Goldstar pickguard question

[Twanglow]

I see many images of Goldies on this forum. Some have three-ply pickguards, some have single ply. Is it easy to say which models/years had which as original fittings? I have an 80s model with a single-ply guard.

 

[Outsider]

I think it has more to do with which Fender year they are emulating. Roughly 50's single ply, 60's multiply. Just my guess. Maybe somebody knows better...

 

[Anonymous]

Outsider is correct. Fender changed to 3 ply in 1959 when they brought in rosewood fingerboards. The 3 plys have 11 mounting screws compared to 8 for the single ply. So I'm guessing that your Goldie has a maple neck?

It might not do though, as Tokais weren't always strictly accurate copies. Goldies tend to be more accurate than Breezys (Teles) - there are quite a few Tokai Breezys with a bound body and maple neck, which isn't something that Fender produced. Pre 1980 Springys were also "wrong" as the rosewood board models had single ply scratchplates.

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[Anonymous]

1984 Goldie ST55, late 50s copy, maple neck, single ply SP

1984 Goldie ST50, approx 1964 copy, rosewood board, 3 ply SP

 

[Twanglow]

Makes sense, yes, thanks stratman. And it does have a maple neck! I suppose i was concerned that the pickguard is one of the easiest parts on a guitar to swap out, for example if one of the screws has been overtightened and cracked one of the corners off. I bought my Goldie about four years ago and am pretty sure (thanks to the exhaustive analyses of similar guitars posted here!) that it's mostly, if not totally, original. The only part that I questioned was the pickguard, so that info is kind of reassuring.

 

[Anonymous]

Good, glad to help. Have you posted pics of your Goldie? If not, why not?

We expect to see pics of your guitar in return for assistance :lol:

 

[Outsider]

Hey stratman, my Goldie is an exact twin of your ST-55! But how come your's is a 55? Isn't 55 a custom color?

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, mine is metallic green, though it looks black in some light. Great colour, but the shiny maple board doesn't really suit me. I suppose I'll have to sell it at some point, I feel guilty having guitars I rarely play.

 

[Outsider]

Ok! Mine is black... So not exact twin. And mine has U stamped pups.

 

[Anonymous]

Which is correct for a 55? U or V1? I can never remember which pickups are which?

 

[Outsider]

No idea. But mine is black! Which indicates more sex, drugs and rock n roll. I die younger.

 

[Anonymous]

Owning a black guitar will get me more sex, drugs and rock n' roll? They never explained that in the guitar shops.... :-?

 

[Twanglow]

Feck. That's where I've been going wrong then. As you can see...

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii281/anyfulekno/guitars/IMG_1154.jpg

Sorry, not the most brilliant of pics. Here's some more, 'cos you asked! I'd be interested to hear any comments about which exact model it is - I don't pretend to understand the fine details of what distinguishes one from another.
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii281/anyfulekno/guitars/IMG_1156.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii281/anyfulekno/guitars/IMG_1146.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii281/anyfulekno/guitars/IMG_1153.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii281/anyfulekno/guitars/IMG_1144.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii281/anyfulekno/guitars/IMG_1142.jpg
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii281/anyfulekno/guitars/IMG_1141.jpg

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