Any Historic Makeovers in the UK

scovell001

Recently bought an R8 - lovely guitar but possibly looking at getting the FB replaced as it’s very pale/pau ferro (but plays brilliantly) - is there anyone in the uk who would do something like that ?

Kittyfrisk

Seems extreme, if it's otherwise a keeper then try to dye/stain it first?

xchrisv

Try https://huwpriceguitar.com/ – he's done a lot of restoration/relic'ing work over the past few years, as documented in the mag and on Guitar.com

whitedogbanana

Are you looking for a full makeover e.g. refin/reshape, or just a fretboard change? if the latter I'd imagine a competent luthier would be able to do that for you?

markj

scovell001 said:

Recently bought an R8 - lovely guitar but possibly looking at getting the FB replaced as it’s very pale/pau ferro (but plays brilliantly) - is there anyone in the uk who would do something like that ?

I’d have thought an R8 would have a rosewood board.

tomajoha

markj said:

scovell001 said:

Recently bought an R8 - lovely guitar but possibly looking at getting the FB replaced as it’s very pale/pau ferro (but plays brilliantly) - is there anyone in the uk who would do something like that ?

I’d have thought an R8 would have a rosewood board.

Yup I think the only deviation was Bolivian rosewood in 2020?

GoldenEraGuitars

Assuming it’s the one in your profile pic but can you upload the pics here with the spec sheet?

WezV

If its just about colour, it makes a lot more sense to darken the board rather than replace it.   Let's see some pics so we can advise properly



It won't be Pau Ferro.  Don't think Gibson have used it... (edit.  I see that is another name for Pau Fero  so maybe it is)

BillDL

Pau Ferro is often referred to as "Bolivian" or "Bolivian rosewood".  It is very similar to proper rosewood, perhaps even slightly denser, but is less oily and glue sticks more readily to it without much need to wipe it down with solvent.

[Edit] - sorry, I hadn't seen your edit Wez.

scovell001

Having trouble posting photos so have shared via Dropbox   https://www.dropbox.com/s/12w96lw6wzzcvv0/Photo%2022-10-2021%2C%2019%2049%2015.heic?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zj4w7ja85ltue7u/Photo%2025-10-2021%2C%2019%2009%2000.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/12690ncce21t2vq/Photo%2025-10-2021%2C%2019%2008%2042.jpg?dl= 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3gq1y3vvvq7rku/Photo%2025-10-2021%2C%2019%2008%2024.jpg?dl=0

Kittyfrisk

Hope this helps (very handsome guitar).

scovell001

Thanks sorry much Kittyfrisk, that’s really helpful

Philly_Q

WezV said:

If its just about colour, it makes a lot more sense to darken the board rather than replace it.   Let's see some pics so we can advise properly



It won't be Pau Ferro.  Don't think Gibson have used it... (edit.  I see that is another name for Pau Fero  so maybe it is)

I've got a custom shop LP Special with a very pale, close-grained board which doesn't darken much at all when oiled.  I guess it must be rosewood but it's different from the rosewood on any other Gibson I've owned.

danishbacon

Personally I would leave it. Fret doctor oil and forget about it. 

WezV

I don't think its far off.   Not sure if ot pau Ferro or not from pics, could be Indian.  Check the spec sheet for the model year.

Replacing the whole board to get it darker is definitely going to be an expensive way to do it and it won't sound better or worse for it.

I know historic makeovers do it, but that's specifically to copy more vintage accurate woods and specs.  Very expensive way to go for minimal benefit

I do some fretboard darkening here on a vintage gibson board that was not as dark as yours.
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/211635/replica-les-paul-rebuild/p5

Although on a complete guitar I prefer to go with dye for stability. 

crunchman

Years ago I had a PRS Ltd Edition with a Brazilian board that was lighter than that.  I wouldn't worry about it.

Tannin

Learn to love it. The days of using Brazilian Rosewood and Red Spruce and mahogany and ebony for everything are over. (1) There aren't enough of those trees left to make all the guitars people want (and where you do get a bit it is often a substandard leftover). (2) There are many, many other timbers as good and better than the traditional ones, people just had to learn what they were and how to use them. All good guitar manufacturers these days know how to use modern tonewoods and are not foolishly wedded to the unsustainable practices of the past. Don't be silly. It's a beautiful guitar. Leave the fretboard alone and play it often.

Sassafras

What about that stain that was the subject of a 30 page thread here a few months ago?
Can't remember its name.

markslade07

Could try some Monty’s Montepresso, but not sure how effective the results would be. Cheaper and easier than replacement though

Kittyfrisk

Sassafras said:

What about that stain that was the subject of a 30 page thread here a few months ago?
Can't remember its name.

Original Sin?

xchrisv

Another good tip for darkening rosewood boards is bore oil. I’ve had success with this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alisyn-Conditioner-Woodwind-Protect-Condition/dp/B007PDSK84

Better than lemon oil in various respects and the appearance of the 'board is darkened and enriched for much longer.