'60s Classical Git Not Dead Yet (long post)

[Samilyn]

A little classical git on Ebay caught my eye. Bought it for $20 to hang in my new music room, which is still a work in progress. I bought it simply because it was pretty. It was destined to be wall art.

 

When it arrived I got a nice surprise.

 

First of all, it is a "Pan" brand, made in Japan. As best I can find out, these little classicals were imported by Aria in the '60s.

 

Even though the idiot seller merely wrapped the flimsy cardboard git case in brown paper, taped it up, and mailed it USPS, the little git arrived intact. The git-guardian-angels were looking after this one during its journey to me.

 

Only the top appears to be lam. SteveO and I were jamming last night, so during a coffee break he took a close look at it with a magnifying glass. The back and sides appear to be solid hog, and the top a good-quality spruce lam. There are some light superficial scratches across the back and one rub mark on the shoulder. Otherwise, finish is still very nice.

 

Neck appears to be hog and is surprisingly straight. SteveO thinks underneath a ton of dirt is a rosewood fingerboard.

 

The poor thing is very dried out - much evidence of wood shrinkage, but no cracks opening anywhere. Only onset of damage is that it appears the top has shrunken away from the bottom of the bridge. Most of the bridge remains attached, but at the center-bottom 2" there is a small gap - about 1/32. The gap does not extend to the outer edges of the bridge.

 

Top is convex, not bellied-out, indicating dryness and shrinkage. (convex dip almost indiscernable to the naked eye)

 

Binding (impossible to see in dinky pics) is black with two tiny pinstripes. Very subtle and pretty.

 

When closely checked with flashlight, mirror and magnifier, all bracing appears to be intact and well-glued. Again, no evidence of cracking or parting joints.

 

The restoration has begun. First step is emergency humidification. Little git is in its case with several Sponge Baggies. This will be a long process, but I am patient.

 

Once it's well humidified again, I'll address the bridge. More than likely, I'll steam it off, clean and sand, then re-glue.

 

Though the neck is straight, it looks as though a re-fret will be in order. The existing frets appear to be very soft brass and are very uneven. A few show signs of having been replaced. Due to wood shrinkage, edges of many are sharp.

 

Tuners are lovely - appear brass or gold plated. (Gold not likely) No signs of tarnish, nor has any of the gold color worn through to the base metal. Two buttons are cracked and one is missing. Since I like the filigree hardware, I'll attempt to find buttons first. If I can't find something I like, then will replace tuners.

 

Here's a few pics I swiped from Ebay. Sorry they're dinky. When I went to take pics this morning, cheap-o digi camera refused to work. I'll post better ones as soon as I get a new camera.

 

 

Oh, BTW - first thing I did was cut off grungy strings. Thankfully, they were extremely loose during shipping.

[denvertrakker]

Heh heh...Samilyn bought a git with NO BRIDGE PINS....

The thought control is working....Another win for BAGWIPS!



Nice lookin' git, Samilyn. Looking forward to better (and bigger) pics.

[Samilyn]

Heh heh...Samilyn bought a git with NO BRIDGE PINS.... The thought control is working....Another win for BAGWIPS! Nice lookin' git, Samilyn. Looking forward to better (and bigger) pics.

Denver, I do believe you're taking spellcasting lessons. That's the second pinless git for me in 2 weeks. But the Martie has 12 pins, so I shall not suffer the throes of pin withdrawal.

In the meantime, I'm heading for the Oak and will put out a blocking spell.

[bsman]

As long as it hasn't been subjected to excessive/rapid changes in humidity or temp, I see no reason why any decently constructed classical shouldn't be fairly easy to rehabilitate. With the rather modest tension of classical strings, these guitars simply aren't subjected to the same kinds of stress on the neck and top that steel-string guitars are, and thus don't generally in my experience seem to degrade as much with benign neglect.

 

Anyway - looks like a great buy and a fun project!

[S~R~O]

I have a GUT feeling it's going to be a great sounding guitar when it's all put back together....Oh!! and Grunge is only a word...this little darling looked to appear as if it was never cleaned from day one....

I had to wash my hands after looking at it. In order to even think of picking up my guitar to play............

Sammie....I had a good time last night playing guitar and jamming with you.
Oh and Sammie I only have to rewire half my recording gear...as I got the computer's sound to play through the mixing board OK....it's the rest of the gear I have to correct to get it playing right.....So maybe next week or so we can record some of the stuff we doing

[Stackabones]

I'd love to see better shots of the rosette and the bridge tie block when you get a chance.

Looks like that git has found a good home!

[Samilyn]

As long as it hasn't been subjected to excessive/rapid changes in humidity or temp, I see no reason why any decently constructed classical shouldn't be fairly easy to rehabilitate. With the rather modest tension of classical strings, these guitars simply aren't subjected to the same kinds of stress on the neck and top that steel-string guitars are, and thus don't generally in my experience seem to degrade as much with benign neglect. Anyway - looks like a great buy and a fun project!

 

 

I agree. In spite of the dirt and dryness, it looks as though this git was loved and played by someone for many years. It has that "aura" about it. Perhaps it came from an estate sale?

 

There are wear marks in the cash register from a lot of playing and the finish is in excellent shape for a git that age. Since the neck angle is still up to par, I honestly think the bridge issue is only from dryness.

[Samilyn]

I'd love to see better shots of the rosette and the bridge tie block when you get a chance. Looks like that git has found a good home!

Will do, Stack. Both are lovely. There is also a corresponding trim stripe running up the center of the headstock. When I "super-sized" the pics at Ebay and saw those, that was the decider for me. Very pretty.

And yup - I have already developed a great deal of affection for this little sweetheart. We are destined to become great friends.

[Samilyn]

I have a GUT feeling it's going to be a great sounding guitar when it's all put back together....Oh!! and Grunge is only a word...this little darling looked to appear as if it was never cleaned from day one.... I had to wash my hands after looking at it. In order to even think of picking up my guitar to play............ Sammie....I had a good time last night playing guitar and jamming with you. Oh and Sammie I only have to rewire half my recording gear...as I got the computer's sound to play through the mixing board OK....it's the rest of the gear I have to correct to get it playing right.....So maybe next week or so we can record some of the stuff we doing

Steve, I had a great time, too. Thanks so much for giving the little git a close examination and for your opinions.

I think you're right. I also have a gut feeling about this and have already developed an affection for the little sweetie.

I do agree - grunge is an inadequate word. My car engine is cleaner than the fingerboard! I have a feeling that someone once loved this git, but didn't know much about the finer points of git care, such as humidity, cleaning, etc.

Glad to hear your mixer is okay. Sounded great with the Tribecca and voice mic plugged in, but I about died when the odd noises started happening. I almost jumped out of my skin when it emitted that loud "bang" while you were messing with the cables. Then it sounded like a mouse was tap dancing inside a subwoofer. Too funny! Sure hope it doesn't take too long to get it all sorted out. That can be such a PITA.

Good thing I only had one cup of Dancing Goats coffee. As it was, I remained awake until 1:00 a.m. Mighty tasty, though - some of the best coffee I've ever had.

And thanks again for the headstock button straps! I have no idea where mine disappeared to. But that's no small wonder in my messy house.

[spruce goose]

Congrats on your 20 buck git (a personal favorite..), Samilyn!

[Stackabones]

Now I've got $20GAS. I've got a little money left over from Santa, some fresh strings ... gonna hit the pawn shops!

[Samilyn]

Now I've got $20GAS. I've got a little money left over from Santa, some fresh strings ... gonna hit the pawn shops!

 

 

Pity it's wintertime. There are often neat gits to be found at yard/garage sales and flea markets.

 

A guy SteveO and I jam with found a cool old Harmony archtop for $5 last summer.

[zenbu]

well, I have a bunch of 60s MIJ acoustics and classicals, mostly Yamahas but not all. Latest was another Yamaha No.150 classical, seller said binding was off...so i thought he meant a piece was missing but it was just unglued so I glued it back...no problem. This one is all solid, it`s my third No. 150 and my books say the No. 100 was top of the line at the time and made by Yamahas best luthiers but I have since found a No. 120 mahogany and the No. 150s listed as Palisander.
Whats the point of this post in your thread? it`s another great 1960s guitar that I paid... $0.88 for it. correct...not a typo...and it isn`t even my cheapest old classical.
The one on the left here was a Christmas gift from my wife...posted these in the old Yamaha thread too but dang I`m just so happy with it I have to post em again...pics taken before I finished putting them back together. Now when I clean these dirty little things I just toss the rags...I`ve given up on washing them, they just turn black after 40 odd years of grime and crud.
So folks...do not be afraid of `60s MIJs...there are some real gems out there. And PAN is the borrowed word Japanese use for bread...interesting since you spent so little of it on yours.

[Samilyn]

well, I have a bunch of 60s MIJ acoustics and classicals, mostly Yamahas but not all. Latest was another Yamaha No.150 classical, seller said binding was off...so i thought he meant a piece was missing but it was just unglued so I glued it back...no problem. This one is all solid, it`s my third No. 150 and my books say the No. 100 was top of the line at the time and made by Yamahas best luthiers but I have since found a No. 120 mahogany and the No. 150s listed as Palisander. Whats the point of this post in your thread? it`s another great 1960s guitar that I paid... $0.88 for it. correct...not a typo...and it isn`t even my cheapest old classical. The one on the left here was a Christmas gift from my wife...posted these in the old Yamaha thread too but dang I`m just so happy with it I have to post em again...pics taken before I finished putting them back together. Now when I clean these dirty little things I just toss the rags...I`ve given up on washing them, they just turn black after 40 odd years of grime and crud. So folks...do not be afraid of `60s MIJs...there are some real gems out there. And PAN is the borrowed word Japanese use for bread...interesting since you spent so little of it on yours.

I love 'em!! Yup - your post fits this thread perfectly and I'm really glad you posted the pics. After all, this thread is about dear old beauties just looking for good homes, to be played and loved again. Great fun to get 'em cheap and bring them back to life.

Wow - 88 little cents. That's as cool as it gets!

I know what you mean about tossing the rags after a cleanup. I might recycle one or two of mine for use on the car or riding-mower engines since they'll be black anyway.

Interesting that "Pan" is a Japanese word for "bread." I didn't know that. It's the same in Spanish.

[zenbu]

it`s the borrowed word they use, they do a lot of that actually...from many languages. Some words get Japanized, something like we English speakers do to the Japanese words we have adopted. The Portugese had a big influence on Japan, they introduced guns for example, so may be the word for braad came from them...Portugese / Spanish...very similar in ways. There may not even be any Kanji for bread in the languge since it`s not made from rice nor native to the country.
and for once the pics are of normal guitars eh.

[Samilyn]

it`s the borrowed word they use, they do a lot of that actually. Some get Japanized, something like we English speakers do to the Japanese words we have adopted. The Portugese had a big influence on Japan, they introduced guns for example, so may be it came from them...Portugese / Spanish...very similar in ways. For once the pics are of normal guitars eh.

 

 

I didn't know the Japanese used borrowed words, but I'm not entirely surprised, either. After all, it expands the scope of verbal expression of any language.

 

I am fascinated and intrigued by the Japanese culture and would dearly love to travel to Japan someday.

 

 

For once the pics are of normal guitars

 

LOL. I love those sweet old gits. And as I said before, I get a kick out of the "abnormal" ones you show us.

[riffmeister]

Congrats, Samilyn!

I had two Kohnos, a cedar/Indian 69 and a spruce/Indian 64.



I kept the spruce/Indian 64, it is an absolutely wonderful guitar!!

[Samilyn]

Congrats, Samilyn! I had two Kohnos, a cedar/Indian 69 and a spruce/Indian 64. I kept the spruce/Indian 64, it is an absolutely wonderful guitar!!

Love 'em both, Riff! I'm glad I've never had to choose between two lovely gits. That would be a mighty tough choice to make.

[zenbu]

those are beauties. If thats the same Kohno whose guitars show up on the web over here, they sell for quite a bit...I`ve had some on my watch list but they always go for a lot more than 100 yen !!!
There`s a discussion on Japan fingerprinting visitors...amont other things... over at the guitar jam part of this site. If you do come over, there are some things to be aware of.
They do some nasty things the the French language over here too.

[Terry Allan Hall]

LOL...Samilyn, I bought a Pan classical day before yesterday at a pawnshop for $25 that looks VERY similar to yours!

Haven't seen a Pan anything for at least 30 years (used to work for a music store that sold quite a few of them, though, back then), and now we both have found one just days apart...weird, huh?

Spooky!!!

[Samilyn]

LOL...Samilyn, I bought a Pan classical day before yesterday at a pawnshop for $25 that looks VERY similar to yours! Haven't seen a Pan anything for at least 30 years (used to work for a music store that sold quite a few of them, though, back then), and now we both have found one just days apart...weird, huh? Spooky!!!

Can something be spooky and cool all at the same time? Yup.

Hope your Pan is playable. Mine is still undergoing re-humidification. But I think it'll restore nicely a few weeks from now.

[Samilyn]

those are beauties. If thats the same Kohno whose guitars show up on the web over here, they sell for quite a bit...I`ve had some on my watch list but they always go for a lot more than 100 yen !!! There`s a discussion on Japan fingerprinting visitors...amont other things... over at the guitar jam part of this site. If you do come over, there are some things to be aware of. They do some nasty things the the French language over here too.

I doubt I'll ever be able to travel to Japan, much as I'd like to. The fingerprinting thing doesn't bother me because I've worked in several high-security jobs that required full sets of prints of employees.

And I don't speak French fluently, so anything said in that language would be completely lost on me.

[zenbu]

theres another Kohno on the Japanese web now starting bid is 100,ooo yen.
The fingerprinting has a lot of foreigners here up in arms...but when I got here 14 years ago, all alien cards had our fingerprints right on the cards so they`ve had mine on file for that long already. We have to keep those cards with at all times in case the police decide to " card " us. But if you do come over, they will not only be printing you but taking your photo for their files so....no parsley on the plane eh. Interestingly...the only cases of terrorism that have occured in Japan were commited by.....Japanese.

[Terry Allan Hall]

Can something be spooky and cool all at the same time? Yup. Hope your Pan is playable. Mine is still undergoing re-humidification. But I think it'll restore nicely a few weeks from now.

Pretty decent, other than the action being just a little higher than I prefer...I'll slap a new set of strings on her, then adjust the action to suit.

May have to put in a UST and start using it for a few tunes at my gigs, even!

[Samilyn]

Pretty decent, other than the action being just a little higher than I prefer...I'll slap a new set of strings on her, then adjust the action to suit. May have to put in a UST and start using it for a few tunes at my gigs, even!

Sounds good to me