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Monday, September 10, 2007

Original wide cuff cutting dies




















We were lucky to know Leonard (Len) Goldsholl owner of Mayfair Industries and when he was retiring we picked up a bunch of his old cutting dies.
Len was a pioneer when it comes to wide leather cuffs and watch straps. He had these cutting dies made in the early 1970’s by Able Tool & Die of Los Angeles. These solid steel versions would cost a small fortune now. Today they are called ‘steel rule dies’ and are made with wood and a sharp metal edge. Len peddled his hippie cuffs to wholesalers up a down the California coast for years. Rockers, Punkers, Hippies they all had one of his cuffs. Long retired but never forgotten.

Friday, September 7, 2007

The leather patchwork guitar project





































Metropolis Music in Jersey City gave 12 local artists these Fender Strat knock-offs and said do you want to them. All the finished guitars will will be showcased at Metropolis Music during the October 2007 Jersey City Studio Tour.


I have painstakingly arranged all these hand-distressed and oiled leather patches to the body of the guitar. I am using very short escutcheon pins that have been tumbled. All the shiny chrome parts were tumbled dull as well. The pick guard and back pick-up plate will also be leather when I am finished. Of course, with all these escutcheon pins nailed everywhere I am uncertain what will happen to the tone. More to follow......