I bought this a while back and it needed a fair amount of work. I sent it to Tom Jacobs and it just got back. It is a 1957 Ghost Label Hoboken F 30. (although the writing on the label has faded over time and is no longer visible) There's just something about old wood you just can't replicate in a newer guitar. This guitar sounds superb to my ear. I've become a F 30 fan over the last year or so and have too many of them but this is right near the top in terms of sound, tone and playability. The saddle is as low as it will go but Tom and I agreed the action is about perfect. Maybe at some point I'll get the reset done but not anytime soon. It came in an old, well-worn and non-original HSC.
I also have a player grade 1973 F 30 I'll be letting go soon at a pretty attractive price. I just like this '57 better.
Here's what Tom did to the guitar:
-Reglued the body binding in multiple spots
-Re-enforced the bridge plate
-Removed and reglued the bridge
-New bone saddle
-Removed bass side clear PG installed by a prior owner for some reason
-Installed new heel cap
-New bone nut
-Set up and restring
I likely have more invested in the guitar than I could get out of it but that's fine. I really like this guitar and plan to hold onto it for a long time.
Here's a few pics:
I also have a player grade 1973 F 30 I'll be letting go soon at a pretty attractive price. I just like this '57 better.
Here's what Tom did to the guitar:
-Reglued the body binding in multiple spots
-Re-enforced the bridge plate
-Removed and reglued the bridge
-New bone saddle
-Removed bass side clear PG installed by a prior owner for some reason
-Installed new heel cap
-New bone nut
-Set up and restring
I likely have more invested in the guitar than I could get out of it but that's fine. I really like this guitar and plan to hold onto it for a long time.
Here's a few pics: