1953 Gibson J-45 Restored By Kerry Char ** SOLD**

[Keith7940236]

This is a wonderful guitar that was restored by the extremely talented Kerry Char of Portland, Oregon. For those that don't know Kerry, he specializes in restoring vintage instruments as well as building his own guitars, harp guitars and ukuleles.

The guitar was brought to Kerry by a friend of his, after being turned into a wall decoration at some point. The original top was replaced by a piece of thin plywood and it was obviously in unplayable condition. He removed the neck and the top, repaired the inner back bracing and made a new top out of Carpathian spruce using a Banner J-45 pattern supplied by Wes Brandt (another talented Portland luthier).

The frets were replaced with Evo Gold fret wire, the neck was reset and the top was finished with a beautiful burst. He even made a new bridge out of Brazilian rosewood. The sound is fantastic with clear trebles, a deep bass and the customary Gibson midrange. I've honestly never heard a Gibson with the overtones that this one produces. It is a joy to play and I'm going to miss it very much.

I've got photos of the whole restoration process, but can only post a few photos here because of space restraints.

Asking SOLD
Interested in trades for an 00 12-Fret guitar. Preferably mahogany and Red Spruce.













http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8ugtz8qd.jpg

[JohnnyD123]

Keith, that is one very cool restoration. GLWS

[Keith7940236]

Thanks Johnny!!

[JerryM]

Now that's a nice looking J45, nice vibe to it.......Jerry

[rumble]

The work looks excellent esp... the rosewood bridge plate !

[Howlin Bob]

For those who don't know, Kerry's restoration work is highly regarded by players and key collections from around the country, such as the Chinery collection. I recently bought a 1921 Martin 0-18 in a player's condition because of the tone...and because Kerry did the work.

His own guitars are amazing as well.

Good luck with the sale. This is tempting!

Bob

[sdelsolray]

Yes, Kerry's restoration work, as well as his luthier builds, are top notch. He also does excellent maintenance work (e.g., setups, neck resets, etc.).

[bberry]

That is one beautiful restoration! Thanks to Kerry for bringing this great old treasure back to life! Only wish I could swing the buy..... Good luck!
Steve S

[Transylvania]

Keith,

You should name that guitar Lazarus. Great job!

Frank

[Keith7940236]

Originally Posted by Transylvania

Keith,

You should name that guitar Lazarus. Great job!

Frank

That's not a bad idea Frank!

[magictwanger]

I doubt you'll have to Bump it next Monday....Nice guitar!!

[hat]

Originally Posted by rumble

The work looks excellent esp... the rosewood bridge plate !

I am curious about that. I have always thought that J45's from that era had maple bridge plates - is that not the case then?
BTW - I love the way he color-matched the top binding to the aged back binding. Great job.

[Keith7940236]

Originally Posted by hat

I am curious about that. I have always thought that J45's from that era had maple bridge plates - is that not the case then?
BTW - I love the way he color-matched the top binding to the aged back binding. Great job.

I asked him about that, he is just partial to rosewood bridge plates.

[Stevien]

Originally Posted by Transylvania

Keith,

You should name that guitar Lazarus. Great job!

Frank

..... I like that! Another vote here for Kerry's quality work!
Steve

[arodstein]

What is the neck profile of this beauty ?