Posts Tagged ‘restoration’
October 18, 2011 | 
Author Complete GIBSON Restoration Project for James
A local musician recently brought this 1980′s Gibson Explorer in for a serious overhaul. This poor guitar had been brutally mangled by multiple cans of Krylon and too much Hairspray. In addition to nicks, cracks and gouges, the body had at one time been routed for a Kahler tremelo system, and later filled – poorly.
After a thorough assessment of the condition, Mike went to work. The fill was redone – properly. All the cracks were repaired and the dents were steamed. He resealed the entire body and reshaped the back of the neck for a more comfortable play. Through it all he was able to maintain the original Gibson markings and serial number.
Once the body was prepped, off to the studio for custom paint!!
Here is a slide show detailing the project in images. The customer is doing the final assembly – so will will have pictures of that later.
You can watch Mike paint this in the archives of our USTREAM Channel:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/learnairbrushlive
Posted in Completed Pieces, NAMM, Restoration and Repair | 
Tags: carved body, Colorado, contour, custom finish, custom paint, denver, electric, explorer, Gibson, guitar, luthier, mike learn, pirate theme, repair, restoration | 
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Repair and Refinish for Bob
This guitar came to us needing some TLC, repair work and a whole new finish. What a difference a couple weeks makes!!
Posted in Completed Pieces, News and Events, Restoration and Repair | Tags: Colorado, custom guitar, custom paint, denver, luthier, mike learn, repair, restoration | 1 Comment »
CELLO Restoration Project
Here is a project that is a little different than Mike’s normal fare…. he is doing a full restoration on a Classic John Juzek 1932 Stradavari Cello.
We picked this up via Craigslist while looking for a cello for Micah who has started orchestra this year in school. It has proven to be not only a challenge, but a great inspiration for Mike.
Underneath 5 layers of thick paint, Mike has discovered a beautifully figured curly maple back and sides with a spruce soundboard. He also found evidence of past restoration.
Additional cracks had to be filled and cleated. The sound post and finger board are missing and have to be made. Check out the progress!!
Posted in News and Events, On the Bench, Restoration and Repair | Tags: archtop, cello, Colorado, luthier, mike learn, refinish, repair, restoration | No Comments »
Dean Repair: From OLD to BOLD
This guitar was sent to us in pretty bad shape. The corners were badly chipped, areas of the paint worn and the headstock in need of repairs. Mike completed all the work and repaired the finish to a Dean that looks Brand New!
Posted in Completed Pieces, News and Events, Restoration and Repair | Tags: custom paint, denver, mike learn, repair, restoration | No Comments »
Complete Restoration on a Well Used Gibson Les Paul
Mike recently completed a full restoration on a early-90′s Les Paul that had been used and abused for years. Danny Martinez, the lead singer and guitarist for Five13, a local Denver band, brought his beloved guitar to Mike for some TLC.
Mike did a full overhaul of the instrument:
- Refretted
- Leveled the fret board
- Repaired binding cracks
- Added a belly cut contour for increased comfort
- Repaired headstock, and was able to save the original Gibson logo & face
- Doweled the strap screws
- Removed pick guard and mounting holes
- Complete custom paint job
“My 1960 re-issue Les Paul has been my “Ace” guitar since I bought it back in 1993. After 15 years, 5 to 6 nights per week, a trip to Europe, numerous recording sessions and insane abuse, let’s just say it needed A LOT of work. Mike assured me that I would get my baby back as if she were new. Needless to say, I was tentative. I’ve played and owned numerous Les Paul’s and haven’t found one that even comes close to my “Ace”. I didn’t want to get back a different guitar. What I got back was an absolute masterpiece! It far exceeded my expectations. From the fret job to the custom paint job, this guitar is brand new! Mike’s work is impeccable and his airbrush artistry is world-class! I can’t tell you how happy I am with his work and work ethic. I will refer everyone to him and I will take all my guitars to him from now on. ”
Danny Martinez
Five 13 – five13.com
Posted in News and Events, Restoration and Repair | Tags: Colorado, custom guitar, custom paint, denver, Five 13, luthier, mike learn, repair, restoration | 2 Comments »