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Replacing the Soundboard on a 1977 Martin D-35, PT. 2
Gear

Replacing the Soundboard on a 1977 Martin D-35, PT. 2

After concluding that the damage was so severe that the top could not be restored without compromising the guitar’s sound—not to mention its looks—I began the process of outfitting this fine instrument with a replacement soundboard.

Replacing the Soundboard on a 1977 Martin D-35
Gear

Replacing the Soundboard on a 1977 Martin D-35

This 1977 D-35 arrived at our shop with a big hole in its Sitka spruce soundboard and a bag of miscellaneous broken braces and slivers of spruce top wood.

Gluing Braces Inside a 1967 B-45-12N
Electric Guitars

Gluing Braces Inside a 1967 B-45-12N

1. Using tape to determine the size of the gap that needs to be glued. 2. Threading the stem of the trimmed pipette into the brace repair tool. 3.

Replacing Saddles on a 1971 Gibson SB 300 Bass
Bass

Replacing Saddles on a 1971 Gibson SB 300 Bass

The problem lay in the Multiplex adjustable bridge. The unit itself is made of metal, but the original saddles are made of nylon 6-6, a material used in bearings and gears due to its abrasion resistance and self-lubricating properties.

Reviving a 1965 Gibson Firebird
Gear

Reviving a 1965 Gibson Firebird

This 1965 Gibson Firebird is a very rare bird indeed. For starters, it barely made it through a house fire.

Restoring a 1963 Gibson EB-OF Fuzztone Bass
Bass

Restoring a 1963 Gibson EB-OF Fuzztone Bass

Gibson made the EB-OF with a doublecutaway slab mahogany body with rounded horns and a transparent cherry-red finish.

Resuscitating A Ruined '56 Fender Esquire
Gear

Resuscitating A Ruined '56 Fender Esquire

1. To repair the hacked-up body of this ’56 Esquire, I cut replacement pieces from old ash and shaped them to graft back into the guitar. 2. Today’s commercial

Restoring a Prototype Gibson Cello Bass, Pt. 2
Bass

Restoring a Prototype Gibson Cello Bass, Pt. 2

Though the groundwork was laid by Gibson, I still faced many questions and had to work through a number of mechanical designs.