Taylor Top Replacement

[Taffy Evans]

Hi, here is an interesting job I did recently, replacing the top on a Taylor guitar.
I would say that this guitar was exposed to the elements a bit too often as it was compromised in many different areas. The bridge was lifting due to the belling up of the top, due to internal top bracing failure. Also, the top centre joint had opened.
I think the photos will tell the story.
A template was made before removing the original top. Also shown is the bridge relocating jig.
The top was removed from the sides, leaving the bindings in place.
While the sides held their original shape new cross braces and a new transverse brace were prepared.
The rosette was cut out from the old top and inlaid into the new top which was Bunya pine.
Photo 8 shows the new top braced as per the original and ready for refitting.
The top was glued to the rims and the neck, and the bridge re-fitted.
Photo 10, shows the guitar now ready for playing and hopefully better care.

Thanks for looking.
CheersTaff

[Cutty]

Wow, amazing work. Retaining of the existing binding blew me away.

Love the bridge 'relocation' jig. Great idea.

[Mark McLean]

So, now it is a Taylor with a Bunya top? Unique. I agree this is a very nicely executed repair. I also really like the reuse of the original rosette.