1957 model 900

[rahesselgrave]

Just finished this. Was in pretty sad condition, with a spray paint refinish, and a poorly cut replacement pickguard. Had been sitting in a storage shed since the mid 1970s. Like the way it looks now, though. I believe there is the matching amplifier if I can ever get the lady to go into her attic!

[manta]

Sweet! Got any "before" photos?

[rahesselgrave]

Sadly, none that indicate what it looked like. I shot a couple of pix for reference only. The pickguard was the hardest part to replicate. I had to create a template, vector it, and have it laser cut. Really looks great, especially compared to the piece of **** that was on it.

Funny, according to the catalog, they only came in black, but when I sanded it down, there was never any traces of black anywhere, but a couple of different shades of red. That's why I went with the red on the body.

Unsure of what to do with the back. Older photos show a large cover over most of the back, but the natural wood of the neck is really too nice to cover. There are three large holes where the tailpiece mounts go through. Perhaps a small plate over them? It will never be original, but I have tried to keep that flavor. Someone had put in a strap mount on the bottom, which I left on.

Suggestions?