NOGD

[d1dsj]

Ah I see, it's still one hell of a cool guitar and I'd love to rock it as it is! But then I'm sure it's worth spending a good chunk on if you can find the right man for the job. Just out of curiosity, wouldn't the guy who makes the Bravewood guitars do it? I'm sure that would be am awesome finish!? 

[PhilKing]

John specializes in Fenders, with the bolt on neck.  I'm not sure that he'd do a Gibson.  I've found someone in Canada who has done a restoration on a 50's LP Custom, and it does look great, however it is around 1500 bucks.  Found one other thing, it looks like it has been renecked at some time, though it is a really nice feeling neck.  The pots are all coded 1955, and it is all mahogany (you can see where there are some chips and the hole).   I've just managed to pick up a scratchplate and old mounting bracket on Ebay, so that will make it look a lot better.   

I might look to see if I can scr@pe off the binding for now, as that will make it look 100% better.   I will see if I can get it looking OK for now and then, if I still want to, get it restored next year.

[WezV]

Interesting project!!

Do you know if all the old binding is in place? i would be worried it was filled and sprayed over because of damage and someone lazily deciding to paint it on rather than redo the multi-ply binding

I would also be cautious scrpaing it back depening on what the newer finish is and when it was done.  If its old brittle nitro then scr@ping will be a pain, much easier within a few days of spraying it.  Although a few chips won't mater too much if its all coming off anyway

[PhilKing]

Hi Wez, the lacquer is pretty old and chipped.  I can see the binding underneath and the only issue that I see is about 1mm missing where the neck was replaced (or reset - not sure which).   I'll find out a few more details this weekend when I talk to the previous 2 owners.  In spite of all the issues, I can see why they both loved it, it plays like a dream and sounds great.  It is much lighter than my 1970 and looking at the body, is also slightly thinner (maybe 0.5mm - I need to get the caliper on it to be sure).  I'm assuming that this is from the lack of a maple top, rather than anything else.   I noticed that it has a replacement ABR-1 bridge, but it is still old, and it has the retaining wire, which is a big plus in my mind (try looking for a bridge saddle when you break a string - it's bad enough in the house, if you were on stage it would be impossible).

I might bring it over sometime, especially if I mess it up too much!

[WezV]

Well if it does ever come over here and coincides with a potential visit to Burton I would very much like to take a look, its pretty much one of my dream guitars.