Acoustic repair question...

[NXC1978]

I found a 1950 Gibson LG-1 in my Grandparents attic several years ago. It is a basket case, but I would still like to salvage it. My main concern is the spruce top is arched up around the bridge area and then kind of dips down between the sound hole and neck area. The cause looks to be from years of string tension.

I have seen a device that luthiers use to correct this, but I don't know where to get one or what it is called. Any comments or help of any kind would be really great!

[Harpozep]

Do you want to repair it yourself?
With an acoustic that is vintage it would be better left to real luthiers.
Are there any near you? I fnot a coule frequent this forum and will no doubt chime in.
I nknow some great acoustic luthiers ion my area, and they perform magic to basket cases.

[NXC1978]

I am in the N. Dallas, TX area. I would like to try to fix it myself, but you are probably right. The problem with the bowed top mainly is that it is causing the action to be really high. If there is a device that could correct this a bit then I would be satified with the guitar otherwise. I will take some photos of it to post.

[Harpozep]

Originally Posted by NXC1978

I am in the N. Dallas, TX area. I would like to try to fix it myself, but you are probably right. The problem with the bowed top mainly is that it is causing the action to be really high. If there is a device that could correct this a bit then I would be satified with the guitar otherwise. I will take some photos of it to post.

You will likely need a neck reset as well. This is normal maintenance on an acoustic guitar as it ages. That's where it gets complicated. Steaming, heating, and knowing just how to do it requires more than most of us can muster. Anyone can throw together a Strat from Stew Mac, but to correct an aging acoustic requires real skill.

[NXC1978]

sounds like it! I will probably just have a pro fix it up. If you or anyone else out there can reccomend someone I would appreciate it! I would like to avoid altering the original finish if possible to. It is checked all over and beat up, but I like it because it is authentic.

[G Man]

I'm with Harpo on this one. A 1950 Gibby deserves only the best, not a shade tree luthier. Unfortunately, I don't have any good recommendations for Gibson luthiers. If it were a Martin I would have some names for you, but not on the older Gibsons. Maybe contact Frank Ford at Griffin Instruments and see if he has any recommendations.

[Harpozep]

I'd recommend my Friend George Youngblood. He's the man for this stuff however, he has a real long waiting list., if he's even taking any new work.

TO quote our mutual friend Brian, owner of Acoustic Music.org
"Me , I got George the best neck re-setter to ever walk this earth"

Here he is working on a 1935 Gibson last week




No truss rod. Neck needed unbowing. Heat, refret, counterbow. It had had a neck reset some time ago, so that was not needed this time.



AcousticMusic.org - Seller of Fine Fretted Instruments: Guitars, Mandolins and Banjos

If you cannot find anyone qualified in your area, give George a call.....

I bought my Harp guitar from a luthier in New Caney Texas. He's pretty good at putting together the new stuff. Not sure he's the guy for an onld Gibson.
Give him a try . I'll bet he knows the right person if he's not the one.

James Hewett, Luthier 22430 Gail Street New Caney, Texas 77357 (281) 354-7894

Best of luck. Keep us in the loop

[NXC1978]

Thanks guys, I will let you know. Also, if I get a chance I will try to post some photos on Monday.