A vintage Mustang dubbed the “Methstang” was a fire and flood casualty. Miraculously, it’s been restored and plays beautifully – see the amazing transformation!
Methstang Miracle
Once a “zombie guitar” left for dead, a 1966 Fender Mustang known as the “Methstang” is now a stunning testament to the power of restoration. Fire-damaged, flood-ravaged, and even hosting a beetle in its headstock, this guitar was deemed unsalvageable – until one determined restorer saw its potential.
Craigslist
Purchased on Craigslist by @red_stick_guitarandamp and then masterfully reborn by YouTuber Levon Campbell of the Not A Luthier channel, this Methstang bore an agonizing list of injuries:
- Melted pickups
- Charred, shrunken neck
- Beetle-bored headstock
- Rotting pickguard
- Faded paint and severe chip damage
The Miraculous Restoration
Against all odds, Campbell discovered that almost all of the original components were intact and surprisingly functional, including the pickups! After a deep clean, he was able to:
- Craft a custom fretboard and pickguard
- Resuscitate the molten pickups
- Save the original tailpiece
The Methstang now proudly bears its battle scars. The charred pickups add a unique ‘smoky’ tone, and the acrylic pickguard reflects the history etched into the wood. This remarkable revival proves that even the most damaged instruments can find new life.
If you like heavily damaged guitar restoration stories, then be sure to read about this 1950s Gibson Les Paul Junior Barnfind and this Tornado- damaged Gibson 1952 Gold Top.
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