1952 Martin 00018
1. Pick-Guard Damage
Pick-guards were attached directly to the wood on guitars built during this time
period. Typical of old celluloid nitrate plastics, the pick-guard had shrunk over time.
As the material shank, it
took the wood with it, causing cracks in the top of the guitar. This is easily remedied by removing the pick-guard
and re-gluing or splining any cracks. The bare wood is then sealed, with orange shellac
in this case. The original pick-guard is then
reattached.
2. Removing the Neck
The tongue of the fingerboard is heated up with an iron, loosening it from the top of the guitar. This
facilitates the removal of the neck for a neck reset.
3. Latte anyone?
The neck has now been successfully removed, using the steam produced by a modified espresso machine. Prior to
executing this procedure, the luthier must record accurate measurements and have
a proper understanding of neck angles.
4. Neck Reset
The neck has been reset to the proper angle, and is now being reinstalled. Pay no attention to the
Titebond bottle on the bench. We used only the freshest hide glue (as was used in the original installation) to
re-glue the neck.
5. Fret Installation
Unlike modern guitars, old Martin's didn't have an adjustable truss rod. Before removing the strings (while under
string tension), I measured the neck relief, and am now using a homemade neck relief jig to simulate the bow of
the neck without the strings installed. This allows me to reinstall and dress the frets accurately.
6. Soundhole Reinforcement
This guitar was well loved and well used. Over the years the wood around the sound hole was worn very thin and
fragile, so I'm installing some reinforcement underneath the weakened area. It is made from a piece of 105 year
old spruce from a piano soundboard. It seemed fitting for this repair.
7. A Job Well Done
The finished product after a lot of much needed work. My customer was ecstatic with the quality workmanship,
and the rebirth of his beloved Martin.
This guitar had been repaired very poorly several times before she passed by my bench. Please know what you're
doing before you begin. If you are not sure, don't do it. Period. Support your local qualified repairman/luthier.
Feel free to call with questions, or visit us here at Mountainview Luthier School.
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