Hi all,
I have a Martin Parlour guitar from around 1870 (edit - is actually 1840-42 and the restoration was finished Msrch ‘23). Both the guitar and original case need some restoration work, to repair cracks and reset the neck. The plan is to get it costed up once one of my basses sellls. I’ve had this guitar for 11 years and it’s time to give it some extra love.
It’s previously been tinkered with to set it up with steel strings, tut tut.... I currently have it strung with nylons, which are tuned a half step down to help ease some tension, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. I’d like to stick with nylon strings, and get them back to concert pitch. And in giving it the respect it deserves, I’d like to chance taking off the full size replacement bridge, and if there’s nothing nasty underneath have an original smaller pyramid style bridge made.
Does anyone know any vintage instrument restoration experts around London to do this work?
Cheers.
Daniel
Comments
Excellent, I wasn’t aware of Dave. I noticed he mentioned Celine on his website too as an alternative repairer, she was the only one I had in mind so it’s good to now at least have two solid recommendations.
Cheers
Looking good
Thanks Gents, much appreciated.
Yup, the curiosity is building now that I’m in motion to sort it out!
I hadn’t heard about the bar frets, I checked them out and it looks like I still have them in there
I was lucky enough to play a mint condition 1886 version a few years back, and compare them. It seems as though a period correct bridge and new tuners will do me good. The 1886 was dated as it still had the pencil dates on the Martin sticker inside the case, mine is dated to around 1870 by the soundhole decal. I’ll look forward to seeing what else the UMGF guys come up with.
would the original bridge be pyramid?
I recently saw an original early Martin bridge on USA eBay. Not cheap but maybe worth a look.
Cheers for the heads up, I’ll keep an eye out for a reasonably price one, though I doubt that’ll exist, so I reckon I’ll go for a handmade pyramid bridge. As long as it’s visually looking right then I’ll be happy. Doubt this guitar will ever attract the big bucks as it’s been through so many changes.
But to me, it’s priceless.