News

Frank Ford's Bass Banjo Project

Looks like we’ve gotten ourselves into another crazy project! Our long term friend and staff member, Michael Simmons, plays with the BANJO RACKETEE...

Uhoh...Oahu!

Here’s a fun old Oahu squareneck with a pretty serious problem. It’s a laminate top with a bolt through each wing of the bridge. As the top relaxe...

Taylor Neck Repair

Here’s a Taylor that lost a fight with a car backing up. The heel split right in the middle, take a look. Modern Taylors like this one have bolt ...

Restoring Judy Collins' Guild 12-String

“If I buy this guitar, can you restore it for me?” Now, there’s a question that ordinarily strikes fear and panic into this old heart of mine as I ...

1960's Hofner Beatle Bass neck reset...

A very cool 60’s Hofner Beatle bass landed on the repair counter recently. The owner explained that the neck fell off when he last took it out of t...

Why Set-Ups Count

Why Set-Ups Count (especially when giving a uke or guitar as a gift)You’re giving a ukulele or guitar to a beginner, so making sure the instrument ...

Koa Crunchtime: Ukulele Restoration

This koa Maui ukulele has a pretty significant top crack, and cracked back brace. First I’m going to glue up this crack, before it gets any worse...

The Originality Quandary

“But is it original?”This question is raised about everything in, on, and around a vintage guitar, from tuners to tailpieces to all parts in betwee...

Crunchtime: 1967 D-28 Martin Guitar Structural Repair

I had this 1967 Martin D-28 on my bench a few months ago. It came in with clear packing tape over the damaged area trying to hold loose pieces in ...

Gibson K-2 Mandocello restoration

This is a Gibson K-2 Mandocello from 1920. These were built much like their little brothers in the A style Mandolin family – with one small brace b...

A Smiling Skull From a 1940’s Decal Haunts Two Guitars

My favorite uncle gave me his home-repaired guitar when I was in college. A black paint job hid the Bondo he’d used to smooth out damage from a det...