Neck resets

[davey]

Hi Folks

As the owner of a modest collection of 1930's Guitars, I always have problems getting a neck reset done on flat top acoustics.

Can anyone recommend a suitable Luthier in the UK ?


Cheers

[snakehips]

Oh yeah, I can !

Celine at Luthier's Corner, on Denmark Street, London.
She now runs the shop herself, seperate to Dave King - also another strong contender for the job.

I have two guitars Celine has put back together - a 1940's Gibson L50 archtop acoustic and a 1940's Kay dreadnought (Elmore James model). Both guitars are perfectly aligned and are super rock-solid AND (and I stress !) these guitars stay in tune really well.
I don't know WHAT she does BUT she knows how to get a guitar sounding great and very playable, She also works on old parlour guitars etc (she has restored 2 lovely Oscar Schmidt parlours of my bandmates.
Dave King has worked on many resonator guitars for me (about 6 I think, including making a new neck (a 27" scale-length baritone) for one National body).

I'd have thought there is many a good luthier out there who can do a good job though.
When you say "problems", what do you mean ?
Are you looking for someone cheap ? What do you mean by cheap ?
If you want it done RIGHT, without messing your guitar(s) up, you are best going to someone with a good reputation and just stumping up the money. Or don't bother.

Also, highly respected is Ralph Bown (in York).

There's a guy called (I think) Peter Barton who seems to be highly respected too.
He did a new neck (vintage super fat neck) for my bandmate's 1920's big bodied Oscar Schmidt type (think it might be a Sovereign). This thing is unbelievable now - really loud and full fat tone.

Really don't understand what problems you could be having.

Celine Camerlynck -
www.luthierscorner.co.uk/Luthiers_Corner/Luthiers_Corner_Guitar_Repairs_London_Home.html
[e-mail]


Dave King - www.daveking-acoustics.co.uk/contact.html
[e-mail]

Ralph Bown - couldn't find an email address for him and his website is "under construction"

Peter Barton - www.peterbartonguitars.co.uk/index.html

Hope that gives you something to start with

[davey]

Hi Mate

thanks very much for the reply. Cheap's not an issue, I just can't find anyone around the North West who wants to do it.

The current job is a 1946 Gibson J-45, it was expensive to buy but I figure it was cheap compared with 1940's Martins. It just needs a slight extra tilt on the neck to optimise the playability.

Cheers

David

[Deleted]

Hi davey,

If it's any help Dave King did a neck reset on a 1936 Gibson for me - you have to look really hard to see it's been done & it now plays superbly. He will quote you a set price as well.

Having said that I have also seen Celine's work which is excellent, including on old & valuable instruments. She did a re-fret on a bound fretboard for me which was an excellent job.

Good luck with yours!
Cheers, Clive.

[davey]

Hi Clive which model Gibson was that ?

I'm a huge fan of 30's GIbsons, I think that my 1933 L-1 (L-00 shape) is as good as it gets.

It's the lightest guitar I've ever picked up, and even with Newtone Heritage light strings it sounds fantastic.

My pension fund kindly bought it for me.

[Deleted]

Hi Davey,

L-00 - All original apart from a new saddle (& the neck reset). Apparently brought over before the war by a merchant seaman from Liverpool who was the only owner until he passed away & sold on as an unwanted inheritance. Didn't have a great deal of playing - original frets are still ok and original tuners, although 2 are slightly bent but still work ok.

It probably will be my pension!

Cheers, C.

[percythewonderant]

A little closer in the Northernish parts I recommend John Le Voi in North Lincolnshire
The Workshop, West Street , Alford, Lincolnshire.
01507463341

He is a builder of truly wonderful guitars. Mainly Manouche style but a mate has a beautiful blonde L1, that he bought from John a while ago. One of the most perfect guitars that I have played. I would trust him with your old guitars and mine for that matter.
I have driven a cherished guitar (that I dropped) to him for repair from Norfolk.

www.johnlevoiguitars.co.uk/

its worth taking a look at his Myspace page just to ogle.
www.myspace.com/johnlevoiguitars
He is a really nice guy too!

[davey]

Thanks folks, lots to go at there. Cheers.

[Gerry C]

Another good man to contact is Bill Dinsdale - a phenomenal builder, excellent repairman and all-round good chap. He's looked after my guitars for ages and the people to whom I've recommended him have also been very pleased with his work. Mention my name if you call him.

www.billdinsdale.com

Cheerily,

Gerry C(ooper)

PS I know that Steve Phillips has restored some gorgeous old Gibsons for his own use: he may be interested or be able to recommend someone

www.stevephillipsmusic.com (There are some photos of the guitars on hte 'Guitars' part of his website: www.stevephillipsmusic.com/tools.html )

[redblack]

Apr 30, 2010 20:41:12 GMT snakehips said:

Celine at Luthier's Corner, on Denmark Street, London.
She now runs the shop herself, seperate to Dave King - also another strong contender for the job.

I have two guitars Celine has put back together - a 1940's Gibson L50 archtop acoustic and a 1940's Kay dreadnought (Elmore James model). Both guitars are perfectly aligned and are super rock-solid AND (and I stress !) these guitars stay in tune really well.
I don't know WHAT she does BUT she knows how to get a guitar sounding great and very playable, She also works on old parlour guitars etc (she has restored 2 lovely Oscar Schmidt parlours of my bandmates.

What's the average wait time with Celine? Thanks!

[snakehips]

Can be 6 months to years !!!

[Michael Messer]

Can we please keep this question about Celine to just one thread. Thanks

Shine One
Michael

[redblack]

Apr 29, 2017 7:56:15 GMT Michael Messer said:

Can we please keep this question about Celine to just one thread. Thanks

Shine One
Michael

Of course, it won't happen again. I apologize.

[Michael Messer]

Thanks Redblack,

Just trying to keep the forum tidy and interesting for others to read.

I have just seen that you only joined the forum a few hours ago. Welcome! I do try to say hello to all new members.

Best wishes

Shine On
Michael

[washboardchris]

Hi, dont know if he is still working but you could try Knight guitars(I have seen some great work that has been done by them)