Thanks again for all the input on the rings. They're still taped in there and the more time that passes, the more I can see staying with them. If I do leave 'em in, I'll go all the way with the more dated/relic look and find a worn "metal" vol knob or at least scuff up the new chrome (plated?) knob. I also have a set of really nice schaller, well worn brass tuners sitting on an '87 Fender Contemporary Strat neck just collecting dust (anyone know what type wood those guitars were?)...that would complete it methinks. That was never the plan but it looks like that'll be the way it goes. (=
BTW, last night was the first night I had a good chance to really play it through my rig for an extened time, and to sum it up, I just ordered from MF a Duncan Custom. I HATE, yeah, hated the JB through my QR and cab. I've never owned a JB so it may be unfair for me to dis it, but it was not a positive experience. I kept grabbing my So-Cal with its way vintage Super Distortion and wishing I was hearing those tones from the JB. I even attribued the JB upper mid bitterness to the brand new strings and tried to give it a fair chance by putting on some older strings....no effect, still too bright for me. I know some dudes luv that pup, but the QR is already an upper mid vibed amp, the JB is overkill with it IMO. On the other hand, the '59 in the neck was sweet! That'll stay put! I'm sure I just opended up a can-o-worms....
