In the Middle
We are fortunate to have numerous projects going on in the shop right now. This week is one of those times when everything is in the “middle” of the process and nothing is complete. We thought we would share some photos of a few projects, where they’re at up to today. Included are a Kay Guitar modification that’s just getting started, a Tele modification, some custom pickguards/inlay that are almost finished and a few fabrication jobs for artist Andrea Zittel. As each job reaches completion, we’ll post final photos. There is always some discovery or learning that occurs with each project Read The Rest
Monthly Motivation-Jimmy Bryant
Bryant’s always been one of my favorite players and for some reason this live radio show recording always makes me want to play my guitar. Great tone. A perfect minute and a half long moment from the past. I would have loved to see him play live.
Valley Electric Co. Buffer
I’ve come across some great finds as far as tools for the shop lately. Needing an industrial buffer for a while now, I couldn’t believe it when I saw this one by Valley Electric Co. last weekend. There’s not allot of information out there about about this buffer or the company. We read on the Vintage Machinery website that based in St. Louis, Valley was in business by 1920 and were still in business in 1942, but there is little information after that. They changed the name from Valley Electric Co. to Valley Electric Corp. in around 1939 so my buffer was probably made before 39.
This buffer is testament to the quality of American made machines of the era. All I did was add a new coat of paint and a power cord. It works perfect. I’ll use the buffer mainly for polishing aluminum and lacquer.
Invaluable Assistance
We have talked about wanting a logo for TK Smith’s Electronic Guitar Service for a while now. The first person who came to mind, that we knew would understand exactly what we wanted, was designer Johnny Bartlett. Even though they hadn’t seen each other in years, TK had kept Johnny’s business card in his wallet all that time because he liked it so much.
Johnny agreed to offer his assistance and quickly came up with 10 amazing designs! We would have been happy with any one of them, but after living with each design for a few days, we narrowed our choice down to the one above. We feel Johnny hit all the right notes as far as communicating the name, service and products that we offer, in a simple timeless design. We’re so happy with it! He’s also a fellow musician. Check out Johnny’s design and music workhere!
We’ve also just launched a new Store which you can see here.
The On-Going Evolution of a Telecaster
When I first put together this pine bodied Tele, I told myself that I wasn’t going to modify it. That lasted about three years. I stuck a Bigsby B-16 on it a few months ago. Last week I went all out and cut down the B-16 and stuck two of my new pickups on it. I couldn’t be happier with the results. (for now) I just can’t seem to leave well enough alone! It almost makes me feel like playing some gigs. Read The Rest
