John Denvers F612 (The Altered one)

[Linnmo]

Does anyone know the story behind its modification.
Why do you suppose the Checkerboard Binding is on the outside?
If you zoom in on the Custom bridge, you'll notice the octave Low E strings is literally riding the edge of the saddle.
Just sayin'.
I've read it's the same 612 he always had, just changed. The serial # reads 101, from what I understand that indicates it's #1.
but there is so much different about it, I'm just not sure, and clearly baffled. lol
Would love to hear your thoughts..
Paul

 

[hansmoust]

That guitar was repaired by Arturo Valdez from L.A. and outfitted with a new top, new bridge and a new fingerboard.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[chazmo]

Hey, thanks for grabbing those pictures, Paul! I haven't seen recent pictures of his guitar(s). What museum is this that you visited?

And, yeah, the split saddle thing is all custom work that (I guess) JD preferred. You don't see that much on pure acoustic guitars.

 

[HeyMikey]

I haven’t seen that before. That saddle and bridge combination is fascinating.

 

[Cougar]

And, yeah, the split saddle thing is all custom work that (I guess) JD preferred. You don't see that much on pure acoustic guitars.

The Tak 12 I had (that motivated me to get a Guild 12) had that split saddle thing going on....

 

[chazmo]

Neat, Cougs!

 

[fronobulax]

Guild B-50 (bass) had a split saddle for a while. My recollection is that it was an experiment that was supposed to improve intonation but was discontinued because the improvement wasn't significant compared to extra steps in building and setting up.

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Guild B-50 (bass) had a split saddle for a while. My recollection is that it was an experiment that was supposed to improve intonation but was discontinued because the improvement wasn't significant compared to extra steps in building and setting up.

Here ya go!

 

[davismanLV]

Don’s Avalon has a split saddle. And holy CRAP!! I just went on their website and the same model now goes for $5600!! Wow. I had no idea. His was one of the earliest made when they’d taken over the factory from George Lowden.

 

[sailingshoes72]

That guitar was repaired by Arturo Valdez from L.A. and outfitted with a new top, new bridge and a new fingerboard.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

Hans... was the F-612 damaged at some point that necessitated an extensive repair job? Is there a story behind it?

 

[Nuuska]

B30 has that nice two-piece saddle, too - and the electrified sound is just

btw - that tiny giiitaar is my 1957 Gibson LG2-3/4 - modified w new tuners and 2 pups.

 

[wileypickett]

Arturo "Guitar Repairman to the Stars" Valdez was a legendary figure, whose shop was on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. He did work for (or made guitars for) -- in addition to Denver -- Lennon, Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Robbie Kreiger, Van Morrison, Stephen Stills, the Commodores, and dozens and dozens more.

He specialized in classical and flamenco guitars, but also made steel string instruments and electrics -- infamously he built two of Gene Simmons' "Battle-ax" basses.

There's a chapter on him in the D'Angelico book published by Centerstream.

I have an Arturo Valdez 12-string, of which he built only a handful; same dimensions as the Guild F612. Of the seven there are records for one went to Roger McGuinn (#8), one to Al Stewart (#6), one to Lalla Hansoon (?, #7). I have #3.

See: https://www.kcrw.com/culture/articles/arturo-valdez-guitar-maker-to-the-stars

 

[awagner]

I have an Arturo Valdez 12-string, of which he built only a handful; same dimensions as the Guild F612.

I wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of that one.

 

[davismanLV]

I wouldn't mind either, Glenn! His shop was right directly across the street from Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood.

 

[richardp69]

I think Glenn has more guitars (good ones at least) than God. He and Awagner kinda both got it goin' on I think.

 

[wileypickett]

I think Glenn has more guitars (good ones at least) than God. He and Awagner kinda both got it goin' on I think.

Look who's talkin'!

 

[Linnmo]

That guitar was repaired by Arturo Valdez from L.A. and outfitted with a new top, new bridge and a new fingerboard.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

Hello Hans, nice meeting you.
So, this info I've heard, probably from one of your postings (I'm going to post 3 more photos bellow) The first one is of the headstock, I'm trying to imagine Johns conversation with Arturo, " So, Arturo.....when you repair and replace everything, reverse the checkerboard binding on the body and the headstock" I'm struggling with that one, lol
If you study the inlay around the sound hole you'll notice it either came from his original top (if it were crushed and or replaced it had to be removed without damage, This is a task I would love to see)
The sound hole checkerboard inlay isn't a stock recreation with any replacement product that I'm aware of, all checkerboard inlay that I'm aware of is a bit larger, the checkerboard around the soundhole is slightly different than all others I've seen and is also noted on his original 612
Maybe I'm down the rabbit hole on this, but, the thoughts still remain. lol
and now for the Pics. enlarge the headstock photo.
Photo #3 is a stock soundhole photo from Reverb.com
Thanks

 

[SFIV1967]

What museum is this that you visited?

I remember the carpet and the wall panel, that exhibit used to be at Denver International airport!

See some older pictures here:

Colorado Music - DenverInternational

Official image website for Denver International Airport images.flydenver.com

images.flydenver.com

Ralf

 

[Linnmo]

Hey, thanks for grabbing those pictures, Paul! I haven't seen recent pictures of his guitar(s). What museum is this that you visited?

And, yeah, the split saddle thing is all custom work that (I guess) JD preferred. You don't see that much on pure acoustic guitars.

Ah, yes, those photos are from DIA, a few years back.
The bridge issue that I've noted was more about the hole placement of the bridge pins, the spacing. the low A is almost sliding off the saddle as well.
Just an oddity for such a guitar.