https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/the-techs daily 0.75 2025-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/b06d2eba-ecd8-4db3-9f4d-f42483d08e88/66787336_10103468762493975_743038627927293952_n-EDIT.jpg The Techs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453241495734-SCC697F4X9SSSQPWEC5X/image-asset.jpeg The Techs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1717785861430-8EG7H0M3KM0J6TULTUH3/IMG_8030.jpg The Techs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1717785926354-Z81RV3Y3K7FVVGFFYLA2/IMG_8030.jpg The Techs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1451530196912-JVG8ZD1830GCXUQPILG8/mitch.jpg The Techs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453241110448-W5NORSJ8LXHG4AOCQD8J/bob2.jpg The Techs https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/home daily 1.0 2024-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/a77a2202-dd19-4048-9ba2-faeb909b7476/IMG_3594-EDIT.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1448495361550-Y2KLUQ9TC12QEFIEEQVS/string-555070.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1455765768205-UP3634MNKKMHXVSMQRHZ/IMG_0067.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1455766687761-LWD0HIWH0X58MEQIMT3W/60511+001.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1455767309398-QJWW62K5102GOM7LDQH3/studiotele2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1455767903813-1GLLOSUDW0SZ766S0BSH/91203+002.jpg Home https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/customization daily 0.75 2016-01-19 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/customization/chicago-slim-double-neck monthly 0.5 2016-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181415258-GAAJBCN0UFXS77F42ZKS/DSC_3543r_Topaz_detailed.jpeg Customization - Chicago Slim Double Neck - Chicago Slim Chicago Slim posing with the newly-finished beast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181414429-LJK78BZ8O3F9QUHFTK01/DSC_3549.jpeg Customization - Chicago Slim Double Neck - Skullycaster? Whoa. Skull pickup rings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181414966-CRRFEGTJ33NWC6C8AD9O/DSC_3550.jpeg Customization - Chicago Slim Double Neck - Custom Fretboard Inlay In case you don't know who that 7ft-tall dude with the doubleneck is. . . . . here you go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181416123-4TR2H8033N8VTQ1UOMUP/DSC_3553.jpeg Customization - Chicago Slim Double Neck - Paolo Skullo Skull Knobs. We had to re-order skull knobs after this, dude ran us completely out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181416425-OQ41XN93VRS9P6HO0LPL/DSC_3558.jpeg Customization - Chicago Slim Double Neck - Classic Headstocks Here's a combination not readily available to the buying public. https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/customization/category/Videos%3A+Customization monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/customization/tag/customization monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/customization/tag/video monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration daily 0.75 2016-01-19 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/fb-hofner monthly 0.5 2016-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181531603-1JNTY9EH0FLN0AQMZDII/1.jpg Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Ye olde headstock This headplate is pretty chewed-up and will be replaced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181531189-ZGRJA43X7P1HJ7WR42QJ/2.jpg Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Faux Fretless Somebody pulled the frets out and veneered over the board for that smooth gliding action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181539047-XLDZTJWXR924QG0TDW6K/10.jpg Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Undoing the veneer Let's get rid of that ill-advised veneer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181541868-YG24SACGRXY6OKY8UKQA/13.jpg Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Chunks Missing! There were many layers of things missing, replaced, rehashed, and reconstituted on this bass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181552074-DR4AJ9KC5HQBM5VG7B72/18.jpg Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Beatle Bass Shrapnel Here the candy-coated shell has been stripped off and lies in shards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181558568-ZD8ODACLOFMUVE1JLI1S/023+%282%29.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Strippin' Getting the neck ready for refinishing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181562516-X0CYDESQY712KVWC7LDM/027+%282%29.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - New burst Look at that sexy sunburst. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181569171-CB8O6I6XSKNGXSS4QUVP/035+%282%29.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Color going on Rowr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181569457-HES0FITOO2LNBL3C01ZY/35.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Burst with topcoats Here we have both color and topcoat in place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181573859-WIFDM0FFP60RS9EHBDEH/37.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - New headplate Here we glue the new headplate on with a couple of clamps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181584082-3UFZCM6JD54LYD1R4P70/45.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - New headplate and board With the new headplate, new fretboard & binding, frets and some finish, things are beginning to look normal again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181598784-Y4A66HQ18T6MHZTJP1AT/086+%282%29.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Finished Neck Reset Here the neck is back on and everything's ready to pop/rock again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181599047-YAMRSHI472G0Z52D56XJ/087+%282%29.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Completed headstock Look at that gloss black headstock, just like nothing ever happened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181599666-SCFJQI7AAHNSRSLBQ1F7/097+%282%29.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Completed headstock back Here's the back of the headstock, in all its pale sunbursted glory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181600361-8Z9GIEVEL5AZK4KLV456/117.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - New nut Being a Hofner means never having to apologize for your three-ply nut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181600678-3LG4ZTF4GMHYW1TL1J5P/123.JPG Restoration - Hofner Beatle Bass - Complete bass Here's the whole finished product. All the years of mods, repairs, and dubious decisions stripped away and restored to as-original. https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/1959-fender-precision monthly 0.5 2016-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180992216-M0AYL57X0CD0SD1ID91Y/Better+view+of+split+in+headstock.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - Soggy Headstock This P-bass suffered severe water damage and was really coming apart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180930137-XF5F8YL4PKWYVGY3WVO9/100_4415.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - Headstock in pieces The headstock was broken and deformed enough to require a complete rebuild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180950139-AK49C2F7HYQIZDR8C3YR/100_4501.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - New headstock - face Here we've scarf-jointed a whole new headstock onto the neck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180953092-4MHJ8J5WZ0ZBX68TQY8J/100_4515.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - New headstock - back Here's a rear view of the new headstock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180953335-LVKP1LX5RVYSSWJYN6S0/100_4518.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - New headstock - side Here's a side view of the new headstock roughed-in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180955871-A4Q37L5IWO17OMBXNUC3/100_4524.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - Milling Headstock Splines Here we're milling slots into the headstock and neck for the splines that will be used to reinforce the scarf joint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180963180-URBI3JGV043RZNTS8YHQ/100_4537.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - Splines - back Here's a view of the back of the headstock and neck after the splines were put in place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180967610-5JPJH0B21TKGV2I6MRJ9/100_4545.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - Splines - front Here you can see the newly-installed splines from the front of the headstock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180974545-65Q2KO0IG7089FLO4M2X/100_4550.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - Spline shaping - front Next we re-shape everything to make it look like a bass headstock again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180975879-ZOB20DSB082I2TGHOKAN/100_4553.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - splines - shaping - rear Here you can see the back of the neck and headstock after re-shaping everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180977230-BIAOJD1FU84A17VS14MQ/100_4557.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - splines - rear - 3/4 view shaped Everything is shaped like a neck again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180979142-1A42SD6PD4HAWEDQNBCI/100_4563.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - splines - headstock face 3/4 The front of the headstock, ready for touchup to begin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180980068-Q71SOQYIEZAZLR0Y7SZ6/100_4677.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - Headstock face - opaqued After spraying color to conceal the splines, things are starting to look good again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180981108-7MCO9JVH584L1QXWZGDO/100_4684.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - headstock face color Splines? What splines? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180986840-PKR2S6V1SDJO1JK4L8KZ/100_4686.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - headstock - color - rear There's little obvious evidence left of the repair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180987402-GYNOI3QG54HYQ0WVRVD5/100_4691.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - fretted and finished Here we've got some frets again and the finish work is about done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180992566-73E6E4B0HUKTFM3WDU9Z/Body.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - body hole-plugging Filling some big voids in the body, and re-routing the wiring cavities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181008599-1GGHPMG4QGOGXUFXNFAC/P1040330.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - complete bass front Everything's put back together, ready to play some bass lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181008644-BON5WAAFFI0E45HFSBV8/P1040331.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - complete - front close https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181028755-BJTJDHO7H3ONV6OXFMYV/P1040334.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - complete - rear view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181034119-PP6FY8RV84H7CIRP7V60/P1040336.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - complete - headstock rear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181040093-7RM5X16HO4OJ9603WY49/P1040339.JPG Restoration - 1959 Fender Precision - complete - headstock face New decal, hardware cleaned up, it hardly looks used! https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/339-spline monthly 0.5 2016-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180434361-5BA2A5JBC3YSJ73GW4AK/IMG_2497.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - A rebroken repair Here you can see into the previously-repaired break, there's a lot of crusty glue in there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180508071-NXKABDTF5KZW6C27ETM2/IMG_2504.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Reglued Headstock So we clean it out as best we can and glue it back together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180508243-BA1C2UEBMKGLX2M1Y57X/IMG_2514.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Spline 1 After it's glued up, the headplate is removed and we mill slots into the neck to accept mahogany splines spanning the broken area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180559066-OVP5E3EGPBWEYO9MVF4N/IMG_2515.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Spline 1 Front Here's the first spline glued in and roughly trimmed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180557278-5W5AUMED4YPS98NMLIRC/IMG_2516.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Spline 2 Here you can see the first spline in place, and the opening milled out for the second spline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180595412-G60JTIF9LD94DKXGM9AI/IMG_2517.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - 2 Splines Front 2 splines in place, viewed from the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180603584-2SRDYI6Y33IO2NESLG0G/IMG_2518.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - 2 Splines Back Here you can see the splines glued in, trimmed, and carved into the shape of a guitar neck and headstock. . . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180639873-7VWFI89J2OFCTHV0PJ3I/IMG_2538.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Touchup Begins Now we start the finish touchup. The upper part of the finish was left in place to preserve the original serial number markings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180642326-F9MEGSC25D1U62M41DUB/IMG_2555.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Touchup - opaque Here some partially-opaque color has been applied to the repaired area to move it towards a more consistent raw-mahogany look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180648949-6CB8VTN43U88SS6IQ63L/IMG_2556.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Faceplate reglued Here the headplate has been glued back onto the headstock, concealing the splines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180662375-N4G9BMGKV6JLC5DKFMOR/IMG_2560.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Graining Here some woodgrain has been drawn onto the color touchup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180666159-RNSCHB62QU9ADPUXMQ9X/IMG_2582.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Color Coats In this photo, new red has been sprayed over the base color and graining work, blending into the original red of the neck and headstock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180668225-4BZEL1CN38NQGAL6RH8Z/IMG_2583.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Topcoats Topcoats over the color coats, we're nearly there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180672730-WHFDVVH6TL48GE0F2VKC/IMG_2657.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Finished headplate A front view of the refinished face of the headstock. Some color was required here during the repair to conceal the stress cracks from the headplate being bent a couple of times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180676166-49V2DCY7S7GPLP08RI7I/IMG_2659.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Closeup of Splined area and Decal With finish touched up and a new decal from the Custom Shop in place, it all looks undisturbed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180679076-4YT4HTJAQS3GGQW15OVI/IMG_2661.JPG Restoration - 339 Spline - Finished neck from Back Here's the whole picture - ready to go back to the customer, looking and playing like new again. https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/videos-restoration/1966-gibson-sg-jr-restoration monthly 0.5 2016-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179920777-5G15YF7QTI1OXL4B2GZ0/1.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - before - front view OK, what have we got here? An extra pickup carved into the neck position, a big hole for a 3-way toggle, and a couple of extra knobs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179921153-AZU5Y3W4A1CN2Y9TOG1I/2.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - before - closeup We see the results of DIY guitar mods all the time. It's easy to tell whether someone had the right tools for the job or not! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179932012-T0VCO3XN1ZR2RTZUZUID/6.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - plugged - closeup Here we've plugged up some of those holes with new wood and started making things flat and uniform again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179945360-IIULIQCRZT7MMSJO5O5Y/8.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - plugged - front view Here everything's ready to get some color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179946133-W7DMERQKWOGZ5G89129B/9.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - color closeup White is notoriously hard to color-match and blend. Here you can see a great example of why that is. There is always some color there, but it's so subtle that making adjustments to get a match is a very fussy affair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179952797-H8KSSD5O7EHYFLIG7VAC/10.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - controls closeup 5 holes - 2 holes = 3 holes. Guitar math. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179952133-SW2R4D4AU636F9LKN0AX/11.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - color - front view Here the color's about done and we're ready to move on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179961398-FK63Z661D0NSWISK9FUP/12.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - topcoated - close up Here the guitar has been re-topcoated and buffed. Compared to the difference between the exposed original finish and the pickguard-covered original finish, the color match of the touchup is inconspicuous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179976097-2746OKNMEMPC43HQISLF/14.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - topcoated - front Now we're ready to put it back together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179990066-TC7XL95DMM07P59UHYRQ/15.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - complete It's worth all the effort to see this mangled old guitar transformed back to the way it once was! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179999009-UW2X6DMQ67ER2Q7UCURT/16.jpg Restoration - 1966 Gibson SG JR Restoration - complete - close up https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/videos-restoration/martin-d35-topcracks monthly 0.5 2016-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180097591-KXWUOJFTD6TVKI8TC39V/mbrtc001.jpg Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - glued up front view Here we've glued up a couple of cracks on the bass side of the top, and splinted the common pickguard crack. Everything has been sanded and is ready for some touchup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180098431-NTEF7CCN1Q0OKIWFVJNL/mbrtc002.jpg Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - Pickguard crack On older Martins, the shrinking of a pick guard hard-glued directly to the wood top commonly results in top cracks at this location. Often they're pulled open far enough that they won't close up with humidification and need to be splinted like this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180100499-DX335V1MD7OK5V9RABVZ/mbrtc003.jpg Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - Top cracks sanded When you go to prep a glued-up crack for touchup, your flat sanding block will tell you exactly how level you were able to get that crack glued. The more level it is, the less work it will be to touch it up. Cracks that have been left unrepaired for a long time are almost always more challenging to get straight and touch up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180101142-60IP5EIWB0MUD5TK9DEO/mbrtc004.jpg Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - bridge damage Sometimes a lifting bridge will take some finish and wood fibers along with it. That happened here, creating the need for some touchup along with the bridge reglue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180107041-E2VMXF92G90SROZ15A9P/mbrtc008.JPG Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - top cracks finished close up The color touchup and topcoat are done on the top cracks and they're not conspicuous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180114143-CUSF7KS0JKJODEM4YWM6/mbrtc009.JPG Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - splint finished The splinted pick guard crack is usually a more difficult one to hide with touchup. However, it's pretty easy to hide with a new pick guard! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180128936-OUOQN1I43UCIH93RZZX1/mbrtc011.JPG Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - new guard Once the new pick guard is on and the guitar is strung up, that pick guard crack repair really fades into the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180140362-EJMSMNWLURAC21QREKRI/mbrtc012.JPG Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - top cracks finished Here's another view of the to crack repairs. Existing playing wear and discoloration of the top mean the slightly darkened grain lines of the glued cracks don't really stand out unless you're looking for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180160042-26LYC12F24LH5DCX1274/mbrtc013.JPG Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - sound hole view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180171921-J83VVEYRRB886W19GYVM/mbrtc014.JPG Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - complete long view It's always good to step back a few feet to understand how things look in the context most everyone will see them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453180181565-84KJ0VOWF75WVZDC8ARS/mbrtc016.JPG Restoration - Martin D35 Topcracks - complete upright OK, done. Ready for some music. https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/category/videos%3A+refinishing monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/category/Videos%3A+Restoration monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/tag/video monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/restoration/tag/restoration monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/refinishing daily 0.75 2016-01-19 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/refinishing/videos-refinishing/1960-dakota-red-jbass-refinish monthly 0.5 2016-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179679138-0MOMRGF612MBYXAWA8EX/jan26+012.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179680356-M5RF5GIYX6V4MDTIUDBQ/jan26+013.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179683322-SU3J8INZJKCWGG7PA1LF/jan27+001.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179683413-XFZ7F4R1ZT6A7QDJS9G7/jan27+006.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179686370-BXTG6RUXT2V9HIPO9ALR/jan27+007.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179686068-UGJ7QJ3WDQS4326VQHBM/jan27+009.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179689525-NAQWDIHIE29O5HGAEOAR/jan27+010.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453179688501-IQHPI9OYJMAGLIM5U2EH/jan27+011.jpg Refinishing - 1960 Dakota red Jbass Refinish https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/refinishing/category/Videos%3A+Refinishing monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/refinishing/tag/video monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/refinishing/tag/refinishing monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/structural daily 0.75 2016-02-01 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/structural/videos/martin-0-17-back-rebuild monthly 0.5 2016-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453177897489-V2WX0ZOAL2DZLFNCAK7T/DSC00008.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Removing the damaged portion Here we're removing the damaged section of the back of the guitar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453177901098-2WW2TU0ENCAH7GMZ2AII/DSC00009.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Cleaning Up Cleaning things up in preparation for a new piece of wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453177901926-822H03BTR4CSNGFMP2H7/DSC00010.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - New back wood Here the new section of the back is roughly sized. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178002887-Q1XK41ZBS4PVTF46LNBO/DSC00017.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Fitting the new piece Fitting the new piece of back to the guitar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178053723-48FLKS891AH17TRV55NH/DSC00020.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Gluing the new piece Gluing the new piece of back onto the sides, kerfed lining, and braces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178080746-XZ4BCF19SGOB8E2YME2N/DSC00023.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Preparing for finish Sanding/scraping things flush and getting ready to refinish the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178090165-SP5X1LAZCMRJRZKAR38S/DSC00030.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Back refininishing The back refinish in progress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178090477-C7ICPQCQH6E6HWSR3RI9/DSC00031.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Refinishing the back Here some color has been used to bring the new and old segments a little closer. The next steps will take them the rest of the way to matching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178091752-ZCJR9JFJEIBB9KVYIXRW/DSC00040.JPG Structural - Martin 0-17 Back Rebuild - Completed repair Here the color has been matched, and topcoat finished up. https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/structural/videos/gibson-j-45 monthly 0.5 2016-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178382115-JAZDM1236N9TZLMPR807/02-01-06+024.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - Gluing up a neck blank Gluing up a neck blank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178384388-HYTTNNB56CA43QUAASX0/02-01-06+026.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - Making a headstock pattern Making a paper template for the headstock shape from another J45 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178473412-3NIYP0746AH4NCC2T3FH/02-06-06+005.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - Drawing on the headstock Penciling the headstock shape onto the blank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178481659-2C8L9SS7BRIF4KQPL1NL/02-06-06+007.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - shaping the headstock Now the headstock is cut to shape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178484091-URWEB9LDRT6MZJG3DYOW/02-06-06+009.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - Making the neck joint Here the dovetail joint has been cut into the neck heel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178525470-QVA2W2BG8O5FQL3F4037/02-06-06+012.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - the fretboard Gluing a new fretboard to the neck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178619276-HSZBFXJ54O6UZKCZRIC0/02-06-06+019.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - Neck and body The new neck and stripped body, ready to unite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178633603-OVGTUJUDH1E7FZD09WFB/60425+005.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - Neck and body together Neck is set and everything is ready to go forward with refinishing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453178674520-3TCE42276EATWKEQHMQD/60714+004.jpg Structural - Gibson J-45 - Sunburst top Here the refinishing is complete and it's set up and ready to play. https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/structural/category/Videos monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/structural/tag/structural monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/structural/tag/video monthly 0.5 https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2025-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/da8d526a-e129-4da6-964f-ef0c4e0c9413/WWLD_20_1+%284%29.jpg Contact Us 159 N Racine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1707846316224-MBDVBWG6RGSQYE99GIEJ/AT003-Facebook-Image-NF.jpg Contact Us https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/amp-repair daily 0.75 2023-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1451519351658-NMK8H4UTPMD8YZ16OVO3/amplifier-repair.jpg Amp Repair https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/see-our-work daily 0.75 2016-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1453181683789-7D9Q7TRVB1WQ7TNJZPAN/084.JPG See Our Work https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/repair-estimates daily 0.75 2025-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1452086375107-RMLV7SQ75CCYO5JQGXHG/guitar-953254_1920.jpg Repair Estimates & Prices https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/factory-authorized-warranty-repair daily 0.75 2016-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/1466093895417-2K2GBQE72J0ETELIPI3C/02-06-06+010.jpg Factory Authorized Warranty Repair https://www.thirdcoastguitar.com/chicago-plek-machine-guitar-setup daily 0.75 2024-08-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/63dadbdc-67e9-48ce-a85d-9f7847beebf5/oil-polish.jpg Chicago PLEK Guitar Setup | Third Coast Guitar Repair - Make it stand out Eudy oils and polishes the fretboard and frets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/f72285dd-ba9e-4d28-ab95-62b159489e90/eudy-plek.jpg Chicago PLEK Guitar Setup | Third Coast Guitar Repair - Make it stand out Eudy inspects the guitar after PLEKing. Next, it will receive a manual fret and nut dress, restring, and setup by a Third Coast Guitar technician. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/7fae16ce-fac7-4914-9b27-26ba167df92f/eudymcgarry.jpg Chicago PLEK Guitar Setup | Third Coast Guitar Repair - Make it stand out Chris Eudy, owner of Third Coast Guitar and Amp Repair, and Sean McGarry, service manager https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/94ca193f-3bbd-4a6c-acde-3f54999f516a/image6.jpg Chicago PLEK Guitar Setup | Third Coast Guitar Repair - Make it stand out Eudy smoothes and polishes the newly precision-cut nut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/47eaa059-ffdc-4c46-af9a-c24991c660f6/plek-polish-nut.jpg Chicago PLEK Guitar Setup | Third Coast Guitar Repair - Make it stand out Eudy manually crowns and polishes the newly precision-cut frets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/6f301f87-79f4-4ef0-b812-3175c10a1d9f/plek-machine.png Chicago PLEK Guitar Setup | Third Coast Guitar Repair - Make it stand out The PLEK Machine scans the guitar’s nut, frets, fretboard, and bridge to create a highly precise understanding of the guitar and options to improve playability. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56477fc8e4b069c54138221c/8a98fd2e-4469-4ad0-9abe-5c9fb8e561f4/PLEK+Machine%E2%80%99s+jig.png Chicago PLEK Guitar Setup | Third Coast Guitar Repair - Make it stand out With strings on, the guitar is strapped into the PLEK Machine’s jig for precision measurement and fret leveling.