Vintage Tortoise Shell Binding for a 1976 Gibson J-45

[Jeff Perkins]

Any one know where to get some of this original stuff. I don't want to replace it all with plastic, obviously. Every little piece of the original is damaged, crushed and delapidating. He wants me to fully restore it. I saw some on ebay in a strip for $150. Any suggestions would be helpful. I won't have the guitar till June. I'll post pics then.

[Greg Mirken]

I don't understand your comment about not wanting plastic. That original binding that is decomposing is plastic.

[Frank Ford]

Of course, the tortoise binding you mention IS plastic - celluloid to be more precise. You don't want vintage celluloid - it's already far on the road to decomposition.  Get some  new turtleoid binding from LMI, Axiom, or . . .

[Jeff Perkins]

You're right. What made me think it was real was the fact that it's cut into small pieces like you would do with pearl in a soundhole inlay. Granted, I haven't had this guitar in my hands. I'm just going by what the owner told me and the pictuers he sent. This is the first tortoise binding on an old Martin I've had to deal with. I just didn't want to affect the value, if it was infact real. Thanks for your help Frank.

[Ned Knepp]

I suppose it doesn't matter but is this a Martin or a Gibson?

 

Ned

[Jeff Perkins]

It's a Gibson, I don't know why I put Martin. I guess because I have a Martin HD-28 in the shop with binding problems too. My bad.

[peter farr]

Hi Jeff,... did you find any vintage Tortoise binding?   I am also looking for some of that...

thanks,...

[William F.Eden]

If you are looking for celluloid tortoise bindings and that is realy what it is?????????? i would get in touch with David Nichols in Ny. .I have bought some off him in the past.Good luck Bill.''''''''''''''''''''''''''

[Jeff Perkins]

Thanks Bill. I'll have to ask the owner what he wants, as the celluloid decomposes years down the line. Here's a question, will changing to a newer plastic binding affect the value, or would it be better to use vintage stuff, even though it will degrade. It's a '76 J-45. But the other thing is it's a total mess. I'm going to have to fix about 5-6 cracks in the top, and refinish it with a sunburst. I am definitely no expert on the nuances of vintage components, especially if they're older than me. But I do pride myself on doing a good job. This resource that Frank set up has been so much help and I really appreciate being able to come on and get expert advise from all you heavy hitters out there. Most of the work I do is either building acoustics or repairing newer ones, and a lot of refinish work. You guys have been there right when I need some advice, so thank you all. Maybe in 30 years, I'll have half of the knowledge Frank and you guys have...lol.

[Mark McLean]

A 70's J-45 is a nice thing, but it is not a highly valuable vintage instrument.  It sounds like this one is no virgin, and you are planning to add a new sunburst to hide cosmetic defects?  That all sounds fine - but the point is that its value as an original vintage instrument is pretty limited.  So don't feel inhibited in how you make the repairs.  Make it the best instrument it can be but and forget about "originality" (assuming the owner agrees, of course).

[Jeff Perkins]

Thanks Mark. That's what I would do if it were mine.

[William F.Eden]

I would put on the guitar what ever it had on before. IF i could get it after all IT has stood up 30 plus years now. If that was what the customer ask for then that is what he would get. Besids like Mark has said it is not that valueble any way.I will likely get a lot of slack from all the Gibson pepole out there but that is a fact. Bill.''''''''''''

[Jim Bancroft]

I've got a large roll of tortoise color plastic binding that I believe came from the Gibson Kalamazoo factory, when they had their auction( I actually got it from an auction Elderly Instruments had in the early 80's) It's fairly thick, I can give you the dimensions, but could be thinned down if needed. If this may help, contact me.

Jim