be restored back to playing condition. Leave the paint in the condition it is in. I'd vote to remove the sticker but that's up to you.

DGNR8 · Post by **DGNR8** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:39 am

I would fix the wiring and call it done. I think it's a classic. FFS find the trem bar! That may the only one left on EARTH.

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 3:33 am

You can't refinish the Droning Pygmys guitar, dude.

Johnny Noir · Post by **Johnny Noir** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 5:48 am

hotrodperlmutter wrote:that looks great as-is.

my only recommendations?

- take that ernie ball sticker off (maybe replace it with a pin-up a la 2008)
- replace the pots and get bronco knobs on it
- put a black mustang pickup cover on
- ROCK

also, where's the output jack?

what is a "pin up a la 2008" sticker?