Gibson J50, Dreadnought acoustic 1967

I recently completed a re-fret, new saddle, set up and neck refinish on this beautiful 1967 Gibson J50.

First day on the work bench. Strip down of all fittings.

The neck was suffering from a breakdown of the lacquer finish. I decided to take the minimum
intervention route. Here I'm filling in the bare patches with multiple layers of Shellac
carefully brushed in. It took more than 20 applications to reach the same film build as the
original lacquer.

Part way through the process.

Nearly done, first a re-fret 

This was the bone saddle.

The guitar had fallen on it's ear which had bent the tuner shaft and broken the plastic button.
I was able to straighten the shaft and glue the two halves of the button back on the shaft with
Loctite 406 superglue.

Frets removed. Time to sand the rosewood fingerboard and remove those fingernail divets.

Fret slots prepped.

New fret wire on the bench bent to the correct radius.

Some of the fret ends popped up so I glued and secured them by taping and clamping.

This is my home made fret caul clamp. It works a treat.

Closeup of the home made fret caul clamp the jaws are made from scraps of purple heart.

Fret levelling and crowning complete.

Last coat of true oil on the neck.

Ready to re-string.

New saddle is of Ebony made from and old black piano key. The tone is amazing.

The old girl has a new lease on life. I hope the owner likes it as much as I do!

What a stunning guitar, such a privilege to work on a guitar of this age, quality and condition.