Forums

A truly special find

Posted by Keith on February 27, 2015 at 2:18pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

was tearing apart the  house last night looking for a lost Glock magazine (didn't find it) when I rediscovered something I forgot I had.  When my grandmother died in the early 2000's I inherited much of her "stuff" in it was also my grandfather's "stuff".  As he had served in WWII in the Army Air Corps this was special because I received all of his militaria.  I served in the Air Force so we had a special connection.  Well last night I re-found a very old solid wood cigar box.. I nearly cried so I am going to build the "Gordy" (that's what we called him as kids)  I am thinking of using Modpodge? techniques to affix some Indian rupees he brought back, attach a couple of his ribbons, maybe a set of stripes and if I can find them, his wings.  Inside I plan to put a copied photo of him in uniform below a sound hole.  I am really thrilled to be able to tribute him this way.  He died of a heart attack in 1986 just before I, his oldest grandson, entered basic training.  May not mean much to some, but to me it is a huge salute.

You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!

Join Cigar Box Nation

Email me when people reply –
Follow

Replies

  • Keith May 5, 2015 at 11:04am

    GordyFull.jpggordyhead.jpggordybody_1.jpgWell Here she is, the Gordy.  A commemorative CBG to my late grandfather Gordon.  He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in WW2 in Europe The decorations are from his uniform, his wings (bombers) a button, the US collar pin, his ribbons and stripes.  All of the dark wood came from the cigar box,except the bridge, I laminated all of it on the maple and mahogany neck.  the fretboard is a highly figured blank I got off ebay.  My favorite git yet and it sounds awesome.  this is the firs time I used dual piezos in parallel and I attest it will not be the last time.  The nut, knob and saddle are antler.  This one was a labor of love, and don't ask it aint for sale at any price!

  • Bluesheart April 1, 2015 at 7:10pm

    Awesome project and those boxes are super nice, great find.

  • Keith April 1, 2015 at 11:37am

    ok got some pics

    gordyhead2.jpg

    gordyfret.jpg

    gordybody.jpg

    gordyfull.jpg

    still have a way to go but it's coming together.

  • Keith March 31, 2015 at 11:14am

    Progress has been slow, was out over a week.  Lost my stepfather to cancer.  back on it now and it is nearing completion.  I did the headstock last night but discovered that clear enamel and decals aren't a particularly good mix.  I salvaged the project but it was a close thing.  I have also started another project, this time a lunch box and I think I have lost my mind, can't wait to show it off really taking some chances with this one.  Anyway, great to be back at it.

  • Keith March 16, 2015 at 12:13pm

    OK update on the Gordy.  the neck is almost finished and the box is getting there.  still need to get the picture re sized to go under the sound hole and the neck slots cut but I really like the rich color the clear brought out in the box.  used some grain filler with brown dye in it. looked purple when I applied it but it wound up giving the box an aged look, not the look I was going for but aren't mistakes great?  it looks better than I was going for...

    Gordy1.jpg

    I'm loving it, gonna be a nice gitty

    I also got a really figured piece of maple with really nice flame for the fret board, cost me over $20 but I thought it a nice touch for a guitar that will never be for sale.

    • Bama Hound > Keith March 16, 2015 at 9:10pm

            That is going to be a great tribute git.

  • Keith March 1, 2015 at 1:25am
    Well they may accomplish the bullet ban but the no-knock warrant won't likely be an issue. The Atf isn't exactly a loved organization by our local officials. May not keep them from executing the warrant but there could possibly be a phone call in lieu of the polite door knock. Might even come a couple hours early... Who knows?
  • Uncle John February 28, 2015 at 12:59pm

    Nice!

  • Bama Hound February 28, 2015 at 2:49am

    You don't have to worry about finding your Glock magazine. The ATF will find it in a no-knock pre-dawn raid looking for "high capacity" magazines, that is after they shoot your "attack" chihuahua. Soon all the ammo is going to be outlawed. (Not outlawed, just deemed inappropriate for civilian use by some government agency). That's O.K. folks stay asleep.Nothing to see here,just move along.

This reply was deleted.