Gibson Ripper rebuild?

[The Lowe Down]

I have a late 70's Gibson Ripper that has seen much much better days. It needs new pickups badly, they never were awesome and now don't test out on a multimeter. I know Seymour Duncan make drop in replacements, anyone tried them?

The finish is all cracked on the body. It was in storage (and not climate controlled) and needs to be stripped. I was planning to strip the finish, fix a few dings and make the finish pretty, but as I started the removal of hardware, I noticed a few hairline cracks in the body and the headstock. The ones in the body don't really bother me, they are down by the volume knob, but the one in the headstock is a little worrisome - it is between two of the tuners.

The neck is in good shape, minus the finish, so I am torn. I hate to invest a bunch of time and $400 in electronics, if it will fall apart on me soon after I am done.

Is there a good way to seal the splits (i.e. glue of some form) or is it not worth it? Anyone have any insight? I hate to toss the guitar, but I have a limited toy budget and I want a working 4 string fretted bass in my arsenal. I would almost rather invest the money toward a Fender, but I have had this guy for almost 20 years. To euthanize or go under the knife is really the question.

[godofthunder59]

Originally Posted by The Lowe Down

I have a late 70's Gibson Ripper that has seen much much better days. It needs new pickups badly, they never were awesome and now don't test out on a multimeter. I know Seymour Duncan make drop in replacements, anyone tried them?

The finish is all cracked on the body. It was in storage (and not climate controlled) and needs to be stripped. I was planning to strip the finish, fix a few dings and make the finish pretty, but as I started the removal of hardware, I noticed a few hairline cracks in the body and the headstock. The ones in the body don't really bother me, they are down by the volume knob, but the one in the headstock is a little worrisome - it is between two of the tuners.

The neck is in good shape, minus the finish, so I am torn. I hate to invest a bunch of time and $400 in electronics, if it will fall apart on me soon after I am done.

Is there a good way to seal the splits (i.e. glue of some form) or is it not worth it? Anyone have any insight? I hate to toss the guitar, but I have a limited toy budget and I want a working 4 string fretted bass in my arsenal. I would almost rather invest the money toward a Fender, but I have had this guy for almost 20 years. To euthanize or go under the knife is really the question.

Some pictures would help

[guitarded]

Yes, pics would help.

Hairline cracks shouldn't worry you, nor should the trashed finish. If it were mine and I had a history with it like you, I would keep it just as it is, put the new pickups in and play it. It is, after all, a 30 year old Gibson.

Mark