A Phoenix rises from the ashes
This turn-of-the-20th-century "Harp" brand parlor guitar came in with a broken headstock, no fingerboard,
and a seriously compromised top. Cat started to repair it, and then the muse took over...
It had belonged to the grandfather of the owner, and now sings again, better than ever.
(click on photos for a larger picture)

Here is the guitar with the original top removed and new book-matched bearclaw Sitka Spruce
top ready to join.

The back and sides are beautifully figured old-growth Brazilian Rosewood, and in very fine shape for their age. This one would be worth saving for the wood alone.

The replacement top. The new braces are hand-split and chiseled to shape.

The new top in place. Binding is flamed maple.The new fretboard is in place, but the back of the peghead does not yet have a new reinforcement fitted.

The guitar ready for finishing and bridge gluing.

Another view. The neck has been carefully re-shaped around the new fingerboard, and has a very elegant line.

The French Polish is cured, the new hand-cut pickguard is applied, and the strings are going on. The shellac gives incredible depth and shine to the Sitka Spruce top.

A happy customer and a pleased artisan pose with the fruits of a major rebuilding effort.