This lovely old Guild on the workbench is in need on a bit of TLC.
It’s an M20 made in 1961. This model has been called the Nick Drake model because of the association with him during the 70s.
This particular guitar belongs to Seasick Steve. You may have seen him on the Jules Holland show or heard him on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Radio 2.
The guitar has got a few problems. The soundboard has a distortion at the edge of the sound-hole. Frets 1-5 are worn and there are some intonation issues.
Seasick Steve is in London for a limited time so the guitar has to be repaired and turned around very quickly.
Close inspection reveals a loose X brace on the bass side. This is causing the distortion in the soundboard at the sound-hole. The loose brace is glued, clamped up left to dry overnight.
The intonation issues is caused by a badly fitting nut. Also it is not intonated correctly over the bridge saddle. These and discarded and a new bone nut and saddle are made and fitted.
A light redress of the frets is enough to take out the wear in the frets.
Soon the guitar is playing smoothly and sounding great.
Seasick Steve thinks so as well.
Seasick Steve tries out his repaired M20 in his hotel room.
October 8, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Looks good Graham; was Steve as pleased as he looks?
BR.