Portland Fret Works

Repair, Restoration, and Construction

1962 Gibson L-5

Refinish

This L-5 had an old refinish that didn't do it justice. The sunburst was somewhat ugly (only two tones and harsh transition between colors) and the finish had deteriorated badly in places. We completely stripped the old finish, rebound and refetted the neck, and then shot a new three tone sunburst. Before and after photos below.

Weds-Fri 12-6, Sat 10-2

Other times by appointment.

Click pictures to enlarge.

1950's Gibson Country Western

Cracked Heel

The heel on this vintage Gibson was cracked, poorly repaired and cracked again. We removed the neck (both pieces) and glued the heel back together. We then reinforced the heel with a carbon fiber dowel to insure against future breakage. Finally, we re-glued the neck to the body and refinished the heel with a cherry sunburst to hide the crack.

Custom

instruments

A few recent instruments designed and built in-house.

1954 Esquire

Refin

This '54 Fender Esquire was very good original vintage condition with one exception: the previous owner had stripped the top and refinished it with a brown stain. We stripped the top and refinished it with an aged blonde nitro lacquer finish. The new lacquer was then worn and distressed to match the existing original finish.