The Steel Guitar Forum

The number on this frame is either 7509 or 7539

if it is 7539 that would put it real close to the one i had. (7545) i still have the receipt where i bought it new feb 28 1970. although that doe's not actually determine the mfg. date.....thanks jack

I found a nice piece of curly maple and put in the inlays and gave it 6 coats of tung oil sanding each one down before the next application.

Beautiful Brian, but you forgot the strings.

A steel frame doth not a crossover make.

Maybe you can get there from here, but for the price I pay for the few parts I buy to work on mine, it might be better to just order a new Millennium and save a few dollars.

Benton. That is a beautiful example of a crossover. I have one all apart that I will restore someday. Mine has that same beautiful wood like yours, but needs refinished. I don't think mine will go back as a crossover. I also want to add knee levers. When I took it apart I was shocked that the wood body was not glued or conected. The wood panals just bolt to the frame individually.

How much does one of those bad boys weigh when all together?

GA - the frame is not steel, but actually aluminum. I agree, you are right if you have to pay for parts it would be crazy. I f I can borrow some original parts I have a friend who could make me what I need. Many ""parts" are available at the local hardware shop and just need to be worked on.

The front top deck - one piece at a time!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack - it is 5739 - thanks for helping to date it -

Richard asked:

How much does one of those bad boys weigh when all together?

To answer your question Richard, mine weighs a total of 65 lbs setup and ready to play. The aluminum frame weighs in at 10 lbs, and the birds eye maple wood comes in at 14.25 lbs. I mention the weights only because most people seem to think that the aluminum frame is the heaviest part of the guitar. Not so, but it does definitely contribute to the overall need to use a dolly when transporting.

Cheers!
Benton

Oh my, My backs hurts now.

Beautiful guitar so far.

Since I just bought the frame and put the rest together myself should I, or should I not put on a Sho Bud decal?

I might just make this a non pedal until I can come up with the rest of the parts.

I say put the decal on. Be proud of what it is.

That is a beautiful job.

B0B... We need a "drooling" emoticon.

I would make a round front !

I like the wooden key heads.

A Sho-Henry, maybe?

Thank you guys. I saw an old sho bud at a pawn shop with wooden key heads. I don't know if they used to use them. Anyway, when I get some money I will replace the wooden key heads with aluminum gumby style. Also it will be a non pedal until I can round up the parts!!

WOW. I missed the wooden key heads. I think they look great. Did you make the necks? That is one seriously fine hunk of wood there.

i love the wood keyheads-IMO, leave'em on!

Hi Richard thank you for your compliments. I got the maple of ebay -total $65 and a couple of cans of tung oil - lots of steel wool and some very sore arms and hands. The necks are one piece each, all the way from the changer end to the keyheads. I cut it out with a jigsaw. I made template from a neck I got from Darvin Wilhoute and I already had a gumby template. if you need a template I can give you a copy.

Thank you Steve I think I will leave them on. Do you think they will be strong enough when I put the strings on and tighten them up?