Guild Deco

[richardp69]

I had never seen, owned or played one of these in my past life. Blake told where this was located. A player and ex Guild Custom Shop employee owned it. The Soundboard was pretty much totally finish checked and I knew that going in. I sent it to Tom Jacobs and he did a superb job on the soundboard. There's a bit of checking on the EIR Back but that doesn't at all bother me and in fact it kinda fits with the instrument. The Soundboard though, I just couldn't handle as it was. The guitar sounds superb (even with me playing it).

I'm attaching the 1st few pics which is before Tom's work and the last several are after. I don't think I've ever seen one listed on Reverb or Ebay etc. It for sure is one fine Guild.

 

[Bonneville88]

Looks totally amazing!

 

[geoguy]

How did he repair the the lacquer cracks, Richard?

Simply by overspraying more lacquer? Or is the process more involved that that . . .

 

[Stuball48]

A top notch "bird dog" Richard -- that is what you are. You can find 'em and Tom Jacobs puts the Master's Touch on them. Awesome looking guitar!!!

 

[davismanLV]

I'd be interested to know the technique of repairing the lacquer myself!! Richard, what a SCORE!!! That's a beauty and a Guild to be super proud of! Congrats on seeing the potential, and doing something about it!!

 

[Rich Cohen]

That's one hell of a find! No one saves Guild guitars better than you Rich. Bar none.

 

[dreadnut]

richard, you are a certified Guildmeister!

 

[richardp69]

How did he repair the the lacquer cracks, Richard?

Simply by overspraying more lacquer? Or is the process more involved that that . . .

I'm likely way over simplifying this but I think it involved stripping off all the old lacquer and re-spraying the soundboard. I'll be talking to Tom tomorrow on another repair project so I'll ask him for specifics then.

 

[GGJaguar]

A lot of bling going on there, beautiful guitar!!

 

[Rich Cohen]

I love the "Art Decco" period when style was somethin' else.

 

[walrus]

Beautiful! Great score, Richard!

walrus

 

[Coop47]

Simply "wow". Would love to see a close up of the fret markers if you plan on posting any more. Amazing score and admirable follow-up!

 

[spoox]

I'd be interested to know the technique of repairing the lacquer myself!! Richard, what a SCORE!!! That's a beauty and a Guild to be super proud of! Congrats on seeing the potential, and doing something about it!!

I doubt he used an amalgamator on this guitar, but I have used them on antique furniture for years to lessen alligator checking on old shellac and lacquer.

Mohawk | Amalgamator & Solvent M400-0006

Amalgamator & Solvent

www.mohawk-finishing.com

Howard's Restor A Finish is a mild one that comes in a variety of shades besides neutral, and I have used some in the past on some really old instruments which had severe checking with grime in the cracks. An amalgamator dissolves the surface of the finish without actually stripping it off--white water marks disappear and a lot of the crazing in the finish smooths out. After drying, the finish can be redone with a padding agent or reshot with lacquer or shellac.

 

[Westerly Wood]

it is like Guild's Martin D-45...but cooler.

 

[Rich Cohen]

What's the year, Rich?

 

[richardp69]

What's the year, Rich?

It's a 1997 Rich.

 

[walrus]

Just an FYI, only one "c" in "Deco".

This link to westerlyguildguitars includes photos, etc. and a link to the Deco specs if anyone is interested.

http://westerlyguildguitars.com/guitars/deco.html

walrus

 

[Stuball48]

Just an FYI, only one "c" in "Deco".

This link to westerlyguildguitars includes photos, etc. and a link to the Deco specs if anyone is interested.

http://westerlyguildguitars.com/guitars/deco.html

walrus

Is the "added touch" truss rod cover inlaid with New Zealand abalone around each screw? That is all I think I see on Richard's and one in specs, above

 

[HeyMikey]

That is fantastic Richard. Congratulations and kudos to you and Tom for bringing it back to its full glory. I also would love so see some closeups of those fret markers .

 

[GAD]

I didn't even know the Deco was a thing! Can you post closer pictures of the inlays? They look very cool.