Introduction and binding repair

[mbeeks]

Hi all:
My name is Mike and I am brand new to the group. I have an early X110 serial # 1089 and the binding is cracked in several places and coming off in a few. Any recommendations on how I should proceed? Should I take it off and get new or try to reglue what I can? I read something about heating with a hair dryer but really haven't a clue as to the best way to proceed.
I will try and take pictures this weekend and post.

Thanks

 

[krysh]

welcome to ltg, mike.
don't know about this repairs, but help should come soon.

 

[Walter Broes]

Hey Mike, welcome to the forum.

A guitar that old and rare, I'd take to a pro - binding repairs are not that easy, and due to the unpredictable nature of old celluloid, trying to repair it can result in even worse damage.

 

[mbeeks]

Thanks for the recommendation. I live in Indianapolis but my family is in Chicago, any recommendations for a pro in either city?

 

[mbeeks]

I am hoping to take pictures this weekend and I will post a link. It really is a nice guitar, I am the second owner. I don't remember exactly when I bought it maybe 1988 or 89. I bought from the shop owned by my steel guitar teacher. He told me that he sold it to the first owner originally and that it was primarily played in church.
I am primarily a Hawaiian steel player, I love the Guild but never really learned to play it. I still have hopes though.

 

[john_kidder]

I'm waiting to hear from KillerVintage in St. Louis about binding repair (sounds simpler than yours) for a '53 X350 - I'll post when I hear.

 

[mbeeks]

That would be very helpful. St Louis is doable for me.
Thank you

 

[mbeeks]

looks like you have a collection of early instruments. When I bought mine I had no idea how early it was. I just knew I liked it.

 

[john_kidder]

Yours is a 1953, the first year Guild made guitars. There are a few of us in this forum with a special interest in those early years - if you ever need to/want to part with your guitar, be sure to mention it here first.

You might also be interested in getting a copy of "The Guild Guitar Book", by forum member, friend and frequent contributor Hans Moust. HERE's
a link to one currently listed on eBay. Hans has lots of information and anecdotes about the first years which you might find interesting - certainly it's the only print reference in the world that will mention your guitar.

Cheers, glad to have you aboard,

 

[mbeeks]

Yes I knew that it was a 53 or 54.
I have seen the book but have not bought it yet. I will.
I do not anticipate parting with that guitar but if I ever did I would want it to go to someone who would appreciate it so yes I would first say something on this forum.
Right now I want to take care of the binding issue and get a good case for it. The original cardboard case is hardly there. It hasn't been a problem since it seldom leaves my house. That is also part of the reason it doesn't leave the house.

 

[AlohaJoe]

Welcome to the forum, and I second Walter's recommendation that it go to a good Luthier. Tricky repair, and a guitar that special is well worth the expense.

Are you involved in HSGA? I'm in the Northwest and we have a real shortage of good Hawaiian Steel players.

 

[drive-south]

I'd like to suggest that everyone read the thread I'm pointing to found on the site "The Gear Page" regarding the resoration of a DeAngelico archtop. This contains some of the most interesting reading I've come across in a long time about a legendary luthier, and it covers binding repair/replacement in detail.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showth ... ht=binding

Also, I suggest you check out Frets.com for more luthier info that may help to decide how to deal with the binding problem.

Enjoy the DeAngelico thread.

drive-south

 

[mbeeks]

Yes I have been involved with the HSGA for many years. You probably know Lorene & Art As they were the early movers and shakers in the club and are located in the Northwest.
I appreciate all the advice and will be reading the reference article. I replaced the missing bindings on my Gibson Console Grande but that was because major parts of the original were missing when I got it in pieces. There are pictures of that guitar in the HSGA picture section. This is entirely different as I want this guitar (the X110) to be as original as possible.

Any recommendation on Luthiers is appreciated.

 

[FNG]

I'd like to suggest that everyone read the thread I'm pointing to found on the site "The Gear Page" regarding the resoration of a DeAngelico archtop. This contains some of the most interesting reading I've come across in a long time about a legendary luthier, and it covers binding repair/replacement in detail.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showth ... ht=binding

Also, I suggest you check out Frets.com for more luthier info that may help to decide how to deal with the binding problem.

Enjoy the DeAngelico thread.

drive-south

Great thread, thanks for posting that!

 

[taabru45]

I read up on the luthiers at www.theblueguitar.com in San Diego. One of their guys can rebuild a guitar that has been splintered. An old time master. Good Information there too.Steffan

 

[mbeeks]

All I can say is that was a great article and a great restoration. Thanks for sharing. I love stuff like that.
I have a friend that plays a new DA, it really sounds pretty good but then I never heard an original up close and personal.
I would love to tackle the binding repair but I think I should start on an instrument that I am not as attached to. I learned a lot just looking at the pictures and realize even though the binding is much simpler on my X 110 it is probably beyond me at this point.

 

[mbeeks]

Here is a link to pictures of my X 110 on Facebook for anyone interested.
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?a ... 1215401657
I haven't done anything to clean the guitar up yet. It has been sitting for awhile.
I just had Rotator cuff surgery in Dec. and haven't been able to even pickup an instrument.

 

[Walter Broes]

Very nice, cool bass too.

 

[mojomike]

If you can get the guitar to Chicago, I'd suggest contacting Ian Schneller at Specimin Products. Ian is one of the best true guitar craftsmen I've ever encountered. I've taken several classes from him on guitar setup, repair, refretting and electronics. He builds custom guitars and amps that are out of this world. He subscribes to the "do no harm" rule that too many guitar techs don't. I've had Ian repair early Guild and Fender amps and guitars when the repairs were beyond my abilities. Ian is a true artist and takes great pride in all of his work. And while not the cheapest guy in town, he is very reasonably priced for the work he does. You can check him out here: http://www.specimenproducts.com/ I'm restoring a Guild S100, and when I'm done with all of my work (refretting, electronics and cleaning), he'll get the guitar to do the binding repair. Good luck.

 

[mbeeks]

Thank you I will definitely check Ian out. I am very tempted to try the repair myself but my rational side tells me I really should have a professional do it. I think it is going to be rather straightforward.
I have a 1954 Gibson GA 20 amp that isn't working right and if I can't get that going on my own I may take that to them as well.