Watkins Rapier 33

[GRAHAM99]

I am renovating a Watkins Rapier 33.
The electronics look as though someone has already been there!
Is anyone aware of a schematic? I have has a look on the internet but not found anything.
The one I have has three “normal” pots not two pots and a rotary switch.

[Sam Spoons]

I'm guessing you want an authentic reproduction of the original circuit? Calling Zen and Wonky?

Edit :- I don;t think this is quite the same as yours but might be useful https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... 5879663038

There are several different control arrangements, what switches does your have in addition to the three pots?

* If the aim is to make a playable guitar then details of the available controls and pics of the back of the scratch plate showing the existing wiring (such as is left at least) would be a starting point and you can probably choose from couple of different arrangements.

[zenguitar]

The Watkins Rapier pre-dates my guitar life by a decade or so.

Fortunately

If I were to be renovating a Watkins my starting point would be to approach a specialist vintage dealer and ask them for a recommendation of a recognised expert.

Andy

[GRAHAM99]

Thanks for that.
Mine has three normal pots but no rotary switch.
There is a two way switch with four lugs.I think this was to have the bridge and neck pick ups together or just bridge or neck,not sure which!
There is also a switch which apparently was made for Pifco hairdryers!
It has a red switch and a black switch.
I think one switch was to engage the middle pick up and the other for a an overall bass cut.
I think one pot is master volume,one master tone and the last one middle pick up volume.

[Sam Spoons]

That sounds approximately similar to something I read on the Fretboard forum though they didn't mention the Pifco switch.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... 5879663038

And a couple of images here that might help

https://reverb.com/uk/item/85174304-wat ... ite-silver

[GRAHAM99]

That’s great!
The guitar on reverb is the exact one.
I should be able to figure it out now.
Thanks again.

[BigRedX]

I'm pretty certain that we had a hairdryer in the 60s with exactly that switch on it!

[GRAHAM99]

Apparently they were the switches from Pifco hairdryers!

[Sam Spoons]

That’s great!
The guitar on reverb is the exact one.
I should be able to figure it out now.
Thanks again.

[Albatross]

Loads of 'vintage pifco hairdryer' on ebay.

[BigRedX]

Apparently they were the switches from Pifco hairdryers!

Also Morphy Richards

[Martin Walker]

This thread brings back memories from my schooldays - I'd patiently built my own electric guitar with help from a schoolteacher and the facilities of the woodworking classroom, and the parts cost me £17.

Then a schoolfriend told me he'd have sold me his Watkins Rapier 44 (complete with FOUR pickups) for £15

[mick.n]

I used to lust after the Rapier 44 when i was a wee nipper.

A Hofner Galaxy is my current source of lust

[Sam Spoons]

A Hofner Galaxy is my current source of lust

T'was mine too, as a kid, I did get a Futurama 2 which was the next step down the ladder from the Watkins and the Hofner but the Galaxy was out of reach back then.

[GRAHAM99]

Needs a new scratchplate!
Also needs refinishing it has been sanded down to a natural colour it should be red!
The neck has about 15 thousands of relief with no tension.There is no truss rod.
Could well need a refret after taking out some of the neck relief.
Should keep me out of trouble in the dark winter months!