The Calico Journal - Calico Guitarworks

Thoughts, projects, discoveries, and occasional rabbit holes
from the Calico workshop.

The Calico Journal is where we share the things that interest us beyond the finished instrument—from the process of building and repairing guitars and working with different materials to ideas about craftsmanship, tools, techniques, and the occasional project that takes us somewhere unexpected. Not everything here has a particular purpose; sometimes we’re simply interested in how something works, how it is made, or why someone chose to make it that way. Consider it a look behind the scenes at the work, ideas, and discoveries that shape Calico.

Featured From the Journal

Gibson Headstock Repair

This 2005 Gibson Les Paul Studio guitar came into the shop suffering from a broken, or cracked, headstock. Though it can happen to any guitar, ...

Refretting: Guitar Fret Replacement

With regular maintenance, frets are typically able to provide years of service. However, most instruments will likely require at least one refret over the course ...

Taylor Guitars Expression System

The Taylor Guitars Expression System is a series of proprietary electronics designed from the ground up to maintain the unique sound and aesthetics of Taylor ...

Explore The Journal

Repair Techniques, Structural Repair, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Planing a Bridge: Restoring Playability When a Neck Reset Isn’t an Option

Finishing and Aesthetics, Necks & Fretwork, Repair Techniques, Structural Repair, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Gibson Headstock Repair

Necks & Fretwork, Repair Techniques, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Refretting: Guitar Fret Replacement

Finishing and Aesthetics, Necks & Fretwork, Repair Techniques, Structural Repair, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Crack Repairs – Repairing Wood Cracks in Guitars

General Maintenance, Installations & Upgrades, Parts & Materials, Repair Techniques, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Acoustic Strap Buttons

Electronics, Ideas & Discoveries, Installations & Upgrades, Repair Techniques, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Electronic Repairs on Hollowbody Guitars

Electronics, Parts & Materials, Repair Techniques, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Taylor Guitars Expression System Repairs

General Maintenance, Ideas & Discoveries, Installations & Upgrades, Making, Parts & Materials, Repair Techniques, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Electric Guitar Neck Shims

General Maintenance, Ideas & Discoveries, Installations & Upgrades, Parts & Materials, Repair Techniques, The Unabridged Calico Journal

Telecaster 3 Barrel Saddle Upgrades