I forgot to post this picture earlier. During my reclamation work on a completely stripped Rickenbacher Model 59 I found a little surprise. I was looking inside the neck with a flashlight and mirror and found this attached around the 5th fret on the treble side.
I was able to get it out by poking a flexible ruler into the neck and dislodging it. I have had this guitar in a closed box in the garage/shop for about 15 years. I bought it on Ebay and it seems like they said it was found in a attic. The invaders must have come from the time in the attic. No sign of activity, so I guess I am good.[/img]
I don't think it was my idea, I heard or read about it somewhere. I think it was Hawaiian player Dick McIntyre that had either put POP or sand into his metal body back in the late 30's. I figured the Plaster of Paris might give it a little French Gypsy Jazz vibe
We always called the wasps "mud daubers" They like certain places on airplanes too !
You are having way too much fun there Steve !
Only metal body Rick I've worked on for someone was a Silver Hawaiian, which I assume was similar in size and shape as those you have..
One I repaired was stuffed with white (well - originally!) cotton undershirt scraps, which also served as the position markers through the holes in the top.
I found out from Rickenbacker that it was probably original.
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional
Larry: Lot of buzz
Bill: We called them Mud Daubers, too. I can't remember where this guitar came from, but it does not look like California mud. The 59 and NS are exactly the same body as the Silver Hawaiian, just not chrome plated. The prewar 59's have a different looking metal than the post war NS.
Jim: The cotton undershirt scraps are similar to Rick Aiello's recommendation of using terry cloth towels.
Things could be worse, I unpacked my beater mandolin to take on vacation and discovered that it had been infested by mice... nothing to do but toss it out.
Hey Jon,
Dang! I know mice can be messy little critters. Have to imagine there was a special fragrance emitting from the sound hole.
When I was repairing guitars for a local music store I came across dried rattlesnake rattles inside at least two guitars. Scared the bejezz out of me when I was trying to figure out what was rattling around inside and I shook them out on my bench. I was told in certain cultures they are considered good luck.
Thanks Jon! Interesting article about snake rattles. I can testify I did not find any mud daubers or mice in the instruments that had the rattles inside. It must work
[/img]
