Hi Gents,
The LP top will have to have something done to it - I don't think that just filling with maple will be good enough as the nitro may potentially show the join over time (depending on how it is done) – one potential option may be to use a thin slice of maple veneer just to stop it sinking; whilst re-topping has some advantages there are a couple of disadvantages mostly removing the original binding and then re-carving the top – which is a lot of work
. I think that it would be nice to keep it as original as possible – don’t might the swimming pool size hole in the back which will be refilled with mahogany, the new binding, pickups, bridge, electronics, machine heads…..ha ha ha ha
If I remember correctly it is a ‘73 custom. It has been hit with some sort of stripper to remove the paint and this has affected the binding. The headstock binding is original and come up nice after a bit of work – there was no binding on the neck so this is all new and will have to be ‘aged’. The plan is to bring it back to ‘original’ as much as possible and then move it on. We are keeping a picture log so any future customer knows what they are purchasing.
Sorry Auscab, as MBP rightly pointed out it is a Maton. Apparently 1978 is the first year that they produced 808s – according to Maton anyway. In comparison to some of the stuff around now, it would be likely considered a middle to upper-low range acoustic in terms of specs. It has laminated back and sides but solid top… this particular one needs a neck reset – hence the reason there are a few of the higher frets missing and drill holes. It has been hit with steam but is putting up a good fight. But after seeing Warren re-top and remove the necks on an ovation double neck I am positive that we will get it off with out much hassle. For the ovation, the guys from a Bon Jovi show wanted a replica made of Richie Sambora’s ovation. You know the one, star inlays, black very 80s – given all the epoxy, that thing took some steam, us swinging of the necks and time! Again this is a shop guitar – and I actually want to keep this one. But it might find a new home
We get a through a few older Matons some of the early stuff have construction techniques that would not be employed today – like a bolt on neck construction without the bolts but 2 dows inserted longitudinally and then the whole thing glued. Understandably, it had failed and had evidence of previous repairs – this was on a weird 335 type thing.
Charangohabsburg, you are right mate, keeping the original top would be great – the only issue near the bridge is it wafer thin in a couple of spots – so some patching/bracing will be in order. Apparently the story is that the instrument has been in the family since new so has sentimental value.
. You've certainly got a bit on the go at the moment!
