The Steel Guitar Forum

As requested some front pics of my oddball sho-bud

The last picture shows the worst of the lacquer cracking. As someone noted some of the most beautiful wood in this guitar is underneath--sigh

I don't think the cracking hurts the guitar at all, I kind of like it myself, my sho-bud has a tone of cracks on it, luckly they are just laquer cracks, I don't think you really can avoid it from happening, I like it and it really looks vintage, I wouldn't change it myself.

I'm with A.J., a little (or even a lot of) finish checking doesn't hurt anything--it shows it's "vintage", which is a good thing in wine and instruments! Gives it character--and you can be less uptight about ever making a mark on it! Now you can treat it like a friend, not like the crown jewels!

Ah, Bruce Hamilton's old guitar. Baldwin transition........essentially a Professional. That must be one hell of a tone monster. I've got pics of this guitar that Bruce sent me a while back, and maybe a few of the undercarriage - if I can be of any assistance.

The body looks great - I agree with the others that there's nothing wrong with finish checking. In fact, I wouldn't recommend doing anything with that finish. It shows its age, which is something to brag about seeing that those guitars were considered by many to have the best tone of all the 'Buds. I know my old Baldwin had outstanding tone.

Well thanks for all the feedback. I'm feeling pretty happy about what was a bit of a shot in the dark purchase (an expensive one for me)

Just put a new set of strings on E9 (D'Addario stainless wrap) and the sound is Awesome! I'm just using a Solid state Fender 100 watt stage lead but to me it sounds like a steel guitar should! Way more depth and presence than the carter starter I played in the local store.

Thank you all for your info and support.

I've been playing a couple of hours everyday. Some golden moments but lots of clams. Have the Winston book and am listening to as much as I can

Thanks again; this group is so supportive.

Brian

Some people think re-finishing a guitar may change the tone. The finish you have on it now has cured with the guitar over the years. If you like the tone of the guitar, I would leave it as is. Actually, the value may hold up better if you don't re-finish it. I would not re-finish it, I like the 'beauty marks'.

This is your undercarriage, right? Great condition. Ya gotta love that funky LKR that folds in and out. I had one just like it on my old Baldwin.

my Emmons has similar checking in the lacquer.
32 years young and proudly wearing her battle scars
I wouldn't change a thing about it. The tone, action and the mechanics is where the story begins and ends for me personally. The cosmetics are a very distant third.

Looks good to me!
Love them Buds!!

Larry,

That pic is like the Trump card of all Sho~Bud threads!

Yes, Im' a lucky guy I know!
I sure do like the inlay on Brians Sho~Bud! I dont think the checking hurts it at all!

Nice Bud. Just my opinion, but I would not refinish it. If old Buds and Emmons ever go the way of vintage guitars, you will regret it. On a collector-style vintage guitar, knock off at least 50% of the value if it's refinished. You can always refinish it later if you want, but you can never put the original finish back on. That steel looks exquisite, to my tastes.

Rack and barrel - I have an S-10 Professional R&B, about '72. It sounds amazing - I'll bet this sounds like a million bucks.