1980's Italian 12 String sunken body, damaged saddle, zero fret, removable neck. Unusual fixes.

My fellow Luthiers will scratch their heads at what I did to this... but let them scratch their nits. It is an inexpensive guitar for a elderly man with dementia.

[@michaelkrutz5737]

You sir are a master of messed up guitars. I watch because all I work on are electric and I want to be able to fix acoustics, thank you for the knowledge.

[@perihelion7798]

It's obvious that this instrument has been repaired, perhaps more than once, maybe by different people. However, before we complain about the quality of those repairs, we might consider that we are ignorant of the situation at the time of the repairs, and of what was available to the owner. Maybe it was a desperate attempt to keep the guitar in a playable condition, etc. So Austen, as usual, does his best to keep the guitar playable, regardless of what happened before.

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

agreed... it is difficult not to moan a wee bit... but overall I like this guitar.

[@pawwalton2157]

Wow true Italian quality workmanship?

[@billmumbo2697]

It seems to need a bridge plate to strengthen the top😺👍

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

and that's what it got.... I even put in a hardwood bridge plate because of the 12 strings...

[@billmumbo2697]

I have an eko 12string bought in 72/73 that has an alloy nut and adjustable bridge it still has an action like a Les Paul with bridge pins someone has seriously butchered that poor thing they are quiet instruments but record well as they have an even response never part with mine👍

[@mikemcbride788]

I have the 6 string version of this guitar. I have had it from new, purchased it in 1981ish. My understanding of these KD28 guitars they were built in the same Italian factory as the Eko guitars. But where in fact are german guitar called Melody, and not the same as an Eko. I have seen a few of these for sale wrongly advertised as Eko guitars. The Eko is finished to a far better standard, but I would not part with mine, I feel it is in really good condition, yet it has no monetary value.

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

but they are lovely sounding guitars...

[@peterlaubach4015]

It would have required a new bridge ! And more important a bridge plate from hard wood underneath the top. Than drill the holes for the pins. find a new bridge inlay ( like today ) with the right intonation..There is no need for machine screws! The Top belly is straten out by the new bridge plate. I never used epoxy on any instrument. The bridge and the Bridge plate are the soul to transfer vibration to the top. You killed the sound. I modified an EKO like this and it sounds like a Martin! Your repair made it playable but soundless.

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

there is absolutely nothing you say that I don't agree with. You are 100% correct. The circumstances were that it was urgent, due the fact that the elderly gentlemen was in a home and had dementia and that there was no budget... not a penny.

[@perihelion7798]

ADDENDUM: In most cases of rear bridge lift-up, the bridge was partially or completely [ugh] glued onto the finished surface of the guitar. The glue couldn't make an adequate bond. This is an unfortunately common thing on mass produced bargain brands. It's a shame.

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

I see it very often...

[@bluesingmusic3443]

Seems you're a magnet for abused, old, 12 strings. If any one can get it into shape, you can. Will you be wearing a Top Hat when you use your whip & chair? Good luck my friend!

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

LOL

[@VicAmor1944]

What is that spudger thingamajig tool (before you used the putty knife) you're heating up and using to lift the bridge? Looks like a nifty little tool. Regards from Honolulu... yep, half way around the world.

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

Honolulu.... what on earth are you doing indoors watching my boring videos???... I would live on the beach. (Yes, I do have a misconception of life there.) :-) It is a little stainless steel tool that I used to try to be delicate... it doesn't always work... I have others which I have used on the videos... lovely to hear from you.

[@saoirsepaddy]

Wouldn't wooden doll rods work better to fix the peg holes then glue ? Interesting fix for a old Italian guitar

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

Yes but they would have had to have been hardwood pegs... and I didn't have any but they are now on order. This guitar has now been sold to a new owner and he is donating a very nice amount of money to Assisi Animal Sanctuary. I am probably the only luthier that gives a lifetime guarantee... if he has problems bring it back and I will fix it for free.

[@davidhurry1964]

i didnt see a bridge plate underneath the bridge

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

there was a plate but it was badly damaged... I flooded it with epoxy and that seemed to do the trick... I think it can be seen in the interior shots...

[@railroader555]

Don't beat yourself up over the camera goof, sadly, it's all a part of getting older.😊 Your doing great.

[@LennonLuthierFinagler]

I found the missing clips... going to stick a short video up... how not to cut a circular hole;. :-)

[@railroader555]

@@LennonLuthierFinagler Nothing to hide. I love that. 👍