This week I heard from Jeff, who uses vintage speckled laminate for his banjo finger boards. I just think that is so cool… you know I am part Kentuckian. P.S. Can someone tell me how to get the accent mark over the ‘e’, as in lame’ … as I am dying to write lame’ laminate?

Note to all readers…and I need to make the speckled laminate issue an FAQ because I constantly get the question: No one makes it anymore. Discontinued by the last maker just three years ago, alas. And I believe, but I need to verify, that the technology to make it is no longer even in use. Requires ‘sandwiching,’ while now everyone ‘laser prints.’

Meanwhile — Jeff needs salvaged countertops. And I know with so many retro renovators out there prowling Restores and estate sales and dumpsters – we can help Jeff find more of this treasure and put it to good use. Read on – and contact Jeff via his website if you find a stash that can head his way! E.g.: Sumac Sue, what about that countertop salvaged from your neighbor’s demo that didn’t work out, despite Wayne’s heroic efforts?

Following are Jeff’s emails…kind of strung together. Tee hee. Strung together. Get it?

Hi there, I am searching for some gold fleck/white formica. Do you know of any? I use it in my instrument making. I have contacted Formica and found out that they are no longer making it. I have been collecting this Formica for years and find it from folks doing renos. I make banjos and use it for the fingerboard surface.

I live in Toronto…I have had over 10 counter tops shipped:) They can be cut into shipping sizes… I only need 20″ lengths..Yeah it feels good to recycle the material.. As long as it is not scratched up I can use it… I have a way of removing it from the counter board,

IF you EVER get any or know of any white with gold fleck counter material….salvaged…please let me know!

Thanks for the post!

Jeff Menzies
www.menziesinstruments.com
New, Used & Vintage Acoustic Instruments

Meanwhile, take a look at this 50s laminate countertop. It’s from a new reader, Anna, who shows more of her groovalicious ranch house on her blog, MoModerne.com. FYI, she had her vintage steel cabinets done at Maaco.

Conversation:

“Oh my gosh, I love it, who DID your kitchen?”

Answer:

“Maaco!”

Tee hee.

Anna’s blog is also now on my blogroll for anytime reading. I’ve been adding to the blogroll pretty religiously lately, with the goal of getting all retro house blogs catalogued in one easy-to-find place. If you have one and it’s missing – be sure to let me know.

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