The
original top braces had failed and critical glue joints separated.
Braces
were falling out by twos and threes.
The bridge plate had also failed.
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The
back braces also had been damaged from heat, age, and some poor
original glue joints. Here a special solution is used to soften
the heavy drips of glue from original construction and subsequent
repair. the entire inside of the body will then be cleaned up
with scrapers.
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The
new top has been joined, a reproduction rosette inlaid (the
original had cracked from age and could not be reused) and the
outline drawn.
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The
new top with all braces fitted. The original scalloping pattern
has been used. The x-brace is ready to carve and tap-tune.
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The
top is attached, and the binding channels routed. The original
binding has been saved, and is in good enough condition to re-use.
The guitar will appear much more original because of details
like this.
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The
neck was stripped, re-bound, and is now ready for finish. Due
to heavy playing wear, the fingerboard was resurfaced, and the
inlays re-fitted. The frets were fitted over the binding at
the customer's request.
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An
accurate Gibson sunburst finish was applied by our friend James
Campbell-Drury; the sides and back are original.
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Once the neck is attached, the bridge
position is marked and the bridge glued on. Here, the new bone
saddle is being fitted. The pickguard is an accurate replacement
made here using vintage material.
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Cat
reviews the finished guitar. Note the good color match between
the newly resprayed top and the 54- year-old side finish. |
For
the first time in 30 years, the top matches the beauty of the
back and sides. The neck was also refinished using the original
pattern. |
The
dramatic difference between the old and new top.
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A
happy customer plays his better-than-new guitar.
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