"No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-06 6:42 AM (#555841)
Subject: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire

With great appreciation of Standingovation's generosity, I have embarked on the resurrection of a 1974 instrument. It appears to have been treated relatively well in its life, and needed repair of a lower bout fissure, and decided to strip off the black paint from the skunk-stripe neck.
Herewith are some images from the process:

 


If anyone has suggestions as to repainting the top, with accurate color matching, optimal paint type (lacquer, enamel, acrylic, etc.), please add any "conjectural analysis" you desire!

Edited by seesquare 2021-07-06 6:59 AM




(peghead 2.jpg)



(070521 neck sanded 2.jpg)



(070221 sanded top- smaller image.jpg)



(070221 sanded bridge.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments peghead 2.jpg (79KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments 070521 neck sanded 2.jpg (83KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments 070221 sanded top- smaller image.jpg (67KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments 070221 sanded bridge.jpg (69KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-06 7:03 AM (#555842 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
And, the rosette. Any chance The Mothership has any replacements left? I may construct my own mosaic ring, but it is really tedious, & a lotta work.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-06 1:53 PM (#555846 - in reply to #555842)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Just sent a "kite" to the Custom Shop. Hope somebody is home!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2021-07-06 8:00 PM (#555847 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15653

Location: SoCal
Take a look here...
https://www.mydustyguitar.com/rosettes

Edited by moody, p.i. 2021-07-06 8:01 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-07 8:57 AM (#555848 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks Paul! Nice stuff, albeit a bit spendy. Remember, this is the BFLG. Dan has raised the bar enormously, & his contributions are a hard act to follow, to-be-sure!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-08 8:20 AM (#555850 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Latest update. Making progress, anyway.



(070821 rear view- smaller image.jpg)



(070821 peghead & nut- smaller image.jpg)



(070821 rear view- smaller image.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 070821 rear view- smaller image.jpg (69KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments 070821 peghead & nut- smaller image.jpg (54KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments 070821 rear view- smaller image.jpg (69KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2021-07-08 3:41 PM (#555853 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15653

Location: SoCal
A papermache back, instead of fiberglass! How cool is that......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-09 5:05 AM (#555855 - in reply to #555853)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Now, there is an idea! Decoupage the "Sunday funnies", perhaps a collection of Far Side panels to the bowl, and shoot a few coats of clear finish (testing it doesn't make the ink run, first!)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-09 8:58 AM (#555856 - in reply to #555855)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
FYI- Got a response from info@ovationguitars.com:
"thank you for writing to us.
We have some bad information for you: The use of these rosettes has been stopped decades ago.
We also have not one of these old rosettes remaining. We are sorry that we cannot help you.
You either need to repair the rosette (if this is possible) or buy another used Ovation guitar where you disassemble the rosette.
We are very sorry."
So, need to proceed with "Plan B", whatever that may be.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BCam
Posted 2021-07-09 10:24 AM (#555858 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
October 2014
Posts: 268

This is pretty expensive, and I'm not sure it fits but here's one on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373452956752?hash=item56f387e450:g:4I4AAOSw...

Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-10 7:09 AM (#555862 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Yeah, "hens' teeth" are pretty expensive these days. I am intending to design my own. Shot the 1st coat of paint on the top yesterday. The color is pretty close to the original, but a tad brighter. I will post, pretty soon.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BCam
Posted 2021-07-11 3:02 PM (#555867 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
October 2014
Posts: 268

You can follow in Dan Savage's footsteps:

http://www.ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=47...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-11 8:23 PM (#555869 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks Bob, but Dan Savage is way-beyond my paygrade & talent.......and patience. The stuff he does just blows me away, & it is always comprehensive & entertaining.
As promised, the new facepaint:



(071121 painted top 2- smaller.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 071121 painted top 2- smaller.jpg (66KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-07-11 8:48 PM (#555870 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
That color will blend an interesting contrast once the wood of the fretboard and bridge are exposed.. as well as your custom rosette. Are you going to buff it to a smooth gloss before applying a clear top coat?





Edited by Love O Fair 2021-07-11 8:52 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-12 7:12 AM (#555871 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
I have a "date' with a piece of 1200-grit wet-or-dry, in about a week. Then, probably some coats of gloss. The rosette is under construction. Arranging those little abalone sticks was pretty tedious, to-be-sure.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-12 8:20 AM (#555873 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Okay, here is the rosette. Sanded, and generally circular.


I have been told, perfection is an aspiration. Well, my fingers are tired, for sure!

Edited by seesquare 2021-07-12 8:25 AM




(071221 rosette sanded top- smaller.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 071221 rosette sanded top- smaller.jpg (72KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jonmark Stone
Posted 2021-07-12 3:45 PM (#555874 - in reply to #555873)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1553

Location: Indiana
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2021-07-12 4:40 PM (#555875 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15653

Location: SoCal
"Perfection is the enemy of good".
F. X. Reagan

Edited by moody, p.i. 2021-07-12 4:41 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DanSavage
Posted 2021-07-12 5:03 PM (#555876 - in reply to #555875)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
Nice job on the rosette.

FWIW, while I too, aim for perfection, my ultimate goal is finding enjoyment in the process and the results.

Or, as King Solomon famously wrote, "All is vanity and vexation of spirit."

I'm sure he was talking about luthiery.

Edited by DanSavage 2021-07-12 5:05 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-12 10:24 PM (#555877 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks Dan! High praise, indeed. I, too, aim for enjoyment. As Rick Nelson opined, "You can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." It's my garden, and my party. However, you're all welcome, anytime!
Now, I just sit here, watching paint dry.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DetlefMichel
Posted 2021-07-20 3:48 AM (#555888 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
May 2011
Posts: 751

Location: Muenster/Germany
The rosette looks great.
The colour of the top would be a nice background for a sunburst...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-20 7:35 AM (#555889 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
"The colour of the top would be a nice background for a sunburst..."
Thanks for the support & suggestion. You are probably right on the additional paint scheme. I am leaving it as-is, for now. I may do more adornment, later.
I have 4 coats of clear coat on the top, so far. And, it's 2000-grit wet-sanding, between coats. I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2021-07-20 10:51 AM (#555890 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA
"Never give up, never surrender"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-22 8:44 AM (#555897 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
And, "things could get messy"



(072121 rottenstone top- smaller.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 072121 rottenstone top- smaller.jpg (95KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-07-22 10:47 AM (#555898 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
@seesquare - >>>And, "things could get messy"<<<

Ah.. stop! Shoot the final clear on it just like that!




Edited by Love O Fair 2021-07-22 10:56 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
clrules
Posted 2021-07-22 12:46 PM (#555899 - in reply to #555898)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 138

Location: Birmingham, AL

i agree! 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
clrules
Posted 2021-07-22 12:48 PM (#555900 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 138

Location: Birmingham, AL

Ive found similar great looking wood under Breadwinner finishes.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-22 2:35 PM (#555901 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks, but…….
I have about 4 coats of clear on it, rubbed out, and scratch removed. I’m calling that good, for now. Rehabbing the piezoelectric pickup circuit, and fitting the saddle.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
arumako
Posted 2021-07-22 7:32 PM (#555904 - in reply to #555901)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1018

Location: Yokohama, Japan
Thanks for sharing seesquare!
It's so great to see one of the BFLG Founders along with MWoody back at work! Would've jumped on this under different circumstances, but Standingovation's generosity is certainly going to benefit in seesquare's hands! Any chance of final pics and a video?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-23 6:52 AM (#555906 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks Arumako! Working through the bugs with the electronics, setting up the action, and still need to affix the rosette. Additional photos forthcoming. As for videos, probably not.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-23 12:51 PM (#555907 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Drat, I'm getting a Fishman. A bit of minor surgery involved, but a significant upgrade from the current passive arrangement. And, it has an onboard tuner, since I possess inadequate precision in tonal discrimination. Stay tuned (snare drum roll).
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-25 3:50 PM (#555910 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Okay, so this is mostly the finished project. I will install the Fishman, when it arrives next week.
Ain' perfect, but is a decided improvement. Shucked the oyster, and got a nice pearl, I'm thinkin'!
It does play nicely, & has good voice, even with the lightweight Ernie Ball strings.
So, my plan is, don't buy a case, keep it on the guitar stand, and play the s**t outta the critter!



(072521 outdoor full sun 1- smaller.jpg)



(072521 outdoor full sun peghead- smaller.jpg)



(072521 outdoor full sun peghead back- smaller.jpg)



(072521 outdoor full sun rosette- smaller.jpg)



(072521 finished back 1- smaller.jpg)



(072521 body front 1- smaller.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 072521 outdoor full sun 1- smaller.jpg (96KB - 3 downloads)
Attachments 072521 outdoor full sun peghead- smaller.jpg (78KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments 072521 outdoor full sun peghead back- smaller.jpg (79KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments 072521 outdoor full sun rosette- smaller.jpg (59KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments 072521 finished back 1- smaller.jpg (96KB - 2 downloads)
Attachments 072521 body front 1- smaller.jpg (70KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2021-07-25 4:22 PM (#555911 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Really, really, nice.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2021-07-25 5:15 PM (#555912 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas
Wow, that’s quite an improvement! Good job!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2021-07-25 8:10 PM (#555913 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
That's an amazing resurrection. CONGRATS
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2021-07-25 8:40 PM (#555914 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA
Nice!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-26 7:06 AM (#555915 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Gentlemen, thanks for the accolades! Dave, thanks again for providing me many hours of pleasure, in refurbishing the instrument. Now, I understand why you bought the guitar, just for the rosette. And Michael, that's one of your TRC's on the peghead, for full disclosure.
So, "Merle" stands ready to challenge my determination, and dexterity. Right next to the tennis racquet stringer, so there is some competition here.

Edited by seesquare 2021-07-26 7:11 AM




(072621 Office Urchin- smaller.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 072621 Office Urchin- smaller.jpg (80KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-07-26 7:08 AM (#555916 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
It has been fun to watch it come together and I am glad to know that it sounds good. Congratulations on a fine job!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-26 7:21 AM (#555917 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks, LOF. You can't easily replace 47-plus years of aging for tone, though Dan Savage has, ostensibly, the expertise & alchemy, with the autoclaved tops. I was very fortunate to have an instrument, to begin with, that had intact structure & integrity.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2021-07-26 1:12 PM (#555918 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15653

Location: SoCal
Very cool. All my guitars (almost) are out, ready to be played. So hopefully you'll play the dickens out of this guitar. Even Witko's rejects are cool (or have the potential for coolness)......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-07-26 5:42 PM (#555921 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
And, that's why retail markets put the gum, gadgets, & magazines by the checkstand. Ready access & "gotta have that". Once your fingers are around it, you're done.
"Rejects" are dependent on who's holding the yardstick, & need a home. Weeds are just unappreciated. I'm cool with that.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
arumako
Posted 2021-08-01 8:36 AM (#555963 - in reply to #555921)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1018

Location: Yokohama, Japan
seesquare - 2021-07-26 7:42 AM

And, that's why retail markets put the gum, gadgets, & magazines by the checkstand. Ready access & "gotta have that". Once your fingers are around it, you're done.
"Rejects" are dependent on who's holding the yardstick, & need a home. Weeds are just unappreciated. I'm cool with that.


Great restoration seesquare! The rosette and overall color scheme really go nicely. With the basic instrument geometry intact and by salvaging the old vintage top, you've pretty much guaranteed the instrument will have that "special O voice". Did your Fishman arrive? Sure would like to hear your thoughts on the O and Fishman combination! Thanks for sharing!

Edited by arumako 2021-08-01 8:37 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-08-01 2:42 PM (#555970 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Ken, it is simply wonderful! The Fishman fits nicely, does a great job with tuning, & the sound & signal controls are amazing. The gestalt of the scenario is truly awesome. I'm reaching for the critter a lot more than my other gitfiddles, thus far. Guess it's because I am infatuated. Go figure. Spent a good portion of 3 weeks getting the project completed, so I need to work out any bugs that might emerge from the woodwork, so-to-speak.



(073121 Fishman closeup outdoors- smaller.jpg)



(073121 installed Fishman 3- smaller.jpg)



(073121 installed Fishman- front view- medium.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 073121 Fishman closeup outdoors- smaller.jpg (89KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments 073121 installed Fishman 3- smaller.jpg (75KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments 073121 installed Fishman- front view- medium.jpg (93KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-08-01 5:48 PM (#555971 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
Nice fit on the Fish, man.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DanSavage
Posted 2021-08-01 6:45 PM (#555972 - in reply to #555971)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
Nicely done.

Another Ovation saved from the trash heap is always a good thing.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-08-02 8:49 AM (#555975 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Amen, Brother Dan! It will be gratifying to play this instrument, knowing it might have been on the precipice, without Dave rescuing it from an ugly demise. It seems to be responding admirably to our collective efforts, too! Carpe diem.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2021-08-02 3:32 PM (#555976 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA
Beautiful!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jonmark Stone
Posted 2021-08-18 7:29 PM (#556017 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1553

Location: Indiana
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-08-22 10:58 AM (#556025 - in reply to #556017)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks, Guys!
The instrument seems to be playing well, with good power & tone, and comfort, with light-gauge strings. So, I will continue to pester this set, & maybe put mediums on next time. The tuner feature on the Fishman is the best thing since sliced bread. I ain't got perfect pitch (or ear), by any means! Building "muscle memory" for fingerpicking, at my level of chronicity, is definitely a challenge. Practice makes "better", certainly not "perfect".
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-08-22 11:01 PM (#556026 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
>>>Practice makes "better",<<<

I need to write that down and keep it with me.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-04 8:46 PM (#556519 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Well, Ol' Merle took a dive off the wall hanger, & fractured his tail and split the top, pretty good. Guess I have some options here but will probably fill the crack & refinish the top. Now, fixing the binding may be another challenge! I may have to just rebind everything, as the original binding is really brittle, & likely impossible to accomplish a good match.
Keep y'all posted...............



(Merle repair 120421 1- small.jpg)



(Merle repair 120421 2- small.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Merle repair 120421 1- small.jpg (77KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments Merle repair 120421 2- small.jpg (82KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-04 8:53 PM (#556520 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Already glued in 6 small cleats & reattached the top to the bowl. At least, it's flat. Y'know that old epoxy is really brittle.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-12-04 11:53 PM (#556522 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
Dang.. that's an oucher.. but we do have faith in your doctor skills! I take it there was no carpet beneath the wall hanger.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-05 7:51 AM (#556525 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks for the encouragement, LOF! Yeah, we installed hardwood flooring 2 years ago. A lot easier to clean, but rather unforgiving to impact. Dumped some cyanocrylate into the fissure last night, so I will determine how much work the refinishing will require. Pretty much decided to rebind the entire top. I really like natural wood bindings, anyway.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-05 7:53 AM (#556526 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Probably need to buy a better hanger, too. Kinda like closing the gate after the horse has eloped.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jmoore813
Posted 2021-12-06 6:27 PM (#556536 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
March 2019
Posts: 3

My 68 took the same kind of dive off a wall hanger. Trying to figure out where to go from here…looking forward to your repair and binding (cause that stuff is super brittle lol)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-06 9:29 PM (#556539 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Making some progess. Sanded out the superglued crack & repainted the repair area. Will let it set up a coupla days before sanding & blending. Then, work on the binding scenario.



(Merle repair filled fissure- small.jpg)



(Merle repair repainted fissure- small.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Merle repair filled fissure- small.jpg (87KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments Merle repair repainted fissure- small.jpg (89KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-07 7:00 AM (#556544 - in reply to #556539)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Had some odd lighter-colored areas. May have been residual wax from the original refinish operation. Have removed any traces with lacquer thinner, & will recoat this AM.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-12-07 5:10 PM (#556549 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
Progressing nicely. I swear, if I tried that it would come out looking more like a first-grader's finger paint. And just a related side note-- yesterday I smacked a headstock so hard on the overhang of a doorway that it practically shook the house. I could find no damage.. none.. flat out amazed.. so I assume it impacted on ends of the tuning keys and they took one for the team. However, I will consider it to be my last divine freebie, and I am hereby adopting the "football" rule. The football, meaning nickname for the briefcase that holds the nation's nuclear launch codes and is never more than 100 feet from the president. A very secure and protected item. So from this point forward I have trained my Secret Service self to think the word "football" whenever moving about with a guitar (yeah, right.. we'll see how long that lasts).


Edited by Love O Fair 2021-12-07 5:27 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-07 5:39 PM (#556551 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Just treat it like you are the doting regal grandparent. Just don't let the other grandkids see the favoritism, or you will have a palace revolution.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-15 6:42 AM (#556598 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Just could not get a good match & blend on the top, so reshot the whole bloody thing. Structurally sound & being reassembled. Pictures to follow, but should appear identical to pre-injury, albeit a bit brighter in hue.



(Merle 4- small.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Merle 4- small.jpg (58KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-15 6:46 AM (#556599 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Oh yeah, and invested in some better guitar hangers, too!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-15 10:08 AM (#556600 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
All better. Not a perfect repair, but close enough for me. Still sounds superb. I love onboard tuners, too!



(Merle 5 refinished 1- small.jpg)



(Merle 5 refinished 2- small.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Merle 5 refinished 1- small.jpg (60KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments Merle 5 refinished 2- small.jpg (54KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BCam
Posted 2021-12-15 10:48 AM (#556601 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
October 2014
Posts: 268

Nice work!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-15 11:34 AM (#556602 - in reply to #556601)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks! Now, I just need more discipline & perceived progress. And spend less time watching instructional videos that remind me I came late to the party.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2021-12-15 8:12 PM (#556603 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
Excellent!! Lucky you to have such talent in your own hands. And I am also glad to see it is now on a floor stand. As long as the creek don't rise you should be okay.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
arumako
Posted 2021-12-16 5:51 PM (#556604 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1018

Location: Yokohama, Japan
Nice work as usual seesquare! Not everybody would go the extra mile with the finish coat, but these vintage USA Os are really worth the effort! Congratulations!

Edited by arumako 2021-12-16 5:55 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2021-12-16 10:59 PM (#556605 - in reply to #556604)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thanks, Ken!
I appreciate the recognition and encouragement. Speaking of vintage O’s, our dog sitter has an absolutely flawless 1111-4 with a high 4-digit serial number. Drooled to the point of dehydration. Hard shell case is equally pristine. She bought it new about 1972, reportedly. And, playing it frequently. Fine stewardship, to be sure.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2022-03-05 9:13 AM (#557123 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Thought I would update the file. I used some micro mesh foam pads, starting with 2400, working up to 12000, to cut & level the finish. Burned through the finish in a couple of spots, but it was a successful outcome in leveling the finish. Now, a little rubbing compound and plexiglass cleaner, and it should have a mirror finish!



(micromesh- before treatment 3rd image- smaller image.jpg)



(micromesh- after treatment 1st image- smaller image.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments micromesh- before treatment 3rd image- smaller image.jpg (67KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments micromesh- after treatment 1st image- smaller image.jpg (66KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2022-03-06 9:03 AM (#557131 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
It does appear to be smoother and brighter in the bottom photo's light reflection. Maybe when you get it finished you can take an outdoor photo with the trees in the reflection like you did with others and the gloss will be better demonstrated across the entire top.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2022-03-07 11:19 AM (#557140 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
So, I used some light-to-medium Turtle Wax polishing compound, followed by Nu Finish polish, and took a couple of photos, per LOF's suggestion of replicating the bare trees image. As Rod Serling would say, "submitted for your approval........"
I will work on getting a better reflective image. The GCDB shiny bowl afforded a different image, entirely. Kinda like a fisheye lens on my DSLR.

Edited by seesquare 2022-03-07 11:24 AM




(1111-6 final polish 1- smaller image.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 1111-6 final polish 1- smaller image.jpg (96KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2022-03-07 12:09 PM (#557141 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: RE: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Dunno if this is much of an improvement, but it seems the present finish is about as good as I am able to accomplish, at this point. Guess I will string it up & play it!

Edited by seesquare 2022-03-07 12:11 PM




(1111-6 final polish 4- smaller image.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 1111-6 final polish 4- smaller image.jpg (67KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DanSavage
Posted 2022-03-07 2:16 PM (#557142 - in reply to #557141)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
That looks great!

Nice job.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2022-03-07 4:16 PM (#557144 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1769

Location: When??
Oh, my. Fantastic!! Now, aren't you glad it fell of its hanger?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2022-03-07 8:33 PM (#557146 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Yea, well , as much as I like lemonade, I really didn’t need the second batch of fruit! I did learn a lot about fine finishing and polishing protocol. Got another couple of weeks before level and polish on the GCDB shiny bowl. I will take a run at leveling the top also, though that finish is pretty thin (Truoil), and quite a few filled cracks that need a careful approach.
So, stay tuned. Probably next entry on the Pandora II at end of the month.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DetlefMichel
Posted 2022-03-15 6:04 AM (#557170 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer



Joined:
May 2011
Posts: 751

Location: Muenster/Germany
That reminds me to my 2008 collector when I finished the customized engraved armrest it fell from my work table and broke into splinters... I had to make a new one.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
seesquare
Posted 2022-03-15 7:52 AM (#557172 - in reply to #555841)
Subject: Re: "No good deed goes unpunished"- Refurbishment of 1111-6 Balladeer


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3599

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Yes, "DRAT" was not the first word I uttered. Invested in better guitar hangers, after that incident! Thanks for the commiseration, Def.
Top of the page Bottom of the page