Here are some things I'm getting done to my guitar. I'll update as I go along.

-New golpeadors
-Shine frets
-Fix loose tuning machines
-New saddle
-Shave bridge down
-Convert to 12 hole bridge
-Add a sound port

Here is the old golpeador. I didn't like how long it was. It was also very thin.

Here is the new one. I haven't removed the protective blue top sheet yet.
You can't tell from the pictures that well but the polished frets are actually so shiny, they hurt my eyes!
Before:

After:

The holes for the screws of the tuning machine were stripped so I stuck some toothpicks with wood glue into the holes and just broke it off. Hope it works!

Im making my own bone saddle from scratch using a dog bone. Here's what I have done so far.

Looking good Anthony. The hardwood toothpicks are the way I have always fixed the problem. I don't like the 12 hole bridge. I had problems with the strings getting buried in the rear of the bridge and it required a dental pick to get under them to loosen them enough to remove. I prefer the 6 hole or 18 hole. I think it would be difficult to convert a 6 hole to 18 while on the guitar and I am not fond of removing bridges. I have considered it on my homebrew negra, but decided against it. I prefer horn over bone. Horn is harder to shape, but polishes up beautifully and possibly transfers string vibrations better to top, but this could be my imagination. I used to use the black bull horn. I used the last of my 40 year old stock a couple years ago. I like a larger golpeador. I need more in the thumb area and also over part of the rosette as you can see in the attached photo. It is rewarding to customize your guitar the way you like it. Your work fitting the golpeador is very nice. I have reservations about adding sound ports, but again this is a personal thing.

Hi Sam,
very interesting about the horn. i'll have to try it sometimes. the black horn along with the black trebles look very sharp on your guitar.

i figure if i'm going to experiment with sound ports, i'm going to test on a cheap guitar. i'll let you know how it turns out!

here is the unveiled golpeador for my c3f


here is the old alvarez

i was very thorough with the c3f but as you can see, a small air bubble has somehow formed. i think the air from a few dents gathered into one big collection. im hoping this will solve itself. as you can see in this picture, it already is starting to look better.

in this picture, you cant even see it
if it doesn't get better, i just might poke a hole.

Hola Antonio

Thank you so much for taking the time to put these photos here.

It is great to see the gradual process of working with your guitar to improve it.

Yes I think in the past I have had horn also but in my case I cannot remember if it affected the sound but an interesting observation anyway.

Your work looks good. I have herad that to change a golpeador can be a little difficult so well done to you.

Saludos


Tomas

Glad you're enjoying it tomas!

in most cases, changing a golpeador could easily be a do-it-yourself job. it was easy for me because my guitar is cheap and finished with lacquer. french polish and expensive, now that's scary!

the air bubble is starting to slowly go away and i just dropped off my guitar to a professional yesterday for the sounds port, shaved bridge, and 12 hole conversion.

more to come!

I am looking forward to a review and sound clips of before and after the port. I think a player might experience a different sound than the audience. Also your opinion of the 12 hole bridge vs the 6.

Hey Sam,
unfortunately, i wont be able to provide a before and after recording of the sound port. i can only offer my perceptions of any of changes. i can also do a recording with it covered and uncovered. but even then, i think a sound port is mostly for the player's advantage.

i'm also getting the bridge modifications which will change the string break angle at the saddle. im thinking this will affect the sound too. it will be difficult to pinpoint changes are coming from where.

it's nice for hands to get a break but i cant to get my guitar back!

ok, here are the rest of the upgrades!
here's the new saddle i made and the shaved bridge. check out that break angle!


here are two views of the 12 hole conversion

sound port!


here's how the golpeador looks after a few days and with the strings on

i'll post a recording of the sound port this weekend.