X-BRACE CONVERSIONS
Nothing can bring an old ladder-braced guitar to life quite like a complete X-brace conversion. Whether it be a Harmony, Silvertone, Kay, Gibson, Kalamazoo, or any other manufacturer of ladder-braced guitars of old, the benefits of an X-brace conversion are immediately obvious. Fuller tone, smoother playability, stronger construction — all while losing none of the guitar’s original character.
Through our conversion process, your guitar will be completely rebuilt from the ground up. By changing the bracing pattern, resetting the neck, refretting, and much more, your vintage guitar will free brand new in your hands, but will look just like you remember — finish checking, pickwear, and all. After an X-brace conversion, your guitar will rival vintage instruments often selling for thousands of dollars.
All new Spruce top & back bracing, inspired by the golden age of American guitars
New Rosewood or Ebony pin bridge, handmade for each guitar
Neck reset
New Rosewood or Maple bridge plate
Fingerboard leveled and radiused to 14”
Refret
Fret level, crown, & polish
New bone nut and compensated bone saddle
New Gotoh or Grover tuners
Action set to your preference
Additional services available (install truss rod, reshape neck, install pickup, etc.)
2024 Pricing: $1,250
We’re also open to full & partial trades
Interested in having a guitar converted?
“I wasn’t expecting too much, since I considered myself a Martin dreadnought kind of guy. I REALLY wasn’t expecting to fall head over heels in love with it. He worked some kind of magic, and I think I may have found my “bury me with it” guitar.”
“Our guitar player couldn’t put yours down and a Collings, a vintage Martin, a Kalamazoo, and a Waterloo were already out in the open for playing.”
“I am over the moon with the H1233. The tone is deep and warm, with a gorgeous boom when I decide to dig in. All the geometry looks fantastic, frets are great, and the finishing touches are minty.”