Restoration of a 1931 Martin 00-17

[Barry Daniels]

Finally done with the clamp construction. Man, that was more work than I thought it would be.

[Barry Daniels]

So back to the replacement body. I glued the rest of the lower braces in the 25' radius form. Then I glued the upper braces in my half form that has a 60' radius for proper neck geometry. Finally, adding the splint on top of the X-brace joint (this is one of my few deviations from Martin methodology).

[Gordon Bellerose]

Nice work.
I really appreciate all the pictures.

[Bob Gramann]

I like the idea of the 60’ radius form for the headblock area braces. I usually sand the fingerboard attachment area flat to accomplish the same on my builds. I’m going to have to think awhile about your approach.

[Barry Daniels]

I did the math once and the 60' radius gave me the optimum neck angle.

[Barry Daniels]

Shaping the braces to as close of specs for this age, as I can.

[Barry Daniels]

Place my label on the popsicle brace. When viewed with a mirror it reads.....

[Barry Daniels]

The new wood on the inside of the guitar is way too bright so I toned it down with an alcohol stain. You can see the contrast of the back and un-toned top.

[Barry Daniels]

And finally, the new cam clamps make their debut.

[Barry Daniels]

The clamps stained brown have pads that are angled for the waist and inline at the headlock.

[Barry Daniels]

I am sure that after looking at Bob's elegant clamping arrangement, this will look like clamp overkill, but that is sort of my credo.

[Bob Gramann]

Yeah, it looks like overkill. But, congratulations. Your work looks very nice. Were it not for your label, I’m not sure folks would know it was new work after it ages a few years.

[Chuck Tweedy]

it is real nice - great job Barry

[Clay Schaeffer]

Looks like you are coming right along with it. The clamps look good too.
Something I use to "age" wood when I need to is Potassium permanganate. Some one gave me a bottle of it, but I've heard you can get it from pool supply places. It is a strong oxidizer. Sometimes when working on old wood (instruments or furniture) and need to restore the patina because I sanded through the original surface I will first start by oxidizing the wood surface with KMNO4. It can also be used where you want to "age " new wood.

[Barry Daniels]

Interesting Clay. I used to use thousands of gallons of the stuff to clean up contaminants in groundwater and soil. It starts out as a dark purple liquid and then turns clear as it reacts with other organic substances. It can neutralize all kind of baddies out there.

[Clay Schaeffer]

I was given some lab grade crystals which I dissolve in water similar to what is listed here:
https://www.homesciencetools.com/produc ... eVEALw_wcB

Notice the customer review. I wonder if that was Berkowitz.

[Barry Daniels]

Yeah, probably him. I will have to try the KMNO4 next time. Thanks Clay.

[Bob Francis]

This is so excellent!
I also want to compliment the staining of your clamps to differentiate between the two types.

[Barry Daniels]

Thank you, Bob.

[Barry Daniels]

Sanded the body down and sprayed a couple of coats of vinyl sealer.