hilttheguitarist Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I have a '67 florentine cutaway Byrdland that I dearly love. It has been extremely well-played, and shows its age, 30 years of 6 nights/wk use, and the accompanying sweat, grime, oil, and cigarette smoke have yellowed both the binding and the abalone. That's fine with me, basically, because it just oozes with character. I would love it, though, if I could restore the beauty of the abalone of the distinctive "flower pot' (for lack of a/the proper definition for it)inlay on the headstock. And for that matter, it'd be cool if there was something that could brighten-up the binding, as well. I've heard that one has to be careful cleaning abalone, because, for example, acid-based cleaning chemicals could produce hideous, ghastly results . So, my questions are-a) Am I being to anal about the whole thing, and should find another stupid thing to occupy my mind? B) Is there some easy and idiot-proof method that could do the above? Peace, love, respect to all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I will answer, but I am not the type who wants white bindings on a vintage Gibson. From what can tell from the photo.....that is the perfect look. The headstock logo if still intact, would be covered with aged nitro-lacquer and the 'mellow yellowing' is a characteristic of time. I would not try to brighten it. Nice guitar....how is the pickguard holding up? I had one just like it and the guard was gassing and decomposing. I had another made by Mirrabella Restorations. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilttheguitarist Posted August 3, 2013 Author Share Posted August 3, 2013 I will answer, but I am not the type who wants white bindings on a vintage Gibson. From what can tell from the photo.....that is the perfect look. The headstock logo if still intact, would be covered with aged nitro-lacquer and the 'mellow yellowing' is a characteristic of time. I would not try to brighten it. Nice guitar....how is the pickguard holding up? I had one just like it and the guard was gassing and decomposing. I had another made by Mirrabella Restorations. Rod Nice, Rod! Thanks! Great Answer that feels right! This one's pickguard has has been amazing. I haven't even thought about it, or considered something could go wrong with it. It was just always there, doing just what it's supposed to do, hopefully-that being nothing.:) I did have a '63 flo-cut that had similar issues to yours, and I got another one at a Gibson "road-worn" sale, luckily, for about $45, if I remember correctly. I also got an extra tailpiece for it that was identical to all of the other Byrdland tailpieces, but didn't have "Byrdland " engraved on it. The top-plate also had a rougher texture. I wish I still had it. I know a bunch of thoise were sold, and I wish I could find another one! I'd put it on my '446. it's such a sublime guitar also, but the hardware is not worthy of such a nice instrument! Peace, love, respect, Rod! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.