Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi folks,

I recently procured the remains of a 1953 Gibson J series guitar from a local gent who cleans out storage lockers, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. Here's what I have. It appears that someone used this guitar for... shall we say... guitar repair practice. The following items appear to be original and intact - generally straight neck (unstrung) with proper Gibson logo and "Y" FON indicating a 1953 build, functional Kluson tuners with tuner buttons (one crumbling and the others in fair shape), truss rod cover, full set of fret wire, frets in average condition for this age, sides of correct dimensions for a "J" body, period correct bridge with crumbling saddle, and an approximately 5" wide center section of top running north-south (the portion under the bridge, containing the soundhole). The nut is missing. The back is missing. I have most of the original back braces. The neck joint is tight and looks undisturbed. The pieces of top on either side of the original center portion mentioned above are non-original mystery wood. The top braces are non-original and are not even brace shaped, although they are located in approximately the correct positions. There is glue everywhere. The top has also been given some hideous reptile looking finish using a coating I cannot identify.

Alright, given all that... I would consider it to be in that middle ground between selling it for parts, and trying to find a period-correct body or back/sides and bracing to restore it. Probably more toward the "Parts" end. But I'm no expert so I'd really like to hear some luthier-level opinions if anyone would be willing to give such. I can post photos if anyone is interested.

Thanks!

Mike

PIX!

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

In those halcyon days before eBay, I salvaged any number of items that now I'd sell for parts. I am living proof that you can wait decades for that body, neck, or other item that never turns up. Indeed, you could resurrect such an old derelict item, but if you do intend to, check out its potential resale value - originality rules the market. If that's of any concern, well, I think we're back to eBay. . .

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Cheers,

Frank Ford

FRETS.COM
HomeShopTech
FRETS.NET

Thanks for the interest! Here are some pics.

Have you decided what to do with this I might be interested in putting back together. lee

PM sent.

Nice project in there mate !