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1942(?) Gibson L-50 archtop project
The player who brought this guitar into the shop tells me, “I bought it from a guy who said he bought it second hand back in the 1940’s. I’m told a lady sat on it at some time in the past.” And from there, the mystery unfolds. Measuring the box tells us it’s most likely the model L-50 made after 1934, models before that time had an oval sound hole, where ours features f-holes. Gibson wasn’t using serial numbers consistently at this time, but they did use a system called Factory Order Numbers, which were stamped on the back plate visible through the treble-side f-hole. Our FON is likely 2138.…
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1981 Gibson ES-Artist
From Google: The 1981 Gibson ES-Artist was a high-end, technologically advanced hollow-body guitar featuring active electronics designed by Robert Moog. Produced around 1979–1981, it blended classic ES-335 styling with modern innovations, sometimes featuring unique finishes like Fireburst. These models were designed for active artists, often featuring advanced tone controls. Key Details of the 1981 Gibson ES-Artist: Electronics: The guitar was known for its active electronics, which were designed by Bob Moog to offer a wide range of tones. Design & Build: It maintained the classic Gibson ES (Electric Spanish) thinline, double-cutaway design. Era Specifics: While some 1981 models featured standard humbuckers, others in the ES line during this time, such…
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Sears Silvertone Acoustic (c) 1973
Here’s another project I started before I had a web site. It’s a circa 1973 Sears Silvertone acoustic guitar, model number 319.12171100 that I picked up from a Healey Wizard named Gary several months ago. It had a terrible bellyache, three popped braces and a cracked bridge. Gary tells me it was made in Japan by Harmony. I rehydrated the box and held it under clamps for around two months, which brought the solid spruce top back into shape wonderfully. Then the popped braces were re-attached, and the bridge was repaired. Moving along, I created a new bone nut and bridge saddle, then performed a Southeast Setup. She’s sounding like…
Brooklyn Fretworks
Baltimore Guitar REPAIR-BUILD-MODIFY
