Hi guys, I need a bit of info if anyone can help. This "Singer" guitar made in the USA for Gallo, "Guaranteed not to split". It looks like a resonator type guitar. It has been well played as the nut, bridge and some frets all needs replacement. Question is do I just clean it up and restring it as a display, or have the work done to return it to playable condition. Seems it was a real budget guitar from the little info I could gather. Anybody has more info in this rare guitar ?
Gallo Guitar
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WillievB Pics would help! Though Gallo guitars (SA built, some were exported) are super niche and I havn't seen one of any value - usually beat to *&%^ and back.
Could make a handy slide guitar if you are feeling DIY-ish?
Here's two threads from Gt archives with what little info I could glean:
https://community.guitartalk.co.za/d/27020-revolution-1950-s-bellini-acoustic-guitar-r650
Hope the pic now shows, this is what it looks like.
The wooden bridge sits under the upright metal part in the centre
I can turn the nut upside down and just re cut the grooves
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WillievB That's quite pretty and possibly the best condition gallo I've seen yet!
Even so, I'd reckon it's more value right now as nostalgia and a player than a collectable (though one never knows!).
If it's got a high action, then setup as a slide guitar, no fretwork required ?
If you want to get it back into reasonable playing condition then maybe don't drop a ton of $ at a luthier but try DIY as far as you can. There's a couple peeps around here who have done fret levels - it's a test of patience rather than skill (though crowning frets is a skill to me).
You can always find a new blank to cut for the nut - I'd keep the original one stock as a reference. Tusq make shapeable blanks or perhaps you can find a chunk of prepared bone to use (though I find it fiddly to work with).
Oh Nice resonator style.
I say restore if not too much work is needed.. I.e The neck is straight, and truss rod works..
What type of nut.. the thicker Gibson style? or the thinner Fender style? Looking at the link of the other I'd say Gibson style.. I have a spare Bone Blank or 2 Sized 52x10x6.
I have the nut, it's just that the slots weren't cut at correct spacing. I will just flip it over and cut new slots, the design allows for this. I do not see any adjustable truss rod there, might be inside. The neck is straight, and I just need to glue the bridge back on. Then I'll restring it with light gauge D'Addario strings & hear what it sounds like after all these years. Think there may be some music left in this oldie.
I am new at fiddling with guitars, so I don't know what type of nut this is. Thanks for the replies guys, I do a bit of woodwork so I'll fit everything back in place and see (hear) what happens.
Nice looking resonator.
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This screams to be tuned to open G DGDGBD, and played with a slide
Bad to the Bone, Walking Blues (Clapton unplugged) Running on Faith (Clapton unplugged) etc
If it doesn't have a truss rod, I think light strings would not be heavy enough to give the neck some relief. It probably came out with 13s or 14s. It has a tailpiece so should be able to handle heavier strings, but take it easy when tuning for the first time.
Dire straits Romeo and Juliet is also played on an Open G resonator, capo 2nd or 3rd fret