Gibson J-45
This Gibson J-45 had a missing headstock and such a badly damaged neck that making a replacement neck was deemed more appropriate than working with the existing neck. Fortunately there is no shortage of J-45 models to base a replacement neck on. Click the images to learn a little bit about each step featured here.
01
Gluing up a neck blank
Gluing up a neck blank
02
Making a headstock pattern
Making a paper template for the headstock shape from another J45
03
Drawing on the headstock
Penciling the headstock shape onto the blank
04
shaping the headstock
Now the headstock is cut to shape
05
Making the neck joint
Here the dovetail joint has been cut into the neck heel
06
the fretboard
Gluing a new fretboard to the neck
07
Neck and body
The new neck and stripped body, ready to unite
08
Neck and body together
Neck is set and everything is ready to go forward with refinishing.
09
Sunburst top
Here the refinishing is complete and it's set up and ready to play.
Next step
Yours could be next on the bench.
Drop off at Elston Avenue Monday through Saturday, noon to 6pm. No appointment needed. Or send photos for an estimate first.