Restoring a non-functional truss rod to working order can be one of the more complicated jobs that a luthier specializing in repair may have to undertake. In many cases, replacing a broken truss rod will require removal of the entire fingerboard, which is a costly and invasive procedure. On the more simple, single [...]
Repair and restoration work on vintage instruments can pose certain unique problems. Sometimes, restoring an instrument to playable condition while staying true to the original specs is not always possible, and compromises have to be made. Occasionally, the problem is the result of a design flaw on the manufacturers part (such as the plastic [...]
This Tacoma bass was in the shop recently for a broken headstock repair. Someone already attempted a repair, but the glue up failed. This makes fixing it properly a bit more difficult the second time around, as the glue residue left over from the previous attempt can weaken subsequent glue ups. Whoever attempted [...]
A refret is a serious undertaking on any instrument. On some vintage instruments, however, there are factors at play that make an otherwise routine job far more complicated. This late 1920's Regal tenor banjo has what is affectionately referred to as a 'Mother of toilet seat' fingerboard. The fingerboard itself is maple, but it's [...]
