Really great work! It reminds me of the old joke about labor. “Fee breakdown: glue and labor $50. Knowing where to put the glue and how to do the labor $500”.

Great job. Like a snail has its shell, a guitar needs its original case.

My very first job when I graduated high school in 1967 was with a carpenter and we used Elmer's white glue exclusively for all joints (including cabinets) and never had a complaint. There wasn't any specialized wood glue at the time. So your reminder of using it "back in the day" rings true with this old carpenter and cabinet builder.

Just great watching someone who cares about instruments like this. You do such fantastic job on everything you repair bro. Good on you.

Never underestimate the value of a Sharpie marker on those bare wood areas on cases, amplifiers and speaker cabinets!

Not just a "restoration", but a true resurrection!! Great job!

I'm super glad I found this video! 😁Last month, I purchased an old, unlabeled Mexican classical guitar made of all solid woods; Palo Escrito back and sides, Cedar neck, Cocobolo fingerboard and bridge, and European Spruce soundboard. Nice old guitar, but a mystery as to who made it and when it was made. I'm trying to find out with the aid of a well known luthier down in Mexico. No luck so far. The guitar came with a case similar to the one in the video. I was told it's the original case. If true then I have an antique instead of vintage. The sound is very reminiscent of old Spanish makers like Torres, Esteso, Ramirez, Etc. Anyway, I bet a couple coats of shellac over the shoe polish would seal it up nicely. 😄Thanks for sharing, Mr. Rosa 🌹

Sometimes the satisfaction of salvaging a piece of history far outweighs the monetary return. Looks fantastic! Heck of a transformation. If you look that good at 102 be greatful!

Well that was unexpected. I'm starting to think you could fix a rainy day! The old case turned out much better than I anticipated. Great job.

Hi Jerry, the best way to hold stretched fabric in place as the glue sets is to place a piece of Saran Wrap over the repair ant then tape a block of polyurethane upholstery foam over it. Pull the tape snug to compress the foam. Let it sit for two hours and it will be done. This also works with other thin materials like loose veneers over compound curved surfaces that are difficult to clamp.

Wow, that turned out great! I have a couple of 60-70 year old cases that could really use some TLC. Having a vintage guitar that is older than I am, housed in a nice original case is all kinds of cool. I better get to work!

Wow! What a transformation! Your patience and tenacity paid off on that case. I think it would be a shame to put an old vintage guitar in a new case if the original case can be saved. They belong together even though they both have the wear of years. You did a great job.

I'm gonna go out on a limb here Jerry and say that I'm about as impressed with the love you showed that sow's ear as I am with the love you showed on my mandolin build. Patience of Job! Can't wait to see you again.

I LOVE this music you're playing for this video. Sounds like the music our family always played. Thank you!

great! Can't wait to see the guitar repair that goes in the case now!

I'm currently bingeing on all your videos. This one was very enjoyable and a hell of an improvement. It just looks 100% right for the guitar now.

I have an old fiddle case and I can sure use these tips to help me restore it. I'm amazed at your ability to improvise. Thanks.

Love your videos! Awesome job on all your repairs. Keep up the great work. 👍

Great job on that old case! Love your videos.

Amazing idea on restoring old case !! Thanks for sharing !

Hi Jerry, You put passion on your work, that is great. Congratulations!

Thanks for posting this. I've got an old violin case that's seen better days that I think I'll try some of this stuff on.

Jerry - I am new to your channel and this video has inspired me to dig out my 1934 busted up old moldy Gibson L4 guitar case and attempt repairs. So far, I've got all the fabric glued with Titebond and I'm ready to make the wood repairs. I also bought some ebony wood putty to fill in the missing wood chunks. Once that's done I'll get some ratchet strap pieces to fix the interior hinges and then finally on to the missing handle. Thanks so much for making these videos.

Outstanding! I happened across this video because I have to repair a small section of a Martin case. I was concerned about doing the repair until I watched you save this old Gibson case. I don’t think anyone would have taken the time to repair this case regardless of the repair cost. I learn something from every video you make as well getting to hear some heart felt music. Thank you for posting this, I really enjoyed it, kenny hughes

Hey Jerry, thank you for posting this video and a thumbs up to you for your excellent work . These cases pop up frequently in Thrift stores and second hand stores and I've always thought they would be landfill. Nice to see that I'm wrong and I find it inspiring! You turned that old case into something loveable! Here's hoping that your customers was delighted with the transformation, as well. ps. I really enjoy your videos, please keep on posting. Cheers! :)

BRAVO! I've been looking for tips to get my 15-year old violin case fixed. You've done a fantastic job on that antique case. Amazing indeed!

Nice work on the poor old case, you gave it a new lease on life. Love your channel. Repaining old cardboard, foamy stuff and fabric was really cool since it it can't really be replaced without looking non authentic. Clothespins as clamps was brilliant.

Thankyou so much!! You are a guitar case hero! You had patience of a saint, and caring touch of an angel. You indirectly fixed mine too as your video gave me confidence that self- restoration was possible! Lucky i found a similar looking, (not quite as banged up but still looked ready for dumpster) case in goodwill for $10. After removing several bumper stickers from it, its fraying wood was revealed. Elmers worked fine like you said it might! And shoe polish did most of the rest. I used flex seal tape on bare wood patches to match wood level with existing fabric. I am so pleased couldn't have completed mine so intricately without your demo. Thankyou!!

This was extremely satisfying. Great job. For a guitar that is 102 years old, it would look wrong for the case to look any newer than what you ended up with. Great job!!!

thank you Jerry you have helped me once again find the answers to problems. this time a guitar case that is distressed

It was so satisfying to see you breathe life back into that old case with the shoe polish. :)

OUTSTANDING JOB. I restored brass and copper antiques for many years...and can appreciate the creativity that went into bringing this piece back. And boy, was this timely--I have a 40-year-olde case...not nearly s bad, but it needs help. Can't wait to get to work on it.

I waited to see what your special technique was, and I see it was the same thing that I used to fix a 100 plus year old saxophone case. It was just about the same shape as that case, and turned out as good. Job well done..

I recently found your channel, I am a Studio Musician. You do great work, I love watching your videos.

Beautiful old case and very nice work sir

Nice job. We need to apply this thought process to many material things in our lives. So much goes into the dumpster too quickly. 102 years old and still going. Thanks.

Jerry, I enjoy your videos and your nuts & bolts approach to repairs. Keep up the good work!

Hey Jerry' just keeping it out of the landfill is a Great thing too! fantastic job!

Your perseverance and humility is extraordinarily. I love watching you work.

It always seems good instrument repairs are part of a person's ability to repair far more than an instrument. The thought process that goes into an instrument repair is the same of other things. People have called it,"Jack of all trades", multi-talented and many more and Jerry, you fall into that category quite comfortably. The case looks great! Can't wait to see what you do with guitar. Thankz

Never thought of doing that, Thanks now I know how to handel the case I need to try and fix. hanks again!

The case turned out great. You are the master. Thankyou for letting us take the journey with you. I'm about to restore or work on an old Yamaha case and the guitar isn't in too bad a shape, but, needs some attention. I would like to see a video of all the tools I might need ! Most of the hardware on the case needs to be replaced and the method you showed of using the black shoe polish was awesome !!! THANKYOU JERRY

That was a little more info than I was looking for, but I couldn't look away, LOL, & I was amazed at how well it turned out. I'd be proud to own that case. You are quite the craftsman, sir. Thank you

Thank you for this video. I've just bought a 55 year old Victoria case in similar condition for a 52 year old semi-acoustic bass. I'll be tackling the Victoria case the same way to bring some shine back into it. Thanks again...

Great job! And you did the right thing - Out of respect for your craft and the instrument that goes in that case you went above and beyond to do the job right despite the fact that you weren't being paid much for your time and hard work. Got to respect that!

Great job! You've also jolted my memory that I started repairing an old pair of saddlebags for my Triumph at least 12 months ago that I still need to finish :-0

Like you said, it looks like an old case that was well taken care of! Excellent work and really appreciate your dedication to doing a job well!

Hi Jerry, well done! The video includes several very helpful ideas for our little home repairs which I'll bear in mind through the repairs of a few cases and suitcases too. Thanks Jerry.

The before and after is simply amazing

I enjoyed your humor and your ability to revamp that dead case. You turned trash into treasure with things on hand. 👍🏾 😊 nice

This was an enjoyable video. Thanks for sharing Jerry!

Jerry you sir are the REAL DEAL !!

I think you did an excellent job on that case, I’ve got a 90yr old accordion case to work on and after watching your enthusiasm I will have a go repairing it. All the best to you from Liverpool UK 👏👏

My friend, you are a true hero. I may have to send you my 87 Martin D18 that needs a neck reset. You go way way above and beyond and thats rare in this world unfortunately.

Outstanding work and a real pleasure to watch. Well done sir!!

Jerry, if Titebond doesn't sponsor you after this, I don't know what will. Oh boy, here I was hoping for a song of battered case and then... Grandpa's Old Fiddle! You are awesome.

Super! "A real professional takes on any job, and does their best to excel" (I didn't come up with this myself, it's an old proverb)

super good job, lots of good tips, there is a mandolin case from the 40’s thats going to get the treatment.

You do good work. Really nice to see that poor case resurrected from the dead.

Well Jerry, I need to say, whatever the fee was in regards the case, I would have doubled it if I were the customer and refused to take any refund on that. You turned a throw away case into a used, but cared for, (as far as cases go!) survivor. Incredibly well done, I am now a fan.

You did an excellent job....the customer should be tickled pink with the results. I watched your video because I was looking for tips or ideas on repairing my Gibson Marauder hard shell case that's in rough shape, although not as bad as this one you fixed. You definitely helped me formulate a plan of attack...thanks for taking the time & effort to make this video. I know you could have done the job quicker without the hassle of video recording, but I'm glad you made the extra effort. It is very much appreciated. Thank you!

Nice restoration. I've used shoe polish on old, beat up wooden furniture to fill in various dings and scratches. It works miracles!

That was extremely enjoyable to watch! What an astounding job!!

that's lovely, it still looks it's age but aged well , i fully understand your passion when it comes to repairing and restoring , i do a lot myself, not many instruments mainly cars and motorcycles but the process is similar .thanks for sharing you are a joy to watch and learn from Peace and Love to you and yours from me and mine ..cheers !

I would call that a well preserved case!!

I've done some work on much less venerable and experienced cases, and was worried when I cued this up to watch that I would find that the shoe polish trick and dyeing the exposed wood would be anathema to a professional restorer. While I'm very much an amateur luthier, and i've got a long way to go before i'm ready to take on some of the jobs I've seen you do, it's always reassuring to see you make a similar choice to one i've made in repairing an instrument, and I never fail to learn from techniques you show that I haven't tried yet. Thanks for inspiring and educating luthiers everywhere.

I use Kiwi or Cherry Blossom liquid quick dry shoe polish applied with a cloth. It doesn't come off and dyes the wood too. Thanks for all your videos.

Great job. It inspires me how to deal with my 1929 banjo case! I enjoy your videos, learning something each time. Greetings from Sweden, Sven

Awesome Job! Very well done.

out of all your videos, this one may be my favorite. well done sir.

Very nice Jerry. Great to see that old thing preserved.

Like me, your not all about money. You seem to love what your doing. I know that I for one love to watch you work and the way you are open and honest about what you do. I think the lord blesses your work because of the way you are. You put your soul into everything that you do, as the lord said we should all do. Great job on this one too.

That was great really enjoyed that. To be honest I’d much rather a case like that to match the original guitar than a new case any day. You really did do a fantastic job 👍👍

Amazing work, as always! I'm surprised you didn't think to put a clear coat on that case. I bet that would really protect all of your hard work.

Absolutely fabulous Mr Rosa There are some great automotive vinyl/fabric spray cans that give excellent results but I do know you live far from stores Next time you're in town pick up a can of black as it may come in handy I've even changed color with great results and it makes the vinyl look new again Hope it helps

Great video. I just got a 1986 Les Paul custom with the original case. Just what I was looking for. Thanks again, steve

Very cool repair. I've got a guitar case from the early 50s that's almost cardboard like, maby an ultra thin piece of wood (im not too sure). the interior has the same color as the one in the video. Sadly the handles staples on the inside scratched the guitar made in 50s. No one ever thought to hammer them down or cover them up. Its amazing how something so thin and old has held up, its not a "hard case" at all. The guitar is a Vintage 1950s Airline Alden Harmony Stratotone. Thanks for the video ill be checking out some more.

You have the patience of a surgeon sir! And the result is the patient has a new lease on life. Liked! Shared! and Subscribed! Thanks :-)

Wow. You gave it a great new life. Kudos Sir! Enjoyed this very much!

Looks great. I like using 3M contact adhesive in small amounts, working in small areas. It allows you to also “hold” the stretch so you can work with it in those tiny areas that have shrunk. Steam in small amounts would stretch that fabric as well as loosen the adhesive if you make a boo boo. Buy a gallon of that contact adhesive and keep it in multiple glass jars, lasts a long time ! Large pickle jars to baby jars .

I once worked at a music store and what was funny was the younger guys (approx. 14-17) who were new to guitars. Some of them wanted and asked for beat up guitar cases for their guitars, I guess to make it look like they were roughed up while on tour. Lol, anything to impress the girls I guess. By the way, excellent videos!

You do excellent work sir.

Great job...Now I think I'll attempt a similar fix to my 1916 Gibson Harp guitar case too.

It's truly wondrous to see the transformation of a case or instrument as you take it from dumpster ready to new life. Your skill and know-how is phenomenal. And of course, once again, you go that extra mile for the "low budget" restoration/repair. The overall trajectory of the projects you tackle, from awful to great, combined with your natural good-heartedness is a joy to watch. Bravo! Also, as a Christian, I deeply appreciate how you speak without off-color language and your heart for Christ as expressed in your songs and in your generosity. God Bless You and Yours, Mr. Rosa, and may you enjoy continued success for many years to come.

Another really excellent work, nice job Jerry

the dirty old glue is preventing the new glue to stick I think..wow, great idea with the black shoe polish

Decent Guitar Case now, nice work and Thank you, Jerry.

10 Thumbs up ...You got my vote...I watch you do things all the time.

This was very useful. Just got a Bacon tenor banjo with a case as bad. Thanks.

Very nice. I love to restore things, but I couldn’t have pulled that one off. Great job and very interesting.

Just came across this, I was given a violin of my great Uncle's and the case is rough. Has his initials in it so I'd hate to throw it out. Thanks for making this video.

That Sir, was a Labor of Love... and you absolutely nailed it. The idea on something that old, is to simply bring it back enough to save it from the Dumpster while still keeping the History of it's Journey intact (Think Willie Nelson's Martin N20 "Trigger") ... It's obviously someones well loved and well worn Treasure and you absolutely did it justice. Well done indeed! Now I'm really interested in watching the restoration of the Guitar as well. Thank you and a HUGE Thumbs up!!!

Man ..... thats a great job. Looks really nice. You gave it character.

I've come across this problem Gerry, what did the trick for me was using old seat belts from the scrap yard, i have a bunch of them, you never know when something such as the nylon seat belts will come in handy other than stopping you exiting your vehicle through the windscreen. Anyway when i have repaired vintage/ jurrasic guitar cases i have bound them with the broad belt, it holds it all down real good and doesn't stick to when you unbind the belts. Just a tip i've picked up, i dare say you already know. Thanks RSW another great video.

thank you! love your work.

Good job on the case and on the song He took your place.

Wow, the case looks great! It's hard to believe that case held up for 102 years!

Nice work, Jerry!

Excellent video, very well done!

Beautiful !! I love it. Great job