I like to build. But sometimes I go on a repair and improvement jag. And when the gits are actually repaired or improved.... I like that too.

Improvements and Repairs: I went out to the shop today with three old build guitars and a list of planned improvements The LPG needed a better looking saddle that would also lower string action. Same thing on the white relic. Mission accomplished. Both look and play better.

The H. Anton Book ~ Curly Head cigar CBG needed the nut lowered and a fret replaced. That worked out too. Some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you. Part of the hobby. Part of life.

Returns and Zuchini: That Curly Head box CBG came BACK to me yesterday by UPS. Unexpectedly. I opened the box and found jt inside. I had given it away in a sneaky manner. And it came back to me!

Iowa summer garden crops grow abundantly and people do things like leaving zuchini, tomatos and green peppers on someone else's door step. I do that. It's not a crime. Not really. Well, maybe it is illegal dumping, but I have not been arrested for it. Not yet. My CBG builds multiply like zuchini squash. I've had unsolicted zuchini returned and now an unsolicted CBG has returend too!

Here is the story. I sent a different build to a CBN friend of ours for a fund raising event. That gift was arranged and proper. But I stuck that Curly Head Relic build in the shipping box as a bonus for Friend. One for him to keep for himself or give away as he saw fit.. Surpise!

Well, crap. The shipper, UPS, was not gentle. The shipping box got to Friend's house with a bash in the side. Those very old wooden boxes split pretty easily and the unexpected relic arrived at Friend's house with one side of the box split.

Friend made a nice repair of the split, added a cool home made strap, played it and enjoyed it. Then he felt uncomfortable about accepting it – especially since the box is ancient. I understand. And Friend is like me – too many instruments and the herd needs thined.

Well, it turns out that I am happy to have it back. It is tuned DGB and plays and sounds great. I do need to thin the herd, but a small collection of relics seems like a good thing.

Philosophy: CBGs are like zuchini. Do some repairs and improvenments before building more. Straps are good. All's well that end's well.