More Deconstruction

The neck came out quickly and easily. While I was at it, I thought I'd see how loose the back really was, and before I knew it, the back was free from the rims. Apparently, this old D-18 was the victim of neglect--maybe it even spent some time under water--and then left somewhere to dry for a long, long time. The glue joints between the back and sides were brittle. Using just my trusty putty knife, a small Buck knife, and a little brass hammer I worked my way around the guitar.

I had expected this to be a time consuming and difficult step, but instead the back came off almost effortlessly, without damage to the back, sides or kerf.