1980s J.D. Webb Size 5 Guitar Bouzouki/Tres Conversion

Update 2023: this guy is back here for resale after 7 years in the world and I've taken new photos, a video, and updated the description throughout.

I bought this thinking it would make a great "Nashville-strung" guitar. When it came in with a 1 3/8" nut width, however, I thought, "this would make a great tres or bouzouki," instead. So -- after leveling/dressing the frets and modding the bridge, I set it up for 3-course bouzouki tuning (DAD). There's no reason I can't restring/set it up for Cuban tres tuning, though.

This was made, presumably in the 80s, by a Joel D. Webb (US of A) who quite proudly listed this as a size 5 Martin "3/4 guitar" copy in the soundhole. He also listed it with an Engelmann spruce top and (Indian) rosewood back and sides and the Martin style 28 appointments certainly give it a step-up in the looks department. The neck is mahogany and the board and bridge are also rosewood. Curiously, before my mod, the bridge was cut with a classical-style string load. It's x-braced and, has a 21 1/2" scale length, and really does have a good, vibrant tone.

I replaced a plastic saddle with a bone one from my parts bin -- and then compensated it. The bridge pins are also older to maintain the vintaged look.

Really, depending on how you tune it you can get a nice warm "guitar bouzouki" sound  for strumming backing bits in a modal tuning or a true "Latin American" vibe in a more closed-position lead tuning with higher pitch. I initially tried a few different stringings out on it when I first had it here.

The neck profile is a bigger C shape that terminates in this cool heel that recalls 1840s instruments.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, bridge and nut mod to 2x3 configuration, replacement pickguard, and  much-nicer replacement tuners.

Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz

Scale length: 21 1/2"

Nut width: 1 3/8"

Neck shape: medium D/V

Board radius: flat

Body width: 11"

Body depth: 3 3/4"

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid rosewood

Bracing type: x

Bridge: rosewood

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)

String gauges: 11/28w, 15/15, 11/11

Truss rod: non-adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-smaller

Condition notes: except for modifications to the nut, saddle, bridge, tuners, and the replacement pickguard, it's original and in good order. There's minor nicks, scratches, and dings here and there throughout the body and a bit of weather-check but it looks nice regardless.

It comes with: no case, sorry!