I finally got a Silver Hawaiian!

Jason Dumont · From: Bristol, Connecticut, USA

Hi Gang,
I can't tell you how long I've ached for a Ric Silver Hawaiian but after losing ebay auction after auction when I did have the cash or finding really nice vintage pieces out of my price range I gave up trying to aquire one.
THEN came an ebay auction for a stripped down body---no tuners, pick ups, bridge, nut, NOTHING but a gorgeous (albeit battered a little) pre-war chrome body.
Well I won the auction for $255 and started to get her together.
In my quest I contacted our own Rick Aiello for specs and tips.
RICK AIELLO IS THE NICEST, MOST GENEROUS, KINDHEARTED, KNOWLEDGABLE, PERSON I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS!!
There, I wanted to shout that hence the capitalization. Seriously from machine drawings that allowed me to mill the mounting plate perfectly, notating every screw and thread size I would need, values of pots & capaciters, aquiring the sacred shoes! He cast a set of flying saucer knobs and priority mailed them to me. I could go on...All I had asked him was the dimensions of the shoes so perhaps I could make a set of fake ones. He took it upon himself to help me with the NUMEROUS things I needed to get or find out. What kind of person does that for a complete stranger?
Rick thanks ain't nearly big enough--but thanks!.....Now the pictures of my new baby!

look at these awesome knobs!

The bobbin was wound by Jason Lollar the shoes are "pre-embargo" Aeillos.
I wanted to mill the bridge and nut from brass but instead I used phenolic to emulate bakelite. All the pots and wiring are new. She sounds so gorgeous!
I build mostly 25" scale length steels but I'm telling you, in my opinion 22" has a certain sweetness that really is getting overlooked.
Now to learn my some of that Hawaiian stuff.......

Gary Boyett · From: Colorado/ Lives in Arizona

It looks like you did a great job. It is fun raising these from the dead. I have done a couple myself though not quite to what you had to do.

Rick deserves all of the praise. He has helped me as well. Maybe we could talk him into buying Rickenbacker and reviving the company...

This one will be your special player.

Enjoy it!

Jason Dumont · From: Bristol, Connecticut, USA

I tell ya Gary I surely will enjoy her. She is a keeper in every sense! I think everyone has a guitar (or SHOULD have a guitar) that they'd never part with and this ones definately mine!

Jon Light (deceased) · From: Saugerties, NY

Nice save, Jason. Just curious---did you stuff the body? (with vintage newspaper, of course)

Jason Dumont · From: Bristol, Connecticut, USA

I stuffed it with the friday issue of the Hartford Courant!(Which IS the nations oldest contining newspaper-so they claim) The local Library wasn't into giving me anything from their archives.
Rick A. told me some use sawdust, he uses terry cloth, I figured I would stay traditional with the news paper.

John Dahms · From: Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA

Now there's a 180 degree reversal of the parting out of the Rick/Bronson we watched last week. raising the dead instead of salting bones across the landscape. A good job wery well done.

Mike D · From: Phx, Az

Nice save Jason and a beatiful guitar!
I can only say 'ditto' to your words about Rick, adding that he is also a handsome devil.

------------------
Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

Bill Manning · From: New York, USA

BEAUTIFUL guitar, congratulations!

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

Wow, what a beautiful guitar! Enjoy this gorgeous new ax, Jason.

Let me also wave the Aiello flag high. Rick has done so much for so many on this forum he deserves some kind of medal (bakelite and aluminum, of course).

Jason Dumont · From: Bristol, Connecticut, USA

Thanks guys!
I have been in a real playing slump for the last year. Isn't it great when you get an instrument that makes you excited about playing again? Boy I needed it.
You're right Mike D..... he IS foxy..

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Man oh man is that pretty!

Danny James · From: Summerfield Florida USA

Yeah I gotta get my two cents worth in here too. Thatis sure a great looking guitar and there are in fact many of us who are grateful for Rick Aiello's help.

I have found him to be a true friend and always willing to help.

It's great that there are still some generous people in this old world yet.

Rick I for one owe you the same kindness you have shown to me. I'll get ya one of these days. :-)

Danny

Colin Alder · From: Santa Cruz, California, USA

I'm joining the chorus of voices singing the praises of this great gentleman, and fabulous resource to our craft and music. I have benefited BIG TIME from his knowledge and generousity.

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

Lovely guitar Jason. I have a SILVER HAWAIIAN in much the same shape as yours but in original condition. The only problem I have with it...It is so shiney and pretty, I find it difficult to play when a spot light is shining down...too much reflection.

[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 03 September 2006 at 11:10 AM.]

[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 03 September 2006 at 11:11 AM.]

Terry VunCannon · From: Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

That is a beautiful instrument....congrats!!!!

Harry Dietrich · From: Robesonia, Pennsylvania, USA, R.I.P.

I know I said this before.

Rick is probably the most un-selfish person I believe I EVER met.

And a hell of a good friend to boot!

Harry

Mike Ruffin · From: El Paso, Texas, USA

WOW, Jason!

That is one special guitar. Have mucho fun with it!

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