1905 Julius Heinrich Zimmerman violin restoration
1943 Gibson LG3 "Banner" Guitar restoration
At some point the bracing had become unglued resulting in the (slab sawn) mahogany top tearing. The bridge taking a key section of top with it off the body
A news section of mahogany was cut and fitted to the top
A slightly wider bridge plate was installed to provide additional structural stability
1805 Francois Bastien Parlour Guitar restoration
As it arrived. The brief was to restore it to original style and condition and for it to be a playable instrument
The guitar had undergone an 'upgrade' in the early 1900's - adding a slotted pegged and fingerboard
Evidence of the original fingerboard
Rosette and top binding was replaced due to its poor condition
The new (old) headstock
The finished article
1934 Gibson L-75 Guitar Restoration
As it arrived
1940's Kay Sherwood Archtop Guitar Restoration
As it arrived
Original bridge
The headstock had a significant twist
The existing neck extension was a loose fitted piece of plywood, to be replaced with a form-fitted maple extension
custom built scratch plate to replace the original
A new ebony bridge was built, based on modern standard adjustable arch top bridges
the rebuilt headstock
Early 1900's steel string Guitar (unknown make) Restoration
As it arrived
The neck had a positive angle to allow a small string height over the soundboard
The original bridge was painted on with strings pinned into the body and extruding over a flush fitted saddle.
Paint removed
An ostentatious original idea for the bridge - fun to cut, but not a good fit for this project.
A traditional pyramid bridge was cut and installed instead
An ebony fingerboard was installed
1996 Maton EMC225c upgrade
Under the hood, the braces were re-tuned and scalloped and the top was reduced in thickness by about 0.5mm, resulting in a large increase of volume and projection.
Jarrah fingerboard replaced with ebony and inlayed with MOP and opal