The missing link in restoring a Martin peghead

[Jonathan Conant]

Back in the late 60's I practiced abalone inlay on the peghead of my 1956 00-18. Kindly remember it was only a 00-18 in those days. Someone actually told me to "just throw it away" when pickwear finally poked a hole in it. Now reason has prevailed and I want to remove the vandalized veneer and replace it. This is straightforward, thanks to the photo essay in frets.com under "Structural/BrokenHeadstocks/BackstrapOverlay". Does anyone know how to solve the case of the missing (for the last forty years) Martin decal?

[Tim Mace]

Surely Martin could fix you up ........w/a decal? Or could /would they? I bet Frank's got some stashed away!

[Greg Mirken]

No, Frank doesn't have any. Neither do any other of us authorized repair guys. If I have a guitar that needs a decal I have to give them the serial number, and they will send me one decal. They will not send one to anyone other than a Martin authorized repair person.

[Russell Vance]

Yep, Gregs on the money, we image the instrument, the internals/serial number and and the damaged area and send it to Martin if required. If you are in an isolated area with no access to an Authorised repair shop you may wish to approach Martin with the aforementioned support documentation and see how that goes. You will get one and only one decal. Rusty.

[Jonathan Conant]

Yes, that is rather what I imagined would be the case. I'm in Denver so I should be OK. If the project runs into too many obstacles I can simply leave it pretty but blank. I appreciate your help.

[Rich Mulcahy]

Search headstock decals on ebay,I ve seen all major maufaturers and more. Click on Musical Instuments,then click Guitars, type head stock decals. Its worth a look. Good luck on your project. Rich