Ask Grumpy Old Luthier BCRGreg Thread

[BCRGreg]

No experience with their stuff other than the bombs.

 

[wizzbang]

Hi Greg I've recently purchased as 67 SG jr with the full pick guard.It needs a refrett,is there a correct size of fret wire,and is there any special requests I should make of the luither who is refretting the guitar?Many thanks Gary

 

[monkeyodeath]

Couple of questions, Greg...

First one, in your mind, how accurate do you think is "good enough"? I just tapered my fretboard and I'm pissed because at the bottom end of the board, I'm about 1mm too narrow according to the dimensions I've seen here (building a LP JR). Should I be anal and try again with a new board or were small discrepancies like this normal on the old guitars?

Second, for dressing frets and finishing up the fretboard, do I need to buy special files, etc. from StewMac to do it, or can I do it with standard-issue type of small files I can find in a woodworking store? I want to do a good job, but I'd rather not shell out for expensive specialty tools if I don't need to...

Oh yeah, and did JR's have the holly headstock veneer?

 

[realjimjim]

Greg,

You said you would not use ReRanch paint for a full guitar paint. I'm curious, why not?

I have a '77 LP Special re-issue which was origianlly TV Yellow and am getting ready to re-paint her.

What do you suggest I use?

Thanks for the advice Greg!

I added some pics. someone really butchered this guitar.

What should I do? Go to Home Depot and take a paint chip for them to color match?

 

[Satrian]

Greg, sorry if this question was asked before but... I would like to remove the pickguard of my EPI Les Paul Silverburst. What's the best way to do it? The holes are in all black areas. Will it be possible to refinish it? Will it be noticeable?

Thanks in advance!

 

[BCRGreg]

Hi Greg I've recently purchased as 67 SG jr with the full pick guard.It needs a refrett,is there a correct size of fret wire,and is there any special requests I should make of the luither who is refretting the guitar?Many thanks Gary

If he is good, he will take care of such things. If he is not, send it to me.

 

[BCRGreg]

Couple of questions, Greg...

First one, in your mind, how accurate do you think is "good enough"? I just tapered my fretboard and I'm pissed because at the bottom end of the board, I'm about 1mm too narrow according to the dimensions I've seen here (building a LP JR). Should I be anal and try again with a new board or were small discrepancies like this normal on the old guitars?

Second, for dressing frets and finishing up the fretboard, do I need to buy special files, etc. from StewMac to do it, or can I do it with standard-issue type of small files I can find in a woodworking store? I want to do a good job, but I'd rather not shell out for expensive specialty tools if I don't need to...

Oh yeah, and did JR's have the holly headstock veneer?

Do it right once, fix it afterwards for life. Do another board, use that one as your practice board.

You MUST have good fret files,which are not available at Sears. Having the guitar fretted by a pro is cheaper than buying all the tools needed.

 

[BCRGreg]

Thanks for the advice Greg!

I added some pics. someone really butchered this guitar.

What should I do? Go to Home Depot and take a paint chip for them to color match?

Jeesus.

That's gonna need more than just paint.

 

[H.E.L.Shane]

Jeesus.

That's gonna need more than just paint.

Jeesus aint gonna help... Thats a visit to a stripper, a trip to see Dr. Fill, a primer course, and then a chat with Sherwin Williams!

 

[BCRGreg]

Smart ass.

 

[xsouldriverx]

Jeesus aint gonna help... Thats a visit to a stripper, a trip to see Dr. Fill, a primer course, and then a chat with Sherwin Williams!

 

[wizzbang]

If he is good, he will take care of such things. If he is not, send it to me.

Are you coming to australia any time soon?
I'd love you to BCR my guitar

 

[BCRGreg]

I have always wanted to go to Oz, but not any time soon.

 

[monkeyodeath]

Awesome, thanks so much Greg!

 

[gtrmaker]

Greg,

On an original 50's 'burst is the treble side tailpiece stud anchor just pressed into the hole on top of the ground wire?

 

[BCRGreg]

Yup.

 

[gtrmaker]

Thanks! You da man!

 

[inspectorted]

I'm using a traditional 3/16" truss rod on my build, with a 3/16" x 1/2" channel in the neck. Do I need to cushion this rod with something before I glue the maple filler strip in? I'm concerned about it possibly chattering.

 

[LPGeoff]

W........T..........F..............!!!

 

[C Squared]

Greg-
Simple question, but since I'm on a budget (out of work) figured I'd ask before I experiment.

I got a blank telecaster style control plate from Guitar fetish, and drilled out three holes for pots. There still are a few burrs. Won't be noticeable with the pots in and the knobs on, but I know they're there. Any suggestions for polishing out the burrs w/o screwing up the chrome plating?