Cleaning Up an Old Gibson

lyle_from_minneapolis · Thu May 31, 2007 5:22 am

An acquaintance has lent me a 1967 Gibson ES-335 for a while and I thought I would clean it up for him. He actually found it on his rounds when he used to be a trash collector, abandoned on the curb in its hardshell case. He always thought it was a 50's model, but the serial number told me a different story. There is extensive water damage on the lower third, as if it had been standing up in a basement flood. The wood by the bridge was compromised and has sagged inward somewhat. Even so, despite the warping and the ugly water staining, the bridge adjusts high enough to keep the strings perfectly straight along the fretboard. Intonation is spot on and it plays and sounds just killer. A beat up old warhorse with excellent action and tone.

Since he was generous enough to lend it to me I wanted to bring it back looking better. I figured I could clean up his fretboard with Dr. Stringfellow and was hoping Zymol would brighten up the body somewhat. Is that appropriate for this guitar? Any different or further suggestions?

Thanks.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Thu May 31, 2007 6:54 am

Hey, Mark--Sounds fine to me. The contrast between shiny nice and warhorse beaten would be pretty intriguing!

Just keep the Zymol off of any cracked or weathered areas, as it will dry white in cracks and look pretty bad.

The Stringfellow on the fretboard will work fine, and while you are at it, give the old girl a new set of strings...

lyle_from_minneapolis · Thu May 31, 2007 10:13 am

Thanks Paul.

Given your advice, the Zymol may or may not be appropriate on that weather-whitened lower third. Would a little Windex hurt it, or should I just leave "unwell enough" alone? I don't have pics so I realize its like diagnosing a patient from your cell phone at Safeway, but the cherry finish turns to a pale, dry orange-rose color where the water damage is. Not exactly bare wood, but maybe too close for comfort?

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu May 31, 2007 12:23 pm

I'm not an expert, but just be careful; 1967 was a great year for these sweeties!

I'm taking this one to practice this weekend.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Thu May 31, 2007 1:06 pm

Couldn't agree more, Doctor. I had no idea until I played it, and then I raved so much he decided I should just take it for awhile. I've been playing a Strat for years, but these are two entirely different beasts, aren't they. I really enjoy it.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu May 31, 2007 8:45 pm

I agree completely, Mark! I've had mine since 1969 (I'm the second owner).

myfretless · Post by **myfretless** » Thu May 31, 2007 9:29 pm

Nice pic Gary!

lyle_from_minneapolis · Sat Jun 02, 2007 8:26 am

No Bigsby on mine.

Wait, I mean, on his. Dang.