Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:49 pm
That looks great...so great, its reduced Don to words 
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Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:43 pm
I honestly can't remember what Paul put in it, Jeff. Hopefully he'll chime in...... and hopefully it will stick in my memory this time!!
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:45 pm
That '55 Caddy Ivory and Jade Green Metallic paint job covers a lot of work. The guitar started as a Pro Jet; mostly a solidbody with some 2" holes drilled in it for "lightening" and a cheezy mahogany back glued on...weighed about 8 1/2-9 pounds.
I got it on the mill and took out about 2 pounds of mahogany chips; ended up with a 1/2" border around guitar, hollow on both sides and a block running down the middle. I also took 3/4" off the back, and then put a 1/4" maple ply solid back on it (no access holes and cover plates), which was then bound to match the front. So it's a hollowbody now, and it's 1/2" less thick than original.
Then it was premium wiring, all gold hardware, a new Gretsch logo on the reworked headstock (replaced the "Electromatic" logo) and then lots of time spent rubbing out, assembling, and detailing. New TRC and guard with "aitch" and "de ville" laser-etched and paint-filled. Then a handmade padded armrest and jackplate covered with gennie dark green alligator. I promised Aitch a strap out of this stuff, but my strap guy stopped doing custom work, do that's on hold for the moment.
The price for all this was pretty reasonable when you consider the tone, playability, and one-of-a-kind character.
My original plan was to build a series of these, each in a different '55 Cadillac color scheme, but the other two orders I had last year have yet to pony up, and my own is waiting for me to have some spare time...
The pickups are the same as found on a Chet 6122-59: A TVJones Plus HT in the bridge, and a TVJones Supertron Classic in the neck position.
It's juicy, hot, and very vintage-Gretsch sounding!
I got it on the mill and took out about 2 pounds of mahogany chips; ended up with a 1/2" border around guitar, hollow on both sides and a block running down the middle. I also took 3/4" off the back, and then put a 1/4" maple ply solid back on it (no access holes and cover plates), which was then bound to match the front. So it's a hollowbody now, and it's 1/2" less thick than original.
Then it was premium wiring, all gold hardware, a new Gretsch logo on the reworked headstock (replaced the "Electromatic" logo) and then lots of time spent rubbing out, assembling, and detailing. New TRC and guard with "aitch" and "de ville" laser-etched and paint-filled. Then a handmade padded armrest and jackplate covered with gennie dark green alligator. I promised Aitch a strap out of this stuff, but my strap guy stopped doing custom work, do that's on hold for the moment.
The price for all this was pretty reasonable when you consider the tone, playability, and one-of-a-kind character.
My original plan was to build a series of these, each in a different '55 Cadillac color scheme, but the other two orders I had last year have yet to pony up, and my own is waiting for me to have some spare time...
The pickups are the same as found on a Chet 6122-59: A TVJones Plus HT in the bridge, and a TVJones Supertron Classic in the neck position.
It's juicy, hot, and very vintage-Gretsch sounding!
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:21 pm
Thanks for chipping in, Paul. The TVJ Plus HT at the bridge is as hot as hades and you can get some really cool mixes with the Supertron!
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:13 pm
Impressive, to say the least. Also, gorgeous!
So, before you worked your magic, it looked like:
http://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/index.php?product=G5238&cat1=&cat2=&q=&st=1
Yes?
While we're on the subject of Gretsch finishes, Paul, have you done any sparkle finishes? I have this nutty picture in my head of a checkered binding 360 WB with a sparkle finish front, back, neck, and headstock-all over, rather than just on the front the way Gretsch does them.
So, before you worked your magic, it looked like:
http://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/index.php?product=G5238&cat1=&cat2=&q=&st=1
Yes?
While we're on the subject of Gretsch finishes, Paul, have you done any sparkle finishes? I have this nutty picture in my head of a checkered binding 360 WB with a sparkle finish front, back, neck, and headstock-all over, rather than just on the front the way Gretsch does them.
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:28 pm
That's the one, Paul, except it was silver sparkle; your basic $450.00 Gretsch. It's fun to cut up new guitars!
I can do sparkle (metalflake) paint. It's very time -consuming, though. Gretsch uses drum covering (nitron), not paint. That's why only the front is done on these and the Duo-Jets.
I can do sparkle (metalflake) paint. It's very time -consuming, though. Gretsch uses drum covering (nitron), not paint. That's why only the front is done on these and the Duo-Jets.
Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:09 am
I found a matching case for your Gretsch, Aitch!
Close enough, anyway!
You did mention Hades!
Close enough, anyway!
You did mention Hades!
Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:12 am
True....... thanks, Jeff - but no thanks. The cost of shipping would be a killer!! And I'm not ready for one of those yet.........
Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:25 pm
A Rick to match Jeff's oversize "case":
