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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
1947 Gibson J-200
This J-200 was made in 1947. The neck angle was totaled and it would not play any more. The owner wanted a complete restoration on it so that it would play like it should. The restoration required that the neck be removed and the angle adjusted so the strings met the bridge saddle at the correct height. The fret board was planed level and a 12 inch radius applied. He wanted to keep the divots in the fret board for sentimental reasons. Add a hand carved bone nut and bridge and Bob's your uncle. It plays great and sounds spectacular. One of the very best from Gibson way back in the day when a luthier built the guitar. Not a robot.
Before
Neck Reset
Neck angle was wrong and it needed a complete reset.
Cracks on side from being dried out.
This required the application of steam and lots of it.
More Cracks
Way more steam.
Binding is off.
Even more steam and extreme caution.
Fret Board wear.
Wanted to keep the wear marks even after the fret job.
Nut slot.
It was shimmed with paper.
After
Neck Joint / Binding / Fret Job
The thing about restorations is to make all of the new work look like it belongs on the old instrument. Looks like it should.
after
Hand Carved Bone nut
The slot was dressed down to the wood so the bone has perfect contact for maximum resonance.
after
Hand Carved Bone Bridge.
Fits as snug as a bug in a rug. Action is perfect.
after
Fret Finish
I was able to save the divots and still give a perfectly flat fret board. Rsm Butter Finger.
after
Neck Joint
You can't even tell I took this apart and changed the angle. Looks like it has been like this the entire time.
after
Pickups... Why not.
These pickups mount under the bridge inside the guitar and do not interfere with the bone to saddle connection so you get all of the benefits of the bone bridge.
enjoy the show
The 1947 Gibson J-200
The best part of doing a restoration like this is getting to go to school. I always learn something new from the craftsman that built the instrument. Not only in design but ultimately the craftsmanship. The entire project is below.
Enjoy.
Rsm