1837 LOUIS PANORMO
NUMBER 2177
The guitar as it arrived from Scotland in August 2021.
It is to be completely repaired and restored to playing condition and then offered for sale on this website.
There are a number of repairs needed; two cracks on the back, a crack in the heel, the rosewood sides are very thin and have cracked in several places. The bridge needs to be put back on and a good clean is in order.
It is interesting to note that the Baker tuning machines are in immaculate condition showing no wear but the fingerboard has been pitted from much use.
I began by removing the back; an old table knife is inserted between the back and sides. This time the back came away very neatly, the glue mostly cracking as the knife was moved. The strength of the glue was absolutely correct; the guitar is strongly constructed but the glue joints can be relatively easily be dismantled. This is not the first time this back has been removed.
A first look inside the dismantled guitar. The bars reinforcing the back have remained with the body of the guitar and were later removed using cotton wool, hot water and patience to dislodge them.
Gluing the two cracks closed and adding reinforcement. The back and the little glued on pieces are both rosewood. I then replaced the two bars on the back.
The back restored, complete with rosewood reinforcement dots and restoration label.
The outside of the guitar is sound, but could use a clean up, as well as replacing the bridge. The inside of the guitar is very clean and in excellent condition, perhaps the best I have ever seen. The ribs are cracked in a many places and will need a thin layer of linen reinforcement but the soundboard will need no repairs.
Holes for the strings and string pins are directly below the bridge and the strings wear away the edges go the holes. I like to add thin hardwood in the area, which reduces the wear.
The heel, the part of the neck closest to body is cracked. The damage seems very old and may have been previously repaired. To be certain the heel does not move under tension from the strings, I put in plenty of glue into the crack and clamped it shut with a strong screw.
The bridge will be re-glued at its original position. It was clamped in place using hazel rods, called go poles. Left to set over night, the blanket will protect the guitar from the morning sun.
The restoration complete and the guitar strung up..
Some detailed photos of the restored guitar and its case.
Dimensions:
String length: 631mm
Overall Length: 935mm
Width of upper bout: 228mm
Width at waist: 177mm
Width at lower bout: 292mm
Height at upper bout: 87mm
Height at lower bout: 92mm
Nut width: 45mm
Distance between 12 fret and 1st string; 3.4mm
Distance between 12 fret and 6th string; 3.3mm
Weight: 1.181kg