NGD 54/55 Conversion

[Ed Driscoll]

If I owned it I’d want it to be Jeff Beck’s guitar too. There looks to be some flame on the treble side in the control area and on the cutaway on the guitar JB is holding while there is none in the stripped guitar.

Not saying it actually was Beck's guitar, but could it be the angle of the photo? The cutaway looks pretty flamey in the photos of the painted guitar atop this thread.

 

[Patek]

The flame doesn’t always ‘pop’ at certain angles, particularly if there zero finish on it at all !!

Once it’s finished and hardware applied and photographed at equivalent angles we can compare

 

[Wilko]

If I owned it I’d want it to be Jeff Beck’s guitar too. There looks to be some flame on the treble side in the control area and on the cutaway on the guitar JB is holding while there is none in the stripped guitar.

and on the Jeff Beck guitar the treble side seam goes right through the tailpiece stud. Not on the stripped guitar

 

[LyleGorch]

It’s it.

 

[ADP]

The stripped guitar is clearly different than the one held by Jeff Beck in the picture. The seam isn't even in the same place.

 

[Tollywood]

You guys beat me to it, and I agree that the seam does not line up. It’s still a fantastic guitar.

 

[roxrob]

and on the Jeff Beck guitar the treble side seam goes right through the tailpiece stud. Not on the stripped guitar

Agreed...I was just about to say exactly the same thing....

Very cool guitar though...was that retop possibly a Dick Knight job?


Rob

 

[Phatfrank]

Agreed...I was just about to say exactly the same thing....

Very cool guitar though...was that retop possibly a Dick Knight job?


Rob

It was actually done by a reknowned carpenter here in Norway

 

[KOTR]

Very cool guitar. Subscribed for progress photos.

 

[Phatfrank]

time for an update! Playergradevintage (@Jumping@Shadows ) is on the final stretch, I am planning to collect her in late november but thankfully he keeps me updated via pictures. I really wanted a «The Beast» look, and boy oh boy did he deliver. Can’t wait to get her home.

after color, before fading:



Mid-fade;

Final result;

 

[guitarbob123]

After seeing the Instagram photos of this one I think I’d walk all the way back from Finland to the U.K. to have Yuuki redo my R0, it’s pretty much my idea of perfection!

Congrats on the great guitar

 

[rockabilly69]

time for an update! Playergradevintage (@Jumping@Shadows ) is on the final stretch, I am planning to collect her in late november but thankfully he keeps me updated via pictures. I really wanted a «The Beast» look, and boy oh boy did he deliver. Can’t wait to get her home.

after color, before fading:

View attachment 19779

Mid-fade;
View attachment 19780
Final result;
View attachment 19778

The first post picture had it totally looking like a historic, it looks vintage now. WAY better! I love the Bigsby holes and the new color. The fade is great!!!

 

[S. Weiger]

Wow it's an amazing looking guitar, so much more cool than the veneered version.
Beck provenance or not, this is really an interesting Lester. I know how frustrating it is to have to wait for these babies..
BTW Is it OTP plastics?

 

[Phatfrank]

Wow it's an amazing looking guitar, so much more cool than the veneered version.
Beck provenance or not, this is really an interesting Lester. I know how frustrating it is to have to wait for these babies..
BTW Is it OTP plastics?

The poker chip is original I believe, the guard and rings are older repros

 

[fernieite]

Beautiful colour! Enjoy that Lester!

 

[Wilko]

Great looking guitar!

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

I’m super pleased how this turned out, aside from taking so bloody long!

Here’s some pics of the process:

https://imgur.com/h2DkubG

https://imgur.com/aXMLGIZ

https://imgur.com/Lww1jRS

https://imgur.com/otfsPlB

 

[Jumping@Shadows]

The process is fairly involved as I’m a believer a true faded analine dye finish looks best vs shooting a ‘pre faded’ look, and I shoot a subtle blue undercoat before the cherry, which will creep in once the reds have faded away.

Fresh out the gun, before fading and amber top coats:

https://imgur.com/97S8S51

After a few days fading:

https://imgur.com/TrzNUhB

Buffed out:

https://imgur.com/1fYVLdL

https://imgur.com/WgSYNM5

https://imgur.com/yzxlJK3

I think you can see the greenish hue in some of these pics, and it looks legit in hand- a classic faded late ‘50s green burst, which really pulls the non typical three piece top together.

 

[boogieongtr]

Gets my Vote, love your finishes...!!

 

[Phatfrank]

So I finally picked up the guitar this week, and boy o boy is she a stunner. "Becky" (LOL) is now back to her "original" burst conversion spec from the early 70s, and @Jumping@Shadows did an AMAZING job on her. Feels just as old as she is, and although I've only ever tried one original burst I do have some other 50s LPs that give some comparative references. Mr Shadows sourced correct tuners, bridge etc so now most of the guitar is from the 50s/early60s. Sounds like a banshee and looks like a goddess, I am indeed one happy camper!!!

Some pics taken hastily today;