Step By Step Restoration-1979 Gibson "The SG" P2
The headstock graphics of "The SG" was a
standard-fare decal. I wanted this unusual guitar to have
the glamour of the SG Customs; an original
Gibson-inlayed headstock laminate was purchased from
ebay for about $50. This restoration is actually an
enhancement of the guitar to better-than-original (using
original parts!). The laminate was slightly smaller than
the actual headstock...the headstock was sanded to fit
perfectly. Save your wood dust! Mixed with wood glue, it
is the perfect filler for the gaps. Note that the shop-made
filler was used for the slight gaps around the laminate.
Later the stain would cover the filler. Compare this
headstock to the original!
standard-fare decal. I wanted this unusual guitar to have
the glamour of the SG Customs; an original
Gibson-inlayed headstock laminate was purchased from
ebay for about $50. This restoration is actually an
enhancement of the guitar to better-than-original (using
original parts!). The laminate was slightly smaller than
the actual headstock...the headstock was sanded to fit
perfectly. Save your wood dust! Mixed with wood glue, it
is the perfect filler for the gaps. Note that the shop-made
filler was used for the slight gaps around the laminate.
Later the stain would cover the filler. Compare this
headstock to the original!
The body contours have been "corrected" to the way
they should have been at shipping in 1979. Note that
the edges are not rounded over, but rather, retain the
crisp edges. It is very important to leave the edges
sharp as you work...it is the only way you can control
the bevels. Make the small radiusses on the edges as
your last task. Note that filler was needed below the
neck humbucker rout. It will not be visible after the
staining technique shown later.
Notice that some traces of the original stain remains on
the body. I don't want to remove too much wood...luckily
I plan on staining the guitar a dark color! If you choose a
lighter color, you must keep working!
It is important after "grinding" the contour bevels, they
are sanded with 320 grit sandpaper until none of the
coarse sandpaper trails can be seen. Use a damp
washcloth over the bare wood surfaces and allow time
to dry. The grain of the wood will magically rise for you
to resand...do this several times to get the surface
ultra-slick and ready for staining.
they should have been at shipping in 1979. Note that
the edges are not rounded over, but rather, retain the
crisp edges. It is very important to leave the edges
sharp as you work...it is the only way you can control
the bevels. Make the small radiusses on the edges as
your last task. Note that filler was needed below the
neck humbucker rout. It will not be visible after the
staining technique shown later.
Notice that some traces of the original stain remains on
the body. I don't want to remove too much wood...luckily
I plan on staining the guitar a dark color! If you choose a
lighter color, you must keep working!
It is important after "grinding" the contour bevels, they
are sanded with 320 grit sandpaper until none of the
coarse sandpaper trails can be seen. Use a damp
washcloth over the bare wood surfaces and allow time
to dry. The grain of the wood will magically rise for you
to resand...do this several times to get the surface
ultra-slick and ready for staining.
I found this NOS Gibson
Headstock laminate on ebay for
$50. Just super-glue it into
place and sand the headstock
to fit...
Many New Old Stock parts are
available for Gibson guitars.
Just be patient and be ready to
pounce on them!
Headstock laminate on ebay for
$50. Just super-glue it into
place and sand the headstock
to fit...
Many New Old Stock parts are
available for Gibson guitars.
Just be patient and be ready to
pounce on them!
On the subject of staining, this is the brand I have
discovered. Gel Stain works very well on refinishing
guitars because it can be darkened layer by layer. Click
on the image to go to their website! Other
manufacturers make similar products so don't be
discouraged if your local paint supply store doesn't have
this exact brand.
discovered. Gel Stain works very well on refinishing
guitars because it can be darkened layer by layer. Click
on the image to go to their website! Other
manufacturers make similar products so don't be
discouraged if your local paint supply store doesn't have
this exact brand.
Take a look at the terrific job this gel stain does!
Supersize the image at left to see the details. Look at
the area under the bridge humbucker routing where
filler was used...it is barely visible! To disguise areas of
filler, just dab a bit more gel stain and allow it to dry. At
this point, a smooth consistent finish is needed. What
you see is what you are gonna get! The grain is nicely
visible, the finish is smooth...but what until we add
nitro-cellulose laquer...the grain of the wood begins to
jump out!
Supersize the image at left to see the details. Look at
the area under the bridge humbucker routing where
filler was used...it is barely visible! To disguise areas of
filler, just dab a bit more gel stain and allow it to dry. At
this point, a smooth consistent finish is needed. What
you see is what you are gonna get! The grain is nicely
visible, the finish is smooth...but what until we add
nitro-cellulose laquer...the grain of the wood begins to
jump out!
