Advice on refurbishing a Washburn J3 archtop

**rlpeterson** · 05-12-2009, 11:36 PM

I just bought a used Washburn J3 on eBay. It has some problems, and I could use some advice on how to proceed.

First, someone put a fake Bigsby tremolo on it and did a sloppy job of installing it. Everything's crooked. To make matters worse, it's a B7-style tremolo, so it's screwed to the top in two places.

Second, they but an old tune-o-matic bridge on it. The rosewood base looks like it may have been sanded down too far when then fitted it to the guitar, and as a result, the tune-o-matic bridge is as high as it will go to keep the action from being too low.

As you might expect, I can hear a good bit of rattling/buzzing from the area of the bridge and tailpiece.

Here's my plan:

I'm going to remove the Bigsby and replace the tailpiece with an open-harp jazz tailpiece like this one:

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/yhst-5020611...7_2054_1076472

I'm going to replace the crappy bridge with a rosewood bridge from Stewart MacDonald:

http://www.stewmac.com/product_image...dge_Detail.jpg

If that sufficiently improves the guitar, I'll take it to a guitar tech for a professional setup. I'm not sure what to do about the screw holes in the top. For now I'm just going to let them be.

So, does that make sense? Any suggestions (other than don't buy a guitar on eBay again)?

Thanks!

**Squint** · 05-13-2009, 08:45 PM

I wouldn't have any guitars if not for eBay.

Just don't puchase from anyone who won't take returns!
I've been burned too and it sux, but it happens.

**dh82c** · 05-13-2009, 09:12 PM

I picked up my Emperor on the bay. User had good feedback.. good pics etc. There were no unpleasant surprises. If you got your Washburn at a good price then even with the work it may still be worth it.

As for your plan of action I dont see what else you could possibly need.
There was nothing "wrong" with my Epi but I changed the bridge to ebony.
I have been considering changing the tailpiece to something that doesnt resonate as much so I have seen the tailpiece you have shown.

Your are setting yourself back 50$ in parts (if you are putting them on yourself.. remember the bottom of the bridge will probably need to be shaped to fit the top of the guitar.. and the top to the radius of the fingerboard). If you got a good guitar and you didnt put too much money in already I would say go for it. Let us know how it works out tho!

**rlpeterson** · 05-13-2009, 09:36 PM

In the end I probably didn't get burned too bad. I paid about $280 for the guitar and really nice case, plus shipping. After I complained about the fake Bigsby, the seller sent me a used gold-plated US-made Bigsby to square the deal. It doesn't really match the guitar, so I'll probably sell it.

All in all, I think I got a good deal.

Anyone have any thoughts about the screw holes? What's the best way to fill the holes in the top? Should I even bother?

**Little Jay** · 05-14-2009, 04:02 AM

Filling the holes in the top is only cosmetical. I did fill a hole in my guitar where a previous owner had installed a toggle switch.

I took a wooden dowel and cut of "slice" so I had a little wood tablet (does this make any sense? I am not a native English speaker). I had to hand-sand the tablet to fit the hole untill I had perfect fit (a little concave so it wouldn't fall through) and glued it into it's place with oridnairy white wood glue. I stained the wood to match the colour, then a little clear coat and after some sanding and pollishing you can hardly see it.

Depending on how large the holes are, you can find something that fits them, like matches or a little round stick. Don't worry about things sticking out on the underside.

**rlpeterson** · 05-14-2009, 09:45 AM

Thanks, Little Jay! I understand what you describe perfectly.

I'll try to post some pictures as I get started on the project.

Even with the problems I've described, I think this is potentially a nice guitar.

Thanks again!

**Little Jay** · 05-15-2009, 07:28 AM

You are welcome!
Do post some pics and an update later and let us know how she plays and sounds. From what I can see on the web, it looks like a nice ES-175 like guitar with a classic appeal.

**rlpeterson** · 05-20-2009, 12:12 AM

Here's a link to a Picasa Web Album of my J3 before I started on it. I haven't had a chance to do much with it yet, but I'll post an update as I get the work done.

Also, I would be most grateful to know if anyone sees any problems I've missed. I don't trust my ability to spot potential trouble, and I'd welcome comments from more experienced eyes.

Thanks!

Picasa Web Albums - rlpeterson67 - Washburn J3 -...

**rlpeterson** · 06-18-2009, 03:44 PM

I finally got some pictures up of phase two:

Picasa Web Albums - rlpeterson67 - Washburn J3 -...

Just replacing the old bridge improved the sound dramatically. However, I wasn't happy with the appearance of the holes where the tremolo was mounted. I ordered a real Bigsby B700. I'll post final pictures when I can.

**Squint** · 06-18-2009, 05:58 PM

Looks GREAT, dood! If you're used to using a tremolo, the more expensive Bigsbys tend to stay in tune a bit better IMHO, so they're worth it.

If you really don't want a trem, I'd really consider gluing a couple of toothpicks into those holes and a little sanding, clearcoat, and buffing and I bet you wouldn't even notice them!

I also hope you're thinking about changing the pickguard. (See my J9's)

It's the easiest thing to replace. Get one not already cut out for pickups and use a Dremel to cut it out for your J3.

I know she sounds as good as she looks! Congrats!!

**dh82c** · 06-18-2009, 09:31 PM

how do you like the tailpiece? I have seen them on ebay for about 30$ shipped. If I cant get my frequensator tweaked I might pull the trigger on the one like yours.

**Arnesto** · 06-20-2009, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Squint

Looks GREAT, dood! If you're used to using a tremolo, the more expensive Bigsbys tend to stay in tune a bit better IMHO, so they're worth it.

If you really don't want a trem, I'd really consider gluing a couple of toothpicks into those holes and a little sanding, clearcoat, and buffing and I bet you wouldn't even notice them!

I also hope you're thinking about changing the pickguard. (See my J9's)

It's the easiest thing to replace. Get one not already cut out for pickups and use a Dremel to cut it out for your J3.

I know she sounds as good as she looks! Congrats!!

W.O.A those centuras make me....

**rlpeterson** · 06-21-2009, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by dh82c

how do you like the tailpiece? I have seen them on ebay for about 30$ shipped. If I cant get my frequensator tweaked I might pull the trigger on the one like yours.

The harp tailpiece worked great. There was a noticeable improvement in the sound of the guitar. I'm pretty sure, though, that most of the improvement came from getting rid of the awful bridge. I was also relieved that the screw holes lined up exactly with the holes from the original Washburn tailpiece. I was really trying to avoid abusing this guitar any futher. However, I decided to take it off and install a new B700 instead.

If you want the harp tailpiece, contact me privately off list. I was going to put it on eBay, but if you want it, I can beat $30.

**rlpeterson** · 06-21-2009, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by Squint

I know she sounds as good as she looks! Congrats!!

Thanks, Squint! It does sound really nice. It's a great motivator to get me to practice more.

**rlpeterson** · 06-21-2009, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Squint

LIf you're used to using a tremolo, the more expensive Bigsbys tend to stay in tune a bit better IMHO, so they're worth it.

I just got the B700 installed -- I'll try to post some pics soon.

I went with the B700 mainly because I thought it would cover the old screw holes best. I also put in a roller bridge from Guitar Fetish. So far, I've had no trouble keeping it in tune.

**Squint** · 06-22-2009, 08:09 PM

I've been wondering about a roller bridge. Let us know how well she stays in tune.

And the Centuras are a great soundscape to work with! One with flatwounds and one with regular strings for a more "flattop" sound...

Cheers!

**rlpeterson** · 06-25-2009, 02:57 AM

Well, here's the end product. I'm finally very pleased with this guitar, and I think it's time to stop tinkering with it and start practicing.

Picasa Web Albums - rlpeterson67 - Washburn J3 -...

Squint -- so far so good with the roller bridge. The rosewood bridge I tried was a bit warmer than the roller bridge, but not a huge difference.

However, I usually go pretty light with the tremolo. I like having the option to use it occasionally, but I don't use it often. I do like the way they look, though. It does make the J3 noticeably tail-heavy, but I usually play seated. It doesn't bother me much.

**sacredtwine** · 10-05-2011, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by rlpeterson

The harp tailpiece worked great. There was a noticeable improvement in the sound of the guitar. I'm pretty sure, though, that most of the improvement came from getting rid of the awful bridge. I was also relieved that the screw holes lined up exactly with the holes from the original Washburn tailpiece. I was really trying to avoid abusing this guitar any futher. However, I decided to take it off and install a new B700 instead.

If you want the harp tailpiece, contact me privately off list. I was going to put it on eBay, but if you want it, I can beat $30.

Hi there
Are you still selling the tail piece? I have a J3 with a broken tailpiece that i'm looking to replace.
Best
Andy

**brad4d8** · 10-05-2011, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by rlpeterson

Any suggestions (other than don't buy a guitar on eBay again)?Thanks!

I've bought 8 or 10 guitars on eBay with no problems. Maybe I was lucky, maybe just looking for certain things, but I would not hesitate to buy again.
Good luck with your Washburn.
Brad

**rlpeterson** · 10-05-2011, 10:26 PM

It's been a couple years since I finished the work, and I couldn't be happier. I haven't played it in a few months -- I go in phases with my guitars. But I do love my J3. Someday I think I'll upgrade the pickups, but as it is now, it's exactly what I was looking for.

Andy -- I do still have the tailpiece. It ended up going into my spare parts box. I'll private message you later.