Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:55 am
Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:36 pm
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:21 pm
adamdn wrote:Hi all,
I just wanted to check back in on my question(s)...
I'm still very curious if anyone has any insight into if G&L used fretboard stains? I highly doubt this, but since I'm new to early G&Ls I'm genuinely curious.
Fortunately, I was able to fully resolve my metal pick-guard discoloration. In case anyone else has the same issue that I can help, here is what I did: My issue was not that the paint was gone from the surface, but that the metal had tiny microscopic cracks around the edges causing the discoloration. I have no idea how that would happen other than perhaps a material defect, or maybe heat build up from someone trying to mechanically polish it. The sharpie idea I had worked on a small area, but not so much when I tried it on a larger area. So, I had a can of Minwax Ebony stain and tried the same. I lightly dobbed over the entire surface with a paper towel and then immediately buffed it off. This perfectly blended into the microscopic crevices of the metal (not the surface) causing the discoloration to completely vanish. It surprised me how well. It now looks and feels brand new, so I'm satisfied enough with the fix. I'll try to post pics when I get a chance.
Sadly though, shortly after getting the guitar the back of my neck developed a small 1" split in the bi-cut neck seam right behind the truss rod screw pressure point. This must have happened in the case overnight. I was completely shocked. I've set up many dozens of guitars and have never seen this happen. While this neck came with a huge bow in it, and I had to tighten the truss rod more than usual to make it playable, I would not say it was overtightened. I do have moderate lutherie skills having hand built both electrics and acoustics... So, I ended up removing and heat pressing the neck. This allows me to restraighten it with very little truss rod pressure. Unfortunately, the crack refused to clamp completely level out so I had to resort to just stabilizing it as-is. This really bummed me out. Of all imperfections I'm happy living with in a guitar, a cracked neck is not one of them. My next project will now have to be reflowing the lacquer there as best I can. Aside from that, the guitar is looking and playing almost like brand new.
Alas, one more question... I discovered the retaining screw for the trem arm is missing on my bridge. There is a plastic nib in the hole, but the screw which presses against that is gone. Anyone know what's an appropriate replacement? Size/type?
Thanks,
Adam
Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:55 am