This is a Majestic Flat Top from the 1920’s that my great grandfather built while in Lyndhurst, NJ. When I found it, it was in horrible shape and needed quite a bit of restoration. I started the restoration at my home bench before I moved to the Monroe Street shop and eventually finished it in Monroe Street a few months later.
Here’s the instrument when I first got it. Lots of bad repairs and it was falling apart.
I pulled off the neck. The neck joint was more like a violin joint then a guitar dovetail.
The main issue was it had been strung with steel strings but was never braced for it.
I carefully removed all the old bracing.
Then the parts from the top were removed.
Now the top cracks could be addressed.
The back was laminated with a flamed mahogany that was somewhat going to need replacing. Matching it was an issue.
I pulled off what needed replacement and hoped to save the rest.
The label was in terrible condition but I needed to save it the best I can
I carefully pulled the back apart and needed to rebrace it for more strength.
Now rebraced and reinforced.
The center strip was now replaced. The old one disintegrated over the years.
I could now start rebracing the top.
Now rebraced and the cracks reinforced.
The parts could now go back on the top.
Attaching the new kerfing to support the back.
The back is now glued on and new binding is put on.
Neck reattached and new frets installed.
All done!
And the back too…
Majestic Guitars 