Maple Aristocrat
Here are some pictures of the birdseye maple Aristocrat after restoration. I purchased it on approval after searching for weeks. The only Aristocrats I could find was this maple one and one in Australia signed by John Fogarty with a clear finish on it to protect the signature. It was also missing some knobs. The person who restored this Maple top told me that he acquired it after someone had completely spray painted it black. You can see some of the black paint in the hole cut for the pickups. He refinsihed the entire guitar, glued the binding around the body, and replaced the binding on the neck. He replaced the original wood bridge with a metal bridge that can be tuned. The original bridge was included and appears to be in fine condition. You can see clearly that the maple top is laminated. The cracks are in the top layer of the laminated top. I assume the other wood layers are spruce and maple. I suppose the dark middle layer might be mahogany. The birdseye maple veneer cracked the way it always does, even on furniture. It cracks presumably because it does not expand and contract with the wood underneath it. I feel 99% sure this is the original top. I cannot imagine someone would replace the top of an archtop guitar with a birdseye laminate like this. I find the guitar relatively easy to play. It is not as forgiving and smooth as my Starfire II. The pickup and chambered body results in an awesome tone. I can understand why the blues guys were attracted to this guitar. When I tuned the strings and played the first E7, a chill feeling spread up my spine, as if the devil himself heard the chord. I would appreciate any comments or observations. The guitar appears as well restored as possible. I wanted a player and I can't stand paying for collector's points or name reputation. The only problems with this one now that I noticed was the pickguard is cracked and it really produces a strong laquer smell that I hope will diminish quickly. Does anyone have ideas on the best amp for this guitar?
[img:864:1824]http://www.tolkiencollector.com/apics/aristobig.jpg[/img]