TOMSON Prestige Series bass

I resisted buying this guitar for at least 2 months. Sitting in the "junk" section of a local second-hand store here on the outskirts of Tokyo, the most noticeable thing about it at the time was the Marilyn Manson sticker slapped onto the tortoise shell pick guard.

Tomson guitars were manufactured by Suzuki (of violin manufacturing fame) in Hamamatsu, Japan and marketed in magazines at the beginner market. Exquisite examples can be found for sale in the ¥10000/$100US range, this one is not in that good of condition. Upon closer inspection, the true horror of this guitar becomes apparent. Note the finish wear, missing tuner ferrule and the mis-aligned nut.

Closer look at the "shifting" nut and what appear to be two nails THROUGH THE FRET BOARD (and actually that's what they are. But wait, it gets worse).

KURORS carved into the back of the head stock.

Sadly those nails, twenty-one in total, don't actually hold the fret board in contact with the neck.

Body is cracked where the neck pocket is.

Body is split at the end, strap button has been relocated.

Apparently there was an issue with the output jack that required a squirrel to get it out thus damaging the tortoise pick guard.

A bit of modern artwork to brighten things up. Note the pickup corrosion (like that's an issue at this point).

Holy crap, what a mess.

Again, you would think twenty-one nails, if properly applied, could have been of some assistance. Oh wait, WE DON'T USE NAILS ON GUITAR NECKS!

This instrument will hang in my workshop (wherever that may be from here on out) to serve as an example of what NOT to do to your guitar. The top spot in the Hall of Shame so to say.

A little prying with my fingers and the fret board came off revealing the truss rod assembly. The truss rod nut was floating around inside the cavity and not engaged at all.

Friends don't let friends build guitars...with nails. Ever.

I hope you don't feel the need to seek out professional counseling services after viewing this instrument, but know we're supportive if you feel the need.. If I could offer you any advise it would be this:

• Sometimes it's ok to be afraid. Just have the strength to overcome the sick feeling in your stomach.
• You can learn something from every situation, even if it is what NOT to do. Look at these instruments as a chance to teach the unknowing young guitar molester how to do things correctly. 
• Sometimes you just have to buy a guitar because it's fun. Or sad. 
• Don't be shy in asking for help. There are many people who will gladly lend a hand (or an e-mail) to get you headed the right direction.  
• Have fun. If you are doing this as a hobby and are miserable, forget about doing it for a living. Life is too short to spend time doing something you hate.

If you want to see more of my adventures in the world of stringed instrument construction, restoration, and repair visit the Rattlecan Guitar Restorations YouTube channel, friend us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and, if you're interested in supporting my projects take a look at the Rattlecan Patreon page.

Have a great weekend. Cheers!

James