MIMF

I was able to remove this some time ago. I believe I used a combination of oil and heat as suggested below. I have not yet continued to restore the mando, I've had other paid projects jump ahead in line!.

This is the first I've heard of a PMTE brace. I assume it's to stabilize the bridge plate area. Just what is it?

I don't know if it would work in this situation, but Mamie Minch has a video on Stu mac where she uses Oxalic Acid to bleach old splits and top stains. I've used this technique with good results on many of the old parlors I work on. Here's the link: https://www.stewmac.com/video-and-ideas/online-res...

I was recently asked to use this product on a historic Knutsen Mandolin with severe damage to the nut. Extremely deep string groves, the nut had been raised to allow more cutting and sections between the paired strings had broken off. Even though I suggested cutting a new nut, being a historical ins...

Sorry, I missed the rest of this post. Your solution looks great! Did you also glue in re-enforcement inside as well? Re the pickguard, it's a modern replacement from Ebay. Here's a similar one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tortoise-Archtop-Vinyl-Pickguard-/334046438122?hash=item4dc6b822ea And finally, ...

Hey Paul, I just got back on the site and looked at the video you posted. Thanks!

Wow! My hat is certainly off to you. Thanks so much for an extremely informative post. I've got an early Gibson F-2 Triple point with a broken headstock and will certainly steal some of your technique for that repair. Nothing as radical as your's, but I can see I need to get some West Systems Epoxy ...

I love the idea of an actual database where you could search for neck pics by name, date etc. The Frets Neckset thread is a good but limited and you have to just go go through it and see what you can find. I'm always working on oddball and vintage guitars so having a place I can go to for info on a ...

IMG_7156.jpg IMG_7159.jpg I recently restored a Kay arch top that had been made for Sears and Roebuck. Most arch tops I've seen generally have some sort of support beneath the F holes, usually a thin plywood or spruce template that matches the cut out and re-enforces the area to prevent warpage. Th...

Hi Folks,

I was able to locate a replacement bridge for the immediate project, but I do plan on restoring more of this type and era guitar so I'm still interested in additional bridges should anyone have any to sell.

Thanks!

Chris Vallillo
Orphan Instruments

Hi Everyone, Thanks for hooking me up with the Kay bolts. Since I received those, I've bought another guitar that needs the KAY rosewood bridge that has the strings go through it, but not the top. See the attached pics. I've seen these on Kay, Harmony and Orpheum guitars. I'm getting into restoring ...

Hi Paul,

I thought I answered this yesterday, but don't see the reply. Yes, those do look like they would work. I'd be delighted to buy them from you if you can spare them. Send me the details. Thanks!

Hi Folks, I'm currently restoring a late 40s-50s Kay Jumbo guitar. IMG_6764.JPG I was ablate locate an original bridge, but unfortunately, it did not come with the original decorated bridge bolts as as seen here: s-l1600 3.jpg IMG_0560.jpg I'd love to locate a set and would be glad to pay a reasonab...

Hi John, I've traced the outline of the Gibson A Pickguard onto 1/4" graph paper which is probably a much more accurate way to give you dimensions. I'll attach it here as a J-peg. You can download the PDF of this at this google drive link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19DjwFzsqBtxD2LX7CaUz5...

I just did the very thing on the Harmony I spoke of in the earlier post. In that case, it was a piece of spruce about 1 1/2" X 6 1/2". After leaving the wet paper towel on overnight, a bent, sharpened knife easily slid underneath the piece and separated it with little trouble. The only tou...

Hi John, Let me take a look at it tomorrow and get some measurements. And yes, I'd be interested in a template for the bridge. Thanks!

I am currently doing a similar process on a Harmony H-165. In this case, someone modified the guitar to have a "through the top" bridge rather than the original "through the bridge only" arrangement Harmony used on these guitars. In the process of drilling pin holes, they damaged...

Hi John,

I'm not sure exactly how to measure the 1/2 moon section (not exactly sure where it starts and ends!), but I'd be glad to trace the entire pick guard while it's off and accessible if that would help. Let me know.

Success! After another slow heating with the soldering iron on the frets, I was able to get the pickguard to come lose. A slow process to be sure, but gentle use of the wedges, heat and an antique putty knife made things go quite well. As suggested, the nails were bent and rusty and it did "pop...

Thanks John. I also posted on Mandolin Cafe and got some good advice along those lines as well. I'm going to apply a bit of thin lemon oil to attempt to lubricate it, then gentle heat before trying to edge it out as you describe. I'll let you know how it goes.