Dave F

I used them for about 5 years with no issues. Just be sure to change them as recommended. I only stopped because I got a room setup with a humidifier and dehumidifier.

I thought I read one time that Emmylou Harris bought a broken up SJ200 from Gram's widow and had it reconstructed? Sounds like Gram or his band mates liked breaking up guitars.

Very informative. I think 1:05 may had added a nick to the Nick. I have a newer NL 12 fret RW that I like a lot. I like his thinking on older guitars. When I first started getting into vintage guitars, I didn't worry if a neck reset was needed. I've since changed my mind. I think they lose something in the repair. I'm probably just impatient. I have a '42 LG1 that's never had the neck off, and it doesn't need to.

I feel you. I've had some wonderful Martins but when I started downsizing, the neck issue had me move all my Martin guitars except one.

This was the look about everyone I knew was trying to copy (including me). The hair, the boots, the jackets. Then the folk/hippie look took over. I followed it too.

I was really into them (and Alfred). Everywhere you looked, people were emulating them pretty much like when Elvis made it big. Here's Bob Hope and Dean Martin. And then Chet. His Picks on The Beatles is one of my favorites.

I think I might like this version better.

About 4 years ago, I was selling my 1984 HD28 Brazilian built to pre-war specs. I started high but after 12 months I wound up selling at $5400 (break even point). I had Bob Willcut from Willcutt guitars appraise it for me. At that time, he said it should be worth 8k to 10k, but the market value was only 5K. He advised me to hold on to it for a few years to see if the market value would go up, but I really didn't like it when compared to my other Martins. If you really like it, make them an offer. I've learned that nothing is firm. I've bought quite a few 'firm' guitars at a lower price. I just made sure I never insulted them.

How about a nice Relic'd '68

So does Taylor

I don't get past the third fret, so I'm not affected.

You could go the M2M route and order exactly what you want. It's worked out well for me. I have one of the '32 RI L00. The V-neck is not that extreme although I prefer the C shape or Slim Taper. Here's a Made 2 Measure L00 12 fret slim taper neck aged top I ordered. It came out very nice. Here's the M2M L00 next to a Nick Lucas.

I have a ‘42 LG1. I keep lights and Custom lights on it. Being old and light built, I would be too worried to put heavier gage on it.

Sounds great!

I'm sure you would have to rough the shape in, glue it, finish sand it and match to the surrounding area's then prep the top, paint it, apply the logo then clear coat it. I recently fixed an old, worn, abused '68 J50. I didn't want it to look too pretty because rest of the guitar is still pretty rough. I didn't have to fix the wing. I probably have a piece of mahogany I could rough in for you if you want it. Here's a before and after of what I did. The head stock was like this when I got it.

Next time, move to a guitar friendly country 😉

I recently fixed up a well worn ‘68 J50. After listening to a rosewood and tusk adjustable, I chose to use a rosewood insert with a bone saddle.

If I had to pair my voice to a guitar, I would have to sell everything I have and take up the air guitar.

I would just remove the hardware, trace the good side, and duplicate it. Then flip it over.

I've owned and still own a few floating bridges. I've never thought about the sonic differences. Some are cheapies, some are high end. I do have a Kay with the birch top. It's worth maybe a $100 but I soaked a few hundred in it to get it in very fine playing condition. It still sounds like a $100 birch top ladder braced guitar. Just did it because it was my first guitar my mom bought for me. I don't think I would invest in one that didn't have a strong sentimental value, I would use the money for my next major purchase.

No and no. If I couldn't return it, I would make a support for the neck and attach it to the case. I agree.

The reviews I had read had quite a few people praising them but, in the end, Epiphone discontinued the MM50 over 10 years ago and only makes the A style mandolin. If I remember correctly, the MSRP was getting higher on them creeping up to around 800. I was shopping around for a mandolin back around 2012. There were still a few of the Epi around at that time and Gibson's were almost impossible to find. I think Gibson shut down their bluegrass instruments. I wound up ordering one and waiting over a year for it. I was surprised to see Gibson starting them up again and advertising them this past week. Maybe banjos will be next?

Congrats! I've always liked the look and feel of these models, especially the burst with the ebony wood.

I think they were going for about $500. They looked nice but the quality and sound couldn’t compete with the Loar, Eastman and Kentucky brands.

Don’t be shy to ask for a discount