How NOT to modify a guitar saddle
Sometimes it boggles the mind. This client paid someone to uninstall the factory Fishman system from this Taylor and install a different pickup that mounted to the bridge plate. In…
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Replacing vintage tuning machines on a 40s Martin
Here’s a nice way to preserve the most originality one can, when swapping out tuning machines on a vintage guitar: This 1940s Martin had its original Grover machines, several of…
Reslotting a planed-down Gibson guitar bridge
This lovely 50s Gibson had its bridge planed down at some point by someone trying to avoid a neck reset. This is such a mistake! The contour lines at the…
Rebuilding a too-thin classical guitar bridge
Here’s a series of photos of a classical guitar repair I’m in the middle of performing. It’s a nicely built, great sounding guitar, but the maker made a big mistake…
Loose braces on Gibson ES-175
This is something I’ve seen often on old archtops with pickups routed into their tops. The longitudinal braces under the soundboard can come loose from years of downward pressure from…
Modifying a damaged Taylor Guitar Bridge
This lovely old Taylor Leo Kottke 12-string had a bridge re-glue performed by another repairman, who sanded down the bottom too thin, making the bridge’s wings so thin they were…
Big D Varitone Switch
I wrote this article about this cool switch in my monthly column in 20th Century Guitar magazine, back in 2004. I’m installing one in a current job, they are still…
Making a new pick guard for a ’77 Gibson Es-355TD
Sorry to have not posted in so long! I’ve been busy with life and the shop. I hope to be back more regularly! This is a great 1977 Gibson ES-355…
Making a bridge for a 1947 Martin Classical guitar
This is a very rare find a 1947 Classical Martin. Its bridge had been shattered many years ago and repaired very badly. In addition to having been re-glued to the…
Bending Sides for a Custom-Made Koa Guitar
One of the most magical elements in the art of luthiery is bending wood into guitar sides. You are taking something thin and fragile that is very stiff and bending…