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Information And Advice
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10123&t=38237		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Information And Advice
Had a guy bring me this Gretsch Electric Guitar for Restoration . I am NOT doing ANYTHING until I have a better handle on what I have and its Value . Please look this over and any Information or advice would be EXTREMELY appreciated . Back of Headstock says Made USA 3 059

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Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
More Pics :

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Without opening it up and checking the Electronics , the main repair seems to be the binding is crumbling to pieces. It also needs alot of brass cleaning . The neck looks straight and the frets need cleaned but dont seem to bad . It does have some chipped Laq. small spots .

1964 or '65 to 1972 serial numbers

(Most numbers are on the back or top of the headstock, and "Made in USA" is stamped next to the number starting in June 1967).

The first digit or first 2 digits = month (1-12).
The next digit = last digit of the year (1965 to 1972: 5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2).
The remaining digits = number of individual instrument, probably.
For example, 27136 should be February (2), 1967 (7) and the 1376th instrument made that year. Also note that this serial numbering scheme may have come into use earlier than previously thought.

Based on this from GuitarNucles.com its a 1970 model march 59th built
Author:  nyazzip [ Mon Nov 12, 2012 4:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
i think you'll ruin it, and i think collectors would agree, if you polish all the patina off the brass/other metal parts
Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Nov 12, 2012 4:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
nyazzip wrote:
i think you'll ruin it, and i think collectors would agree, if you polish all the patina off the brass/other metal parts



I don't disagree , however that's what the guy wants me to do , he wants it cleaned repaired and playable . I found one on Ebay in excellent condition for about $2,100.00 .
Author:  B. Howard [ Tue Nov 13, 2012 5:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
I agree it needs cleaned, but I would not actually polish anything as in buff it out as far a s hardware goes. You will have a bit of finish work involved in fixing the bindings and I would buff the entire guitar to even out the gloss and make the repairs less noticeable but I would not try to sand out any of the scratches or wear present on the finish. Restoration is more artistic than straight forward repair.The trick is to go far enough to make the guitar playable and look desirable again without losing the history and character.
Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Nov 13, 2012 7:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
I'm not going to sand out any scratches or re laq anything . Clean and even out the finish with a buff or hand rub. He does want the gold plated parts cleaned and buffed the binding is so far gone it will have to be replaced , I am going to contact Gretsch and see if "period" replacement binding is available . I have No idea at this point what the electronics are like . Will up date you .

He said it has been sitting in a Garage in the case for about 15 yrs ...... Sad ... so sad. [headinwall]
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Tue Nov 13, 2012 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
Do you have the chops to repair this guitar? Binding replacement and finish touchup takes considerable experience to pull off successfully. This is not a guitar to learn on.
Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Nov 13, 2012 3:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
Barry Daniels wrote:
Do you have the chops to repair this guitar? Binding replacement and finish touchup takes considerable experience to pull off successfully. This is not a guitar to learn on.



The guy told me and I quote "Restore it , Or get it restored for me". So I have some leeway on how I approach this . Replacing the Binding doesn't scare me at all . Cleaning the Hardware Doesn't Either . The Finish Touch up , and " Electronics " Are my weak areas . Still deciding what to do . I am not afraid to tackle this project , I am however open to advice and suggestions etc:
Author:  Rodger Knox [ Tue Nov 13, 2012 5:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
"Period correct" binding probably isn't the best idea, that stuff doesn't last. Binding deteriation is not unusual on those old Gretches. I think it's the same stuff John DeAngelico used on his archtops, many have the same problem.
Author:  WudWerkr [ Tue Nov 13, 2012 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
Rodger Knox wrote:
"Period correct" binding probably isn't the best idea, that stuff doesn't last. Binding deteriation is not unusual on those old Gretches. I think it's the same stuff John DeAngelico used on his archtops, many have the same problem.



Sorry wasn't clear . I meant the proper Binding for this Model . As in "New" Binding that is a replacement for this . I have emailed Gretsch to see what Might be available .
Author:  WudWerkr [ Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
Talked to a restorer ( wont say who ) yesterday who said he has done one of these . I asked what he would charge to do the binding . He said $3,000.00 Just to rebind it . idunno REALLY !! The Value on the Guitar is only $2,500.00 in pristine condition ! ummmmmmmmmmmm sounds like someone just doesn't want work to me .

Anyone out there you could recommend I talk to that might wanna give realistic ideas of repair cost ?
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Thu Nov 15, 2012 10:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
I replaced the binding on a Gretsch Anniversary model a few years ago and it wasn't very difficult. But the guitar had already been stripped of the finish and the bindings by the owner. So I had the advantage of being able to refinish the guitar which made the binding job much easier. Trying to retain the existing finish while replacing binding is a LOT MORE WORK. If your finish repair chops are not up to snuff, then don't take on this job.

3k is probably not out of line for a first class job.
Author:  B. Howard [ Thu Nov 15, 2012 12:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
Are you replacing all the bindings and purflings? Or just the ones that are falling apart? 3 K seems high to me, but close to 2 sounds about right, sight unseen of course. The finish repair isn't all that bad, its lacquer. An airbrush is the tool for these type repairs.
Author:  WudWerkr [ Thu Nov 15, 2012 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
B. Howard wrote:
Are you replacing all the bindings and purflings? Or just the ones that are falling apart? 3 K seems high to me, but close to 2 sounds about right, sight unseen of course. The finish repair isn't all that bad, its lacquer. An airbrush is the tool for these type repairs.



Its Mainly the Bindings . Polish the Hardware and touch up the finish . Still looking this over and deciding what to do .
Author:  nickton [ Fri Nov 16, 2012 1:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Information And Advice
Matching that old finish and blending it in would scare me, though it would be worse if it was painted I think.
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