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Removable side repair :: 1999 Luthier Music Corp TRVL01 Travel Guitar [2.1 lbs]

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Removable side repair :: 1999 Luthier Music Corp TRVL01 Travel Guitar [2.1 lbs]

Removable side repair :: 1999 Luthier Music Corp TRVL01 Travel Guitar [2.1 lbs]

This was an interesting project that made me feel more like a boat builder than a guitar guy.  The sides on this travel classical are removable and over time the tabs that fit into the body had become damaged and previously repaired.  One of the tabs was even cut off and super-glue-lap-joined to the side.  All of the tabs needed to be repaired, so each tab was epoxied and wrapped with fiberglass and mahogany veneer on each side.  I used InstaMorph (moldable plastic pellets) to make inner and outer molds for each tab (eight molds in total) to maintain the shape during glue-up.  The lap-joined tab was removed and notched into the side before reinforcing.  After cleaning up and fitting each tab, the repairs were sealed with a light coat of shellac and waxed.  Many, many hours on this seemingly simple project.

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Light fret dress :: 2006 Mirabella 17" [5.8 lbs]

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Light fret dress :: 2006 Mirabella 17" [5.8 lbs]

Light fret dress :: 2006 Mirabella 17" [5.8 lbs]

I had a rare opportunity this week to have a beautiful 17" Cris Mirabella archtop in the shop for a minor fret level on the upper frets.  The player has it set up with super-low action and it plays amazingly clean.  I shot a video with this guitar to practice my video setup and workflow that I will be posting over on the blog soon.

Yet another guitar that I wish could have hung around the shop longer ... it will be missed!

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Bridge Fit & Re-glue :: 1969 Guild Mark III

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Bridge Fit & Re-glue :: 1969 Guild Mark III

Bridge Fit & Re-glue :: 1969 Guild Mark III

Finally getting back to the late 60's Guild classical in for a neck reset and a lifting bridge.  This bridge removal was slightly more involved than usual as western red cedar tops tend to be brittle and can be more difficult when removing bridges (vs spruce).  A small finish touch up was required before fitting and re-gluing.  Next up is resetting and gluing up the neck.

Note:  I picked up a jar of "InstaMorph" moldable plastic pellets and have found it extremely useful.  Here it makes perfect clamping cauls for the radiused bridge wings.

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Sharp fret ends & center seam crack :: 2014 Maton EBG808C [4.3 lbs]

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Sharp fret ends & center seam crack :: 2014 Maton EBG808C [4.3 lbs]

Sharp fret ends & center seam crack :: 2014 Maton EBG808C "Michael Fix" [4.3 lbs]

Another victim of a long, dry New England winter.  The fret ends were sticking out from the unbound fingerboard and the top's center seam had opened up slightly just behind the bridge.  The fret ends were dressed and the top crack humidified closed, glued and cleated along with a minor finish touch up.

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