Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day

[mgap]

I got up fairly early today and decided to give a String change to my 814e LTD.  Tuned it up and WOW did that make a difference.  Went with the Elixir Nanoweb HD Light strings.  They are .013 to .053 It is true the do give a bolder high end, and a fuller low end.  I am loving it.

While I was changing strings I decided to clean it up a bit.  Thinking back I believe I have not done this for a couple of years.  It was pretty grimy.  After using steel wool on the frets I put Kyser's Dr. Stringfellow Lem-oil on the ebony fingerboard and bridge, they are looking very nice.  Then I cleaned the body with Lizard spit of coarse and polished it up with Turtle wax Express shine.  This has to be one of the most extensive cleaning jobs I have done on this guitar in a very long time.

Wanted to show you the fretboard with the strings off.

[zeebow]

nice work!

[TaylorGirl]

  nice job!

[Minnesotaman]

I would use caution when using steel wool on the fret board. Make sure you cover the sound hole so that little pieces of steel wool don't fall inside that could short out your pre-amp board.

[mgap]

I would use caution when using steel wool on the fret board. Make sure you cover the sound hole so that little pieces of steel wool don't fall inside that could short out your pre-amp board.

The first thing I do is to place a paper towel over the sound hole then tape it down with blue painters tape.  I then use oooo steel wool to brighten up the fret wire and clean out the grime next to the frets.  After that I'll use the lemon oil liberally, then a good wipe down to get all the excess oil off.  The pictures are after the oiling.  After that I go for the body work.

[madx2]

I just put the same strings on my '13 DN7 yesterday.  I have never used them before so it will be interesting to give them a try.  I am getting it ready for an upcoming event.   Some friends are having a 6 hour "picking party" on the 4th with over 10 musicians invited.  The line-up and musical styles will change throughout the night as different people join and leave the stage.  Should be a blast.

[Wbferrara]

What are you using for the neck support?

[Strumming Fool]

What a beautiful guitar - great job on the fretboard.  Your routine is very similar to mine and the results are a testament to that method. What year is your 814, and what makes it a limited? I have an old Martin neck support and pad like yours, but it has seen better days. I  would love to get a replacement without the Martin logo. I will have to look around.

[mgap]

What are you using for the neck support?

The StewMac work bench comes with a plastic tube, foam mat, and neck support that acts as one end to the tube.

What a beautiful guitar - great job on the fretboard.  Your routine is very similar to mine and the results are a testament to that method. What year is your 814, and what makes it a limited? I have an old Martin neck support and pad like yours, but it has seen better days. I  would love to get a replacement without the Martin logo. I will have to look around.

It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

[TaylorGirl]

It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

Can we see the back? 

[mgap]

It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

Can we see the back? 

Not that great of a picture But....here you go.

[TaylorGirl]

Thanks, that is beautiful! It seems like every cocobolo back is very unique.

[Frettingflyer]

Love the look of the Cocobolo on every one I have seen. May have to play one someday and then keep my eyes open for a used one.
Great job on the holiday cleaning, looking sharp!

[mgap]

Love the look of the Cocobolo on every one I have seen. May have to play one someday and then keep my eyes open for a used one.
Great job on the holiday cleaning, looking sharp!

I have always enjoyed my 814.  the tone is perfect for me, I like Mahogany and I think the tone extends both in the highs and the low end as well.

Tone chart:

[jjrpilot-admin]

It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

Can we see the back? 

Not that great of a picture But....here you go.