Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm really psyched to be on this forum with all of you. I'm a beginner, but at age 37, have been playing since 10. A couple questions, I am planning to replace the plane-jane headstock veneer with ebony and binding it with snakewood. And since Martin won't supply replacement decals, Ill have the old logo that runs down the center of the headstock inlayed in gold. I also want to replace the bridge w/a stauffer pyramid bridge. My question is, I was told by a repairman that it would be really dumb to do that because it would depreciate my guitars value. It's a 000C1-E so it's not exactly high-end, although I've been told by a couple of people that they've never heard that model sound as good as mine. It really has a beautiful woody tone!

Thanks, sorry for the ramble
Matthew

Welcome to the fold. You might consider picking up some cheap guitars on craigs list or a flea market to practice on before you attack your Martin. Replacing the head stock veneer will not be the easiest thing to do. It will require re-finishing, of course replacing the bridge will require re-finishing the top, most likely. Get some experience on some things you don't care about first.

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Thanks for the welcome! I'm actually a very experienced woodworker w/quite a bit of finishing experience. If I read correctly, aren't you the gentelman who french polishes? I have experience doing this w/furniture, but would love to see your technique on guitars.

Hi Matthew, welcome to the forum and guitar building. A couple of comments - take them for what they are worth.
1- this is the kit subforum, mostly intended for people building kit guitars (StewMac, LMI, etc). Your question would fit the general building forum and get a lot more responses there.
2 - not sure exactly why you want to modify your Martin but it will be a lot of work and will definitely reduce its value. As I remember the 000C1E it is a relatively simple satin finished guitar with simple binding and rosewood fretboard/bridge - it probably has a rosewood headplate to match. Replacing that with ebony and binding it is going to be a lot of work (and in my humble opinion) will probably clash with the reset of the guitar
3 - Replacing the bridge with a different shape is definitely not easy. You will have a significant tan mark to deal with, as well as intonation and your UST. You'll probably need to plug and redrill pin holes - be sure to check the string spacing, it might be different. Also be careful that you get (or make) the bridge the same height, if different you could have neck angle problems.
4 - I'm pretty sure your 000C1E has nitro finish - again, that is one of the easiest to repair or over spray providing you are set up to do it (paint booth, respirator, yadda yadda). Matching the satin might be hard to get right. French polish is a great finish, but probably not for what you are talking about doing.

Not trying to spoil your plans, but the things that you are talking about - binding, inlay, making and setting the bridge and refinishing, are some of the most difficult tasks of lutherie - don't risk your nice Martin learning how.

Yes I French polish. I also spray lacquers and poly. I do a good bit of finish work and repair for other local shops as well. I spent my life building cabinetry and furniture. Guitars are a bit different, much finer detail and scrutinized much more.

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

I went over to the construction board and places two posts. Not one person responded. Quite a few views, but no responses.

Welcome to the zoo my friend . Look forward to seeing some of your work .

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/

I went and read your post. You say you have a question but then did not ask a question. Perhaps others are confused as am I.

"My question is, I was told by a repairman that it would be really dumb to do that because it would depreciate my guitars value. It's a 000C1-E so it's not exactly high-end, although I've been told by a couple of people that they've never heard that model sound as good as mine. It really has a beautiful woody tone!"

_________________
Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

I'm sorry for not being concise....my question was, should I go along with my project that involves dyeing the rosewood bridge and fretboard ebony. Also, at some point, the bridge will be replaced with a stauffer pyramid bridge. Since it has a larger footprint than my current belly bridge, there shouldn't be a sun-tan issue. I also want to steam up the current plain-jain peg head veneer, and replace it with tortise and the old school inlay. The guy I talked to made a big deal out of it losing it's value. First: How much value would it have in the first place?? Second: I'm never selling it. I just really want to take this plain-jane looking guitar that I love and make it a thing of beauty. I am an accomplished woodworker, so it's not like I'm some guy that doesn't know the processes. If I can find a ooo or om kit, cheap enough, I would love to start on that.
Cheers
Matthew