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PostPosted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:35 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
Brazilian Rosewood

Joined: Tue May 13, 2008 10:44 am
Posts: 6262
Location: Virginia
I got an interesting piece in about a week ago. Ever heard of George Smith guitars? This one is from 1963, a 12-string with a classical Spanish Heal, BR back and sides. The top on this guitar is unbelievably thin and the bracing is so light it really took me by surprise. The front of the sound hole is crushed in a typical fashion but the top behind and just in front of the bridge looks fine which is amazing given the light bracing.

Anyway the neck had been reset before. Unfortunately they used the method where you cut the fret board off through the body fret. I wish people wouldn't do that! Then they lift the back up, force the neck angle and reglue the back. Who ever did it actually did a fine job of it. But I don't think that method can be used again. So what I am thinking of doing is a bolt on conversion. Using my very thin Japanese saw to cut the neck right off and convert it to a bolt on.

I'm just wondering what all your opinions would be on such a project?


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PostPosted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 9:50 am 
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Koa
Koa
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Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2005 4:49 pm
Posts: 1209
Location: Ukiah, CA
Here's what Frank Ford does, http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Guitar/NeckReset/BCRIchReset/bcrichreset1.html. I suppose you could use your Japanese saw since the fretboard has already been cut. Does it have a truss rod? That could ruin your saw if you are not careful. Another option is to remove the fretboard and put in a shim to correct the angle. Or you could taper a new fretboard that would correct the angle. That would solve the problem of the old repair where the fretboard was cut off and maintain the intergrity of the Spanish heal joint.

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PostPosted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 10:34 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
Brazilian Rosewood

Joined: Tue May 13, 2008 10:44 am
Posts: 6262
Location: Virginia
Yeah I came across that bone saw article it's brilliant.

Fretboard shim is not a bad idea and in this case I should probably just make a whole new fretboard. I don't like the idea that it is cut through at the body as I believe there is some structure to the joint there.


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