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  #1  
Old 01-30-2023, 11:23 PM
kingdaddy kingdaddy is offline
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Default Need help finding a GOOD luthier in So. Cal.

So I'm looking for a new luthier to take a look at my '65 Gibson J45.
It needs a good setup since I replaced the plastic saddle with a Tusq and also new bone bridge pins. Not terrible, but getting a little string buzz on a couple frets.
Also, the semi common "belly bulge" needs to be looked into.
Any personal recommendations on a really top notch luthier...preferably in L.A. county or Ventura County?
Thanks!
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2023 Boucher SG-51 OM Rosewood/Master grade baked Adi
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1965 Gibson J45 Cherry Sunburst, bridge/saddle mod.
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1962 Gibson RB250 Mastertone Banjo FOR SALE!
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  #2  
Old 05-19-2023, 02:57 PM
kingdaddy kingdaddy is offline
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Just took it in to John Carruthers based on some recommendations (on another forum obviously)!

Gonna finally get rid of the adj. saddle and put a nice compensated bone saddle in it's place! In addition to a good set up and new strings!
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2023 Boucher SG-51 OM Rosewood/Master grade baked Adi
1953 Martin D-28 Mystery Top Braz/Adi (of course)!
1965 Gibson J45 Cherry Sunburst, bridge/saddle mod.
1989 Ovation Custom Legend (sold, but not forgotten!)
1962 Gibson RB250 Mastertone Banjo FOR SALE!
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  #3  
Old 05-19-2023, 03:41 PM
Tahitijack Tahitijack is offline
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Kirk Sand at The Guitar Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I don't know where you live but it will be worth the drive down the coast and have a nice lunch and walk around town. Kirk and his crew are legendary. Don't be surprised to see legendary guitars players like Doyle Dykes or Richard Smith playing amazing guitars in the shop.
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Last edited by Tahitijack; 05-19-2023 at 05:49 PM.
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  #4  
Old 05-19-2023, 04:23 PM
Sasquatchian Sasquatchian is offline
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Dave Neely on Sunset Blvd more or less across the street from Guitar Center.
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  #5  
Old 05-20-2023, 06:58 AM
runamuck runamuck is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kingdaddy View Post
Just took it in to John Carruthers based on some recommendations (on another forum obviously)!

Gonna finally get rid of the adj. saddle and put a nice compensated bone saddle in it's place! In addition to a good set up and new strings!
That who I would have recommended. I live in Ojai.
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  #6  
Old 06-28-2023, 03:17 PM
kingdaddy kingdaddy is offline
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OK, so based on a couple of recommendations, I took the J45 in to John Carruthers which fortunately is not far from me!
He had it for a couple of weeks or so but did an awesome job!
Removed the adjustable saddle, filled in the gap in the bridge with an exact match rosewood (virtually imperceptible) and cut a new slot for the new bone saddle. Also polished the frets, installed a new bone nut and some other minor stuff!
Result? Amazing...visually and audibly! Wow...
I will post a couple of pics soon...
Thanks for the recommendations!
Juts took in my '53 Martin D-28 to have him remove the soundhole pickup and replace the Vintage Jack end pin with the original and do a complete check up on the action (seems already really good).
Getting ready to sell it, will probably post an ad for it here on this forum just to see what kind of response I get before letting Carter Vintage, Reverb etc. have it.
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2023 Boucher SG-51 OM Rosewood/Master grade baked Adi
1953 Martin D-28 Mystery Top Braz/Adi (of course)!
1965 Gibson J45 Cherry Sunburst, bridge/saddle mod.
1989 Ovation Custom Legend (sold, but not forgotten!)
1962 Gibson RB250 Mastertone Banjo FOR SALE!
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