Official Luthiers Forum!

This weekend, I had first refusal on 3 project guitars an old Yamaha classical, a no-name classical and a steel-string that looked like my very first guitar from Sears (early 60's).

I rejected these because I couldn't see that I'd learn anything from patching the cracks.

But, today it occurred to me that I might have wanted to recycle them for parts, especially the tuners.

Does anyone recycle old parts? Which are worth restoring?

TIA

YES YES YES!!!!! Imagine I have said this louder with more urgency. I have collected parts for years, the right aged screw or machine head gear makes the repair. My philosophy is save a part rather than replace it.
Ya never know when something will be handy.
Evan

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http://www.NewYorkGuitarRepair.com

Evan, you must have a thousand baby food jars or coffee cans in your shop! Reading your post reminded me of my uncle's shop from my childhood...I can remember him looking for an hour to find where he put "that screw"...jar after jar!

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

Milt, YES YES YES TOO!

That is how i completed my first guitar that i had built from scratch, repairs might be helpful moneywise also one day!

Serge

Unfortunately no Larry, I worked at a store in downtown NYC for 5 years before I opened up my own shop. When I left they kept my collection of salvaged parts and screws etc.
Now after 2 years on my own I have a lot of stuff again but not nearly what I amassed before The cool thing though is when I quit smoking Jan 1 I needed something to do so I organized every screw and part in my shop!
Evan

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http://www.NewYorkGuitarRepair.com

if you are only into building then there is not much purpose in saving bits, as it only clutters up the shop.

but if you do repair work then, as evan has said, the old stuff is invaluable. there are frequent repairs where there are missing or buggered up screws, tuner gears and posts, pots, knobs, saddles, springs, pickups, etc., and often that they are not available even if you have time to wait for them to be shipped. being able to go to your stash is just one way of keeping the client happy.