FENDER hardshell case

OK, not technically a guitar but it IS a restoration and guitar related. I hate gig bags. Like "let's gather them all up and have a huge freaking bonfire" hate. If I could have a hardshell case for every guitar I own I would... and I'm working on it. Walking through the local second-hand shop helping a friend buy a short-scale guitar for her kids I run across an UGLY Fender case.

I mean, look at the seams. There's some SERIOUS gooage in there. Loads of metal crusties and some form of life has taken up residence in every nook and cranny of that vinyl. No external Fender logo so it "could" be as early as '64-65?!?!?! The binding on one end of the case was nearly detached but I was pretty sure I could fix it. Price? The sticker said ¥1200. I'm game for $12.50US.

First, there is no shortage of the FUNK of OLD in this thing. It was powerful ugly at first, thank goodness I have enough sense to keep the Febreeze around for just such an emergency. That, combined with a healthy dose of sitting on the patio seemed to temper it a bit.

One of the few cases where I thought urethane glue would be acceptable. I carefully applied it under the loose areas and quickly cleaned up and squeeze-out.

So that was worth an evening of cleaning and waiting for the glue to cure overnight. :-)

And Reptar approves of both Gibson and Fender cases. Well, anything that resembles a box.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about a cool guitar case I found and cleaned up. If I could offer you any advise it would be this:

• Keep your eyes peeled. Talk to the staff at your local thrift shop, second-hand store, or pawn shop. Let them know what you're looking for and you're willing to looked at "bruised" items. 
• Research will pay off...eventually. Immerse yourself into the field you are interested in and learn as much as you can. When you come across something you *think* is special it helps to know if it is. Or isn't. 
• Resist the urge to not acquire something because you don't need it yet. I am here to support your guitar-related hoarding activities.
• Don't be shy in asking for help. There are many people who will gladly lend a hand (or an e-mail) to get you headed the right direction.  
• Have fun. If you are doing this as a hobby and are miserable, forget about doing it for a living. Life is too short to spend time doing something you hate.

If you want to see more of my adventures in the world of stringed instrument construction, restoration, and repair visit the Rattlecan Guitar Restorations YouTube channel, friend us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and, if you're interested in supporting my projects take a look at the Rattlecan Patreon page.

Have a great weekend. Cheers!

James