Assess originality component by component

Originality is not always an on/off switch. An instrument may retain its original body, neck and finish while having replaced potentiometers, speakers, switches or tuners.

Create a list of relevant components and classify them as verified original, consistent but unverified, replaced, modified or uncertain.

This reduces absolute claims and makes it easier to update the assessment when new documentation appears.

For an important item, component-level detail is more useful than one overall “originality percentage”.