WORKSHOP FIND: SIGNATURE TOPAZ 265 ACOUSTIC GUITAR - RESTORATION IN PROGRESS

Every so often, a guitar comes into the workshop that reminds you why restoring instruments is so rewarding.

This Signature Topaz 265 acoustic-electric is one of those finds.

I picked this guitar up recently for just £15, and while it clearly shows signs of use and neglect, it has solid foundations and plenty of potential. Once restored, it will be heading back out into the world as a fully playable, affordable acoustic-electric — ideal for beginners, students, or anyone looking for a dependable second guitar.

About the Guitar

The Signature Topaz 265 is a full-size cutaway acoustic with onboard electronics, originally designed as a budget-friendly instrument with real-world practicality. Models like this are popular with learners and casual gigging players thanks to their comfortable necks and plug-in capability.

Key features include:

• Full-size dreadnought-style body with cutaway

• Acoustic-electric system with built-in pickup and preamp

• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge

• Simple, functional design with understated styling

  
  

This example is finished in black, with cosmetic wear consistent with age and regular use — exactly the sort of guitar that benefits most from a careful restoration rather than being written off.

Condition on Arrival

As found, the guitar requires attention before it can be considered playable:

• General cosmetic wear to the body

• Grime and oxidation on hardware

• Fingerboard dryness and dirt buildup

• Old strings and a setup well past its best

  
  

Structurally, however, it’s sound — which is the most important part. No major cracks, no terminal issues, and a neck that’s worth investing time into.

Planned Restoration Work

The goal with this project is not to over-modernise the guitar, but to bring it back to honest, reliable playing condition.

Planned work includes:

• Full clean and inspection

• Fingerboard conditioning

• Hardware cleaning

• New strings

• Setup for comfortable action and intonation

• Electronics check and tidy-up where required

Once complete, it will be fully tested and set up in the workshop before being offered for sale.

Who This Guitar Will Suit

After restoration, this Topaz 265 will be ideal for:

• Beginners wanting an affordable, ready-to-play acoustic

• Players who want a guitar they can plug in at home or on stage

• Students or songwriters needing a no-nonsense workhorse

• Anyone looking for genuine value rather than disposable instruments

  
  

Coming Up for Sale Soon

Projects like this are exactly why I enjoy restoration work — turning an overlooked £15 guitar into something genuinely useful again.

Once the work is complete, this Signature Topaz 265 will be listed for sale on the site. Keep an eye on the For Sale section, or get in touch if you’d like early details.

Giving instruments a second life is always better than letting them gather dust — and this one still has plenty of music left in it.