Rip VanWinkle

First I need to say that several of our brethren here on the sight quite rightly called me out for my cockamamie theory I proposed on the first page of this thread. I did some research and found the info they referenced from Gibson's made in Ren's period with the company. It's always nice to learn something new. Second...I feel like I made the classic "rookie mistake" by taking this first poster at his word with his published pictures. Where's the proof this was actually a factory new Gibson? None of my five Gibson acoustics look remotely like that.

I'd like to propose a different theory. Hide glue is tricky to work with I'm told. It sets up quickly and the joints to be glued together have to be at a close tolerance since hide glue doesn't "fill the joint" like Titebond. My understanding is that previously, the only joint that Gibson Acoustics did was the neck joint. They were a little cagey about it, but when most of us saw "Hide Glue" we assumed it was the whole thing. I suspect that the new Historic series took off like gangbusters.. Suddenly employees in Bozeman were pressed into service trying to work with hide glue gluing braces and tops while learning on the job. Some may be learning faster than others. Martin only had two people in the Custom Shop who knew how to build with hide glue several years ago when Dale retired. It maybe more folks now....

Thank God for the new format! After lurking for the last several years....I can finally register and participate in the forum. I'm currently retired,living in L.A. with my wonderful wife. I have five Boseman beauties....a L00 Keb Mo, a J-35 Luthiers Choice (like a Fuller's J-35 re-issue but with a different bridge which co-incidentally I bought from Fuller's), a 12 Fret AJ from Wildwood, a 2016 J-50 LTD re-issue and a 2016 Hummingbird LTD with an Addy top and gold hardware and thick pickguard. Love 'em all! Best, Rip