Tommy Froelich - String Instrument Repair

The 1964 Gibson EBO project is finished! It’s been a very therapeutic project for me that I enjoyed.

This classic rock-n-roll gem is mostly all original parts but all the plastic parts were missing so I made a custom rosewood Pickguard and a mahogany back plate cover with repro k***s.

The second (bridge) pickup is a Gibson pickup from the later 1960s. Both pickups were different in polarity, so I installed a mini 3 way toggle switch to switch between the two pickups, in the middle position both pickups are “out of phase” giving it a gnarly “Rickenbacker” type of sound that’s very usable! Lastly, after all the sanding and refinishing the greatest part was the original serial number that was lightly stamped on the back of the neck from 1964 still faintly shows like a ghost from the past in the right light. It’s funny as the SN was the first thing I looked to save before stripping the rattle can finish off. But I thought it was long gone so I carried on, this sweet little SG isn’t gone or forgotten!

In my opinion this bass is a much more of a desirable instrument that’s now a very usable bass.

The Gibson EBO was a signature bass sound in so many classic rock bands and songs.. the list is long, but one example is any “Mountain” album, it’s all an EBO Bass and single P90 Les Paul Jr.. it’s such a heavy thick sound. 🎶♥️🎸🤘🙏😎


May passion is Vintage guitars, mainly electrics from the golden age of 1950’s and 1960’s. So with my free time in between repairs I have in the shop I’m always into something.

This spring I’m into a restoration / modification project of a very cool almost forgotten 1964 Gibson EBO Bass that a previous owner had hand chisled an extra cavity for a second mudbucker (a later 60’s pickup) and gave it a very ugly and poorly done purple enamel spray can finish.. I found after striping the horrible rattle can finish off completely that this Little 61 year old Rock-N-Roll gem had never been broken at the heel or headstock, just slightly broke back at the input jack area and wood filler was used to patch that with a washer over the brake (the 3 major places SGs always brake) i repaired the input jack area and a small chip of wood missing at the back of the headstock edge as well.

I’m finally finishing up all the wood working and repairs preping it for a finish, I made a custom rosewood scratch plate as I’m going to finish this bass in a hand applied natural Tung Oil finish (it’s a bass player thing) not the traditional nitro cellulose finish it would have had when built (it was cherry). I figure its already modified and abused, so lets build on that and have some fun and make it a beautiful usable bass that’s a one of a kind custom piece that will live to rock hopefully another 61 years!

Stay tuned for finished results later this month!

Water is the key to life and longevity on this planet! Even your beloved guitars.

If your guitar is playing poorly this very dry winter season it may need more than just a setup!



Been super busy just keeping my nose to the stone.. I don’t have much time to post these days.. but recently had this very cool but kinda strange and a little altered (not by me) 1964/5 Gibson ES345TDC in.. can you say Freddy King.. OMG.. so cool.. I mean it wasn’t one I would want the way the client wanted it set up.. (strung through the stop tail) But this fine ax once supported all gold hardware. The stereo TRS input is a bummer as well, and the two original T-Top pickups are out of phase from one an other as most are.. eather way still a super rare and ultimate cool vintage Gibson .. my end was. fretboard inlays were all loose, dress frets. tuner replacement at the customers request and a small 2” piece of binding at the 18th fret that was missing (my request).. still a cool and fun job!

Hope all has been well for everyone. I haven’t been on SM much these days other then to post shows for my band so this post is a first in a while as I’ve been crazy busy in the shop with all the 🎸 work I have in.

This is a parts build I recently did for a customer / friend. It’s a hybrid 60’s style Strat aged relic with a modern neck and body finished in a vintage Shell Pink. All nitro finish with no finish on the back of the neck, custom Duncan pickups with the Eric Johnson style wiring layout.. I had some fun doing all the aging of the hardware and parts.

Hit me up for any repair, setups or modifications you may need on your guitars! Acoustic, Electric, Bass or Mandolin. PM me for questions or to set up an appointment with me.
Tommy 🙏❤️🎸🎶🤘

Tonight 9/13 STOTTSVILLE INN 7pm till 10pm with Glenn Ferracone on Drums, Lars Mitchell on bass and Glenn Bickel on Keys.

Reservations are recommended for seating. Come for an outstanding dinner and stay for fantastic libations and smooth classic rock n blues with these fine musicians.. hope to see you there at Stottsville Inn!

The Tommy Froelich Band at the Inn every second Friday of the month in 2024! 🎶🥁🎸🎤🎹

The Tommy Froelich Band’s latest album “Chester County Bound” Give it a listen.. Musicians: Glenn Ferracone and Pat Hughes on drums, Paul Klinfelter and Lars Mitchell on Bass, Glenn Bickel and John Theodore Bickel on organ / keys, Chris Uyvari and myself on guitars, Christina Gaetano Froelich and Maura Giblin backing vocals.. Mixed by Glenn Ferracone and recorded at Noisy Little Critter by Mike Bardzik.

This and all my other albums are available to stream online on ITunes, YouTube, Spotify and all other major music streaming sites!

https://open.spotify.com/album/0euDEn4y3iF1ynrAQIT4cs?si=AnqBXTvVTDqsOQTfdhO5xA

Chester County Bound Tommy Froelich · Album · 2024 · 12 songs.

This summer has been super busy for me, managing it all is to say the least, a full time thing.. so many different band lineups with the most amazing musicians that without any pre game practices just show up, connect and make a magical moment happen right there on the spot! Wow… so blessed to have that going on.. a BIG THANK YOU to all the Beautiful people that come out to see a show,  it’s always humbling to have so many enjoy what you do, it is why I made it a big part of my livelihood.. love you all!! ❤️🎶🎸🎤❤️

I’ve got a lot of work in the shop these days, please be patient, I won’t leave anyone hanging.. I have a lot of calls to return as well.. I’ll get back to everyone as soon as I can. Much love to all who bring me work everyday! 🙏❤️🎶🎸🤘