Relics, Improvements, Repairs, Returns, Zuchini Squash and Philosophy

I like to build. But sometimes I go on a repair and improvement jag. And when the gits are actually repaired or improved.... I like that too.Improvements and Repairs: I went out to the shop today with three old build guitars and a list of planned improvements The LPG needed a better looking saddle that would also lower string action. Same thing on the white relic. Mission accomplished. Both look and play better.The H. Anton Book ~ Curly Head cigar CBG needed the nut lowered and a fret replaced. That worked out too. Some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you. Part of the hobby. Part of life.Returns and Zuchini: That Curly Head box CBG came BACK to me yesterday by UPS. Unexpectedly. I opened the box and found jt inside. I had given it away in a sneaky manner. And it came back to me!Iowa summer garden crops grow abundantly and people do things like leaving zuchini, tomatos and green peppers on someone else's door step. I do that. It's not a crime. Not really. Well, maybe it is illegal dumping, but I have not been arrested for it. Not yet. My CBG builds multiply like zuchini squash. I've had unsolicted zuchini returned and now an unsolicted CBG has returend too!Here is the story. I sent a different build to a CBN friend of ours for a fund raising event. That gift was arranged and proper. But I stuck that Curly Head Relic build in the shipping box as a bonus for Friend. One for him to keep for himself or give away as he saw fit.. Surpise!Well, crap. The shipper, UPS, was not gentle. The shipping box got to Friend's house with a bash in the side. Those very old wooden boxes split pretty easily and the unexpected relic arrived at Friend's house with one side of the box split.Friend made a nice repair of the split, added a cool home made strap, played it and enjoyed it. Then he felt uncomfortable about accepting it – especially since the box is ancient. I understand. And Friend is like me – too many instruments and the herd needs thined.Well, it turns out that I am happy to have it back. It is tuned DGB and plays and sounds great. I do need to thin the herd, but a small collection of relics seems like a good thing.Philosophy: CBGs are like zuchini. Do some repairs and improvenments before building more. Straps are good. All's well that end's well.

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Comments

Uncle John February 8, 2016 at 8:59am

Thanks, Jerry. LOL, Dave.
Jerry Jordan February 8, 2016 at 7:28am

nice
Dave Lynas February 7, 2016 at 2:44pm

I am buried in them...
Uncle John February 7, 2016 at 1:30pm

Patrick, I have a BB gun. Bjorn, gifting to willing friends is a great way to thin the herd. But having just one git - that thought makes me sad. I need one store bought six, on uke, one LPG, on hubcap guitar, one DGB, one CGC, One GDG, One GDGB, one two string, one diddley.

AND A FEW SPARES! I may want to be buried with one.
Bjorn Damsgaard February 7, 2016 at 1:20pm

I like your lesson, but I also know another principle to live by, at least I do: You never need more guitars than one more. My wife accepts that principle, but I some times have to thin my herd, and my friends like THAT very much.
Maddog February 7, 2016 at 12:40pm

I love it when the plan comes together, sounds like you had a nice and productive day!

I will make sure and gift you some doorstep goodies from my garden this year........I just hope you have a liking for dandilions, foxtail and buttonweeds as that is all I am able to grow :-(
Uncle John February 7, 2016 at 11:05am

Thanks, Blue. It is a keeper and my fave fretless. Not bad unplugged and it roars plugged in with the Gitty bass mag pup.

Dave, that would be our kind of décor, wouldn't it. Pretty soon all the fancy catalogs would copy us and be selling CBG steps, railings, etc. I've had a few that I could have given a Viking funeral on Lake Superior.
Bristol Blue February 7, 2016 at 11:00am

That LPG is a beauty !
Dave Lynas February 7, 2016 at 8:06am

Front porch technique? Aren't,t they kind of flimsy as railings, steps, railings? I was thinking of setting some afloat on Lake Superior with notes inside...
Uncle John February 7, 2016 at 7:51am

Thanks, guys. It's the next day and I am still pleased that all 3 of those gits suit me better now. I need to do some more of the repairs and upgrades then thin the herd. Maybe 2 of 3 store bought 6 strings, 2-3 cbgs, and 2-4 diddleys. I have a 3 summer events where diddleys sell pretty well. I don't ask much for them and if a kid falls in love with one, he or she may get gifted. Then there is the front porch technique.

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