Shaped the neck to the desired thickness and masked the part I don't want to spray. Shaped the neck to the desired thickness and masked the part I don't want to spray.

The neck was a bit darker than the original birdseye maple. The neck was a bit darker than the original birdseye maple.

And a very nice top.And a very nice top.

I forgot to make pictures of the ridiculous long bridge. With the bandsaw I made it into three parts. The two little wings I shaped on the beltsander and with files and sandpaper I cleaned it up. Here you see the hollowed out section. By reducing the weight it will vibrate more and we will certainly get anything out of this Jazzbox.I forgot to make pictures of the ridiculous long bridge. With the bandsaw I made it into three parts. The two little wings I shaped on the beltsander and with files and sandpaper I cleaned it up. H...

The sides are very thick and need another shape. I will do that with woodcarving gauges.The sides are very thick and need another shape. I will do that with woodcarving gauges.

The rough spots will be cleaned up with a halfround file.The rough spots will be cleaned up with a halfround file.

A little bit of sanding (not anything final)A little bit of sanding (not anything final)

Here the hollowed out section. Of course I tried it on the guitar and man what a loud voice it has!!!! At first she was so shy, because of the heavy wood she could not get to vibrate.Here the hollowed out section. Of course I tried it on the guitar and man what a loud voice it has!!!! At first she was so shy, because of the heavy wood she could not get to vibrate.

Because the bridge has no compensation I had to move the bridge away from the original spot. The sounboard will darken eventually.Because the bridge has no compensation I had to move the bridge away from the original spot. The sounboard will darken eventually.

You can't believe how much wood was actually removed from this bridge. But now it least she can sing!You can't believe how much wood was actually removed from this bridge. But now it least she can sing!

Chinese beauty!Chinese beauty!

1992 It's not an oldy, but still a real one.1992 It's not an oldy, but still a real one.

First I had to get rid of the finish that I scraped off.First I had to get rid of the finish that I scraped off.

A simple flat gauge did the trick. Nothing fancy this kind of work.A simple flat gauge did the trick. Nothing fancy this kind of work.

Then filed it down to a particular thickness that we thought was nice.Then filed it down to a particular thickness that we thought was nice.

Then shaped it to a more rounder feel instead of a D-shape. So a little off the cheeks as well.Then shaped it to a more rounder feel instead of a D-shape. So a little off the cheeks as well.

Slowly working my way to a finer course file and then sandpaper on a straight block of wood.Slowly working my way to a finer course file and then sandpaper on a straight block of wood.

The little scratchmarks on the red finish will be sanded with 1200 grit sandpaper and then polished.The little scratchmarks on the red finish will be sanded with 1200 grit sandpaper and then polished.

Final sanding was done with 400 grit sandpaper. My customer wanted the neck to be oiled, so I could sand very fine indeed.Final sanding was done with 400 grit sandpaper. My customer wanted the neck to be oiled, so I could sand very fine indeed.

Yeah, it's nice to own a 35 year-old Guild Acoustic Steelstring from 1977, but.............Yeah, it's nice to own a 35 year-old Guild Acoustic Steelstring from 1977, but.............

Not when the headstock breaks. It was totally broken off. Here you already see it glued-up. Now, with this particular repair, of a broken headstock, it can go two ways. The glue-joint is strong enough,....or not. And you've guessed it right, this one did not hold. That means that there was not enough wood left. This and many other headstocks are weakened by the cavity for the trussrod. Not when the headstock breaks. It was totally broken off. Here you already see it glued-up. Now, with this particular repair, of a broken headstock, it can go two ways. The glue-joint is strong e...

So I had to put in some supports. Two pieces of scrap Mahogany will do the trick. The cavities were routedSo I had to put in some supports. Two pieces of scrap Mahogany will do the trick. The cavities were routed

Shaping the access woodShaping the access wood

Filing the shape of the neckFiling the shape of the neck

One side doneOne side done

Ready for spraying some paintReady for spraying some paint

This particular guitar was a lot of work, but payed off in the end. This particular guitar was a lot of work, but payed off in the end.

The finished result is a well playing very good sounding guitar.The finished result is a well playing very good sounding guitar.

This was a vey special find in a second-hand store, and It was very cheap because of the hole in one of the sides. It is a handbuilt solid wood classical guitar with the brandname "CARMEN" that I think for sure is made by the Vincente Tatay Tomas factory. My musical buddy Remco plays one with a cedar top and the Tatay label inside, and I have another one like the one shown here. I think this is one of the cheaper student models and therefore did not get the Tatay label.This was a vey special find in a second-hand store, and It was very cheap because of the hole in one of the sides. It is a handbuilt solid wood classical guitar with the brandname "CARMEN" that ...

Being sure that the glue is in every crackBeing sure that the glue is in every crack

Maybe this setup looks a bit strange to you, but the pieces of wood and sandpaper actually keeps the black/orange clamps from sliding off, as they are placed on an angle.Maybe this setup looks a bit strange to you, but the pieces of wood and sandpaper actually keeps the black/orange clamps from sliding off, as they are placed on an angle.

From above it's even easier to see why. Only the right side of the orange piece of "rubber" is pressing against the wood. And the wooden clamp right next to the neck is only there to accomodate the pieces of wood.From above it's even easier to see why. Only the right side of the orange piece of "rubber" is pressing against the wood. And the wooden clamp right next to the neck is only there to accomodate t...

You see? Well it was very difficult to place the clamps in the exact spot, because you don't see the spot anymore when that big orange thing is in front of the tiny piece I had to glue.You see? Well it was very difficult to place the clamps in the exact spot, because you don't see the spot anymore when that big orange thing is in front of the tiny piece I had to glue.

The sides are only 1,5mm thick. That's why you have to be careful with an "all solid wood" classical guitar.The sides are only 1,5mm thick. That's why you have to be careful with an "all solid wood" classical guitar.

First few cracks closed with the aid of the clamps.First few cracks closed with the aid of the clamps.

Now for the last piece to go in the bed of glueNow for the last piece to go in the bed of glue

At the right side of the splinter/sliver I had to press down a little bit to close the it.At the right side of the splinter/sliver I had to press down a little bit to close the it.

I used the right side of the clamp to close it.I used the right side of the clamp to close it.

It closed up very nicelyIt closed up very nicely

Maybe later I will sand it a little bit and finish the sides, then you will not notice the crack so much or even not at all.Maybe later I will sand it a little bit and finish the sides, then you will not notice the crack so much or even not at all.

Plugged all the screwholes because the new set of tuninggear did not match the holesPlugged all the screwholes because the new set of tuninggear did not match the holes

Bridge has several cracks that have to be repaired.Bridge has several cracks that have to be repaired.

Pins are wrapped, maybe because they do not fit properly anymore due to the cracks.Pins are wrapped, maybe because they do not fit properly anymore due to the cracks.

Bridgeplate is made of laminated wood, and as you can see this is coming apart too. Look at the metal plate and the rivet.Bridgeplate is made of laminated wood, and as you can see this is coming apart too. Look at the metal plate and the rivet.

I filled the bridgeplate with woodpaste and sanded it reasonably flush with the top. The reason I used woodpaste was mainly because the bridge and bridgeplate were riveted together. The rivets themselves are covered with a little brown plastic cap. One of them was already missing and I lost another one while working on the bridge. The woodpaste also covered the holes, and in the picture you see a reamer to make the bridgepins fit again.I filled the bridgeplate with woodpaste and sanded it reasonably flush with the top. The reason I used woodpaste was mainly because the bridge and bridgeplate were riveted together. The rivets t...

Then I had to glue the cracks in the bridge.Then I had to glue the cracks in the bridge.

The piece of wood underneath the clamp had to be placed very carefully in the exact right spot to press down on the crack.The piece of wood underneath the clamp had to be placed very carefully in the exact right spot to press down on the crack.

And the other clamp in an angle to give it the pressure it needed to close the two cracks.And the other clamp in an angle to give it the pressure it needed to close the two cracks.

Filled the missing bits with superglue and wooddust.Filled the missing bits with superglue and wooddust.

While that was drying, I went shopping for replacement-caps. Well,...what I found were nails you would normally use in chairs. Almost the same size & colour as well. (the one in front is the plastic one). I only had to remove the nail itself.While that was drying, I went shopping for replacement-caps. Well,...what I found were nails you would normally use in chairs. Almost the same size & colour as well. (the one in front is the plas...

A bit of two-componant epoxy glue and you would never notice the difference.A bit of two-componant epoxy glue and you would never notice the difference.

Looks stunning! The clamps and the glue and wooddust really did the trick. The cracks are not even visible anymore.Looks stunning! The clamps and the glue and wooddust really did the trick. The cracks are not even visible anymore.

I gave the wood a little oil.I gave the wood a little oil.

You can still see the woodpaste I used to fill the bridgeplate holes. It did not clean-up that beautiful, but you never look inside. It's only to keep the string from making dents in the topYou can still see the woodpaste I used to fill the bridgeplate holes. It did not clean-up that beautiful, but you never look inside. It's only to keep the string from making dents in the top

This Italian beauty sings well, but as I understand it Eko is known around the globe for the beautiful voice of the 12-string.This Italian beauty sings well, but as I understand it Eko is known around the globe for the beautiful voice of the 12-string.

Removing the frets with a special pair of pliars.Removing the frets with a special pair of pliars.

Sanding the fretboard, because it was very dirty and a little bit dented.Sanding the fretboard, because it was very dirty and a little bit dented.

Already installed the frets and taped the fretboard.Already installed the frets and taped the fretboard.

Polishing the frets with the finest steelwool.Polishing the frets with the finest steelwool.

Frets polished.Frets polished.

Carefully removing the maskingtape. Carefully removing the maskingtape.

Though very difficult to see, I created a bevel in such a way that there is more playing surface. So I just held my file at a different angle.Though very difficult to see, I created a bevel in such a way that there is more playing surface. So I just held my file at a different angle.

That means that I can create a wider spacing at the topnut. Almost similar to that of a classical guitar.That means that I can create a wider spacing at the topnut. Almost similar to that of a classical guitar.

The topnut blank. Made from real bone. In this picture the bevel is easier to see.The topnut blank. Made from real bone. In this picture the bevel is easier to see.

Cleaning the top of the body. This is what you get when you smoke! This is only from the top, I don't even want to show you this piece of cloth after cleaning the rest!!! So my advice is; STOP SMOKING!.........so there!Cleaning the top of the body. This is what you get when you smoke! This is only from the top, I don't even want to show you this piece of cloth after cleaning the rest!!! So my advice is; STOP SM...

Cleaned the bed of the topnut on the neck and glued the topnut.Cleaned the bed of the topnut on the neck and glued the topnut.

Topnut glued.Topnut glued.

Mounted the floating pickup. Mounted the floating pickup.

The old topnut to show that I actually managed to win 3 mm of extra spacing.The old topnut to show that I actually managed to win 3 mm of extra spacing.

Spacing is a lot wider now, so I hope Remco is going to play this guitar more regularly now.Spacing is a lot wider now, so I hope Remco is going to play this guitar more regularly now.

Modeling the topnut so that there are no sharp edges.Modeling the topnut so that there are no sharp edges.

You have a beautiful body!...hmm, funny normally I would say this to a woman.You have a beautiful body!...hmm, funny normally I would say this to a woman.

Trying to survive the war in a camp in GermanyTrying to survive the war in a camp in Germany

Back of this very old GuitarBack of this very old Guitar

String action is much too high to play anything decent on this guitar.String action is much too high to play anything decent on this guitar.

Binding is gone missing on some parts of the neck.Binding is gone missing on some parts of the neck.

Due to the shrinkage of the wood, the binding is being pushed back by the now protruding frets.Due to the shrinkage of the wood, the binding is being pushed back by the now protruding frets.

Measuring the alignment of the tailpiece.Measuring the alignment of the tailpiece.

Tailpiece out of alignment.Tailpiece out of alignment.

Corrected this by bending the metal, because the mounted metal plate on the guitar was correctly spaced at the centerline of the top. Corrected this by bending the metal, because the mounted metal plate on the guitar was correctly spaced at the centerline of the top.

Binding came loose at the lower bout of the body.Binding came loose at the lower bout of the body.

Binding gluedBinding glued

Headstock and the special AMKA logo disc. Removed the tuners.Headstock and the special AMKA logo disc. Removed the tuners.

Back of the headstock.Back of the headstock.

A crack at the back of the neck. Waiting to be glued.A crack at the back of the neck. Waiting to be glued.

Last fret to be removed. Strangly enough this is a wider fret than the others.Last fret to be removed. Strangly enough this is a wider fret than the others.

Very dirty and worn fretboard. Binding is torn at every fretslot.Very dirty and worn fretboard. Binding is torn at every fretslot.

Trying to remove the binding from the neck. Pretty hard job too.Trying to remove the binding from the neck. Pretty hard job too.

Damaged area and some kind of wormhole?Damaged area and some kind of wormhole?

First fret and topnut removed. Broken off piece at the first fret position. Lots of dents from fingernails.First fret and topnut removed. Broken off piece at the first fret position. Lots of dents from fingernails.

This fretslot is too wide, so I had to fill it up with wooddust mixed with superglue.This fretslot is too wide, so I had to fill it up with wooddust mixed with superglue.

Mixed the wood and the glue and filled the gap.Mixed the wood and the glue and filled the gap.

Filling last piece of fretslot.Filling last piece of fretslot.

Filling up a broken off piece of the fretboard.Filling up a broken off piece of the fretboard.

Sanding the spot flush.Sanding the spot flush.

The restored first fret position.The restored first fret position.

Had to try and restore the white dots for a bit due to the heavy sanding.Had to try and restore the white dots for a bit due to the heavy sanding.

Glueing in a new piece of Wengé wood where it suddenly broke off.Glueing in a new piece of Wengé wood where it suddenly broke off.

Filling up some holes. Looks like wormholes!?Filling up some holes. Looks like wormholes!?

Filling up some holes.Filling up some holes.

Glueing the binding on in steps.Glueing the binding on in steps.

It's a pretty sight this Wengé fingerboard.It's a pretty sight this Wengé fingerboard.

Round corner glued. It's a rather thick binding material and hard to bend.Round corner glued. It's a rather thick binding material and hard to bend.

Fretboard is curved quite a bit and I shaped the binding accordingly.Fretboard is curved quite a bit and I shaped the binding accordingly.

It took many clamps, as it would not have been possible to do this with tape. The binding would have bent inwards. I could have made the binding smaller, but I chose not to.It took many clamps, as it would not have been possible to do this with tape. The binding would have bent inwards. I could have made the binding smaller, but I chose not to.

Well,....oohps.....what can I say. I tried to cut it with a knife when I suddenly slipped and my knife cut the binding in two. So here we go again.Well,....oohps.....what can I say. I tried to cut it with a knife when I suddenly slipped and my knife cut the binding in two. So here we go again.

I did not have the same binding anymore so I glued some black and whites together. I did not have the same binding anymore so I glued some black and whites together.

One side done.One side done.

'Round the corner she goes.'Round the corner she goes.

And the next corner.And the next corner.

Corners done.Corners done.

The other side.....not of Abbey Road, but the fingerboard.The other side.....not of Abbey Road, but the fingerboard.

The corners are the most difficult bit, because the binding tends to spring back.The corners are the most difficult bit, because the binding tends to spring back.

Sanded the bindings flush with the fingerboard, and cleaned out the fretslots with a metal hook used by dentists.Sanded the bindings flush with the fingerboard, and cleaned out the fretslots with a metal hook used by dentists.

Nice and clean.Nice and clean.

All frets cut to length.All frets cut to length.

First five frets done. It was a difficult process because the radius was enormous. More than 7 1/4" and I'd say that's pretty round.First five frets done. It was a difficult process because the radius was enormous. More than 7 1/4" and I'd say that's pretty round.

Whole fingerboard fretted and the edges beveled.Whole fingerboard fretted and the edges beveled.

Glueing the neck back together.Glueing the neck back together.

The headstock revealed some more cracks due to the fretting blows.The headstock revealed some more cracks due to the fretting blows.

Tackled that problem!Tackled that problem!

Installed the zero-fretInstalled the zero-fret

Lowering the bridge by filing the underside.Lowering the bridge by filing the underside.

Mounting the tuningmachines.Mounting the tuningmachines.

Glueing the neckjoint that was a bit loose.Glueing the neckjoint that was a bit loose.

And at the same time glueing a crack in the heel.And at the same time glueing a crack in the heel.

The low E-string is a bit thick and cannot move any closer into the tailpiece, but it is stuck so that's enough.The low E-string is a bit thick and cannot move any closer into the tailpiece, but it is stuck so that's enough.

And here is the 72 years old lady singing again! And her voice is crystal clear!And here is the 72 years old lady singing again! And her voice is crystal clear!

In 1953 / 1954 this Jazz guitar was only between $ 205,- & $ 285,-In 1953 / 1954 this Jazz guitar was only between $ 205,- & $ 285,-

Headstock with the special metal Epiphone shield. Did some work on the tuners as well. They turned so bad. It's a lot better now.Headstock with the special metal Epiphone shield. Did some work on the tuners as well. They turned so bad. It's a lot better now.

The binding came loose at one perticular point. So that's glued back together.The binding came loose at one perticular point. So that's glued back together.

The pickup rattled so I made some shims from very thin cardboard and put it in the cavities.The pickup rattled so I made some shims from very thin cardboard and put it in the cavities.

The old wooden top of the bridge was severely warped by the stress of the strings. The strings were also not in alignement with the side of the neck, and did not meet with the polepieces of the pickup.The old wooden top of the bridge was severely warped by the stress of the strings. The strings were also not in alignement with the side of the neck, and did not meet with the polepieces of the p...

The 9 1/2" radius of the fretboard filed in the bridge top part. And the proper alignment for the strings. It doesn't match the colour, but the old thing was a bigger mistake in colour in the first place.The 9 1/2" radius of the fretboard filed in the bridge top part. And the proper alignment for the strings. It doesn't match the colour, but the old thing was a bigger mistake in colour in the fi...

The old strapholder / button was broken, so I had to drill a hole and pull it out with that hook.The old strapholder / button was broken, so I had to drill a hole and pull it out with that hook.

Shaped a wooden plug to fit in the hole. (violin pegshaper)Shaped a wooden plug to fit in the hole. (violin pegshaper)

Filled all holes with wooden plugs.Filled all holes with wooden plugs.

Everything sawn and chiseled flush for redrilling.Everything sawn and chiseled flush for redrilling.

Mounted the Tailpiece and Schaller Straplocks.Mounted the Tailpiece and Schaller Straplocks.

Glued a piece of wood to the brace inside, because one screw did not hold.Glued a piece of wood to the brace inside, because one screw did not hold.

Finished result is a beauty!Finished result is a beauty!

The knobs & pickup style/design are called "New York". This model also came with a "frequensator" Tailpiece. (not shown)The knobs & pickup style/design are called "New York". This model also came with a "frequensator" Tailpiece. (not shown)

You can also see the proper alignment of the stings over the polepieces (and neck)You can also see the proper alignment of the stings over the polepieces (and neck)

Bye,......Epi....... Bye,......Epi.......