Re: Pickguard clamp value
I bought a used one from a fellow on the banjo list about ten years ago. It had a crack in it and I paid $50. I managed to silver solder it so that it looked OK. I've never seen one for less than $100. The one that I bought is still fine on my 1917 Gibson A-3.
I guess that Gibson never thought that some of their instruments would last over 100 years. They chose nitrocellulose for their pickguards and German silver for the clamps, neither of which will last all that long. As most everyone knows, nitrocellulose is very prone to rotting due to moisture, heat and humidity and German Silver, with up to 20% zinc, also has its problems since it gets very brittle due to age.
I've seen the one that is priced at $399. That's not going to sell anytime soon.
1917 Gibson A-3, '64 Martin A, 2016 Rhodes F5R.
Bookmarks