Official Luthiers Forum!

I was just given this supertone parlor by my guitar instructor. I'd mentioned to him that I'd been wanting to build a guitar and he said he had this old thing in his attic I could have. It's missing the bridge, nut and the fretboard is shot but from what I can tell it's otherwise complete. I found this forum and thought I'd see if you might could help me. It looks to be all solid mahogany and I'm thinking would be a nice sounding little guitar when completed. I'm in the woodworking business (management)and have access to equipment and tools but have never done anything like this. Would love to get your thoughts and suggestions on where and how to begin.
Thanks in advance,
Bobby

Welcome to the forum Bobby. Looks like a fun project.
There is a repair section on the forum might get more replies.
Some times a repair is harder than building new.

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Say what you do, Do what you say.

Welcome Bobby. It sure looks like a sweat little guitar. There are many great people here that will be glad to help out. Looks like it will be closer to a build than a repair and that is a good thing. Repairs can be quite challenging.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Hi Bobby and welcome to the obsession. From the photos the guitar looks like it should be repairable. There's a lot to be learned from a project like this. Good luck with it!

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

How to begin? I am not speaking from experience with a similar project nor am I a repair person so take this is a grain of salt.

I would begin by checking all the joints. Are they good and sound? That would include the braces, lining, end and neck block, the dove tail joint and anything else glued together.

Next I would check for cracks, the only one I can see is in the lower portion of the back. I'd repair that and any others. (good advice on how to do that can be found here)

Then I would use a straight edge and check the neck angle. You need an angle that allows for proper string height over the fretboard when it is all assembled. (it appears you will need to get a bridge for it and fix or replace the fretboard) Once you have those items you can see where you are with neck angle.

One other item on the neck, there is no truss rod or noticeable reinforcement. Do you need one? (advice on this is also available from experienced people here.)

Then I would come up with a plan as far as what you want to end up with. Do you want a vintage guitar that is close to that way it was make? Or are you going to refinish the guitar, add binding to the body, make it look new, etc.

Then I would start in on it.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Hi, Bobby and welcome.

I think it's a cool little guitar, too and a neat project. I think it's also a lucky break that the back is off. That will make any internal repairs so much easier. I've taken the liberty of copying one of your photos so I can point something out to you. I know you'll inspect all the braces, but pay particular attention to the back brace that I have marked. In the circled area closest to the bout, I see a dark line running across the brace which MIGHT be a crack. Farther down in the second circle, it looks to me like the edges of the brace aren't aligned. I suspect a crack running through the brace from one of my marks to the other, so that part of the brace is actually leaning very slightly towards the tail. If that is true, I can't advise you whether to repair it or replace it, but there are plenty of expert repair people here who will advise you about that. I also wonder about that white-ish glue residue, and whether it is left over from a repair that someone attempted years ago. Regardless, the residue can be cleaned up and there are people here who can advise you about that, too. Some of the vintage parlor fans out here will even help you pick appropriate string gauges when you get to that part. You should be able to find information about making parlor bridges in our archives. I don't see a "shadow" on top where the original bridge was, but maybe you'll be able to see one under strong light and that will give you an idea of the appropriate shape.

Go slowly and patiently and check in here often for advice or suggestions. This is an extremely helpful community and they're very supportive of each other and new members, too.

By all means, let us know how it comes out. Best of luck!