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Guitar Repair and Maintenance
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Topic starter
11/01/2007 9:19 pm
I stupidly broke my travel guitar. It is a Crafter Traveler that I bought to be my "away" guitar (I do a lot of business travel). I loosen the strings before taking this guitar on a plane. I loosened each string in turn starting with the low E. For some unknown reason, not paying attention, I inadvertantly tightened and snapped the high E string. This high tension (along with 5 other loose strings) resulted in a cracked face from the lower edge toward the bridge. Any glue or duct tape repairs I might try won't look good and probably won't sound good. Is there hope that a luthier can make a decent repair? It isn't my primary guitar but I'm afraid to restring it right now for fear of really destroying the wood. It was a nice looking guitar but I guess no longer (and sound and tunability are more important than looks anyway). Any advice is appreciated - before I resort to glue and duct tape.
Thanks in advance...
"The details of my life are quite inconsequential." - Dr. Evil
11/01/2007 10:55 pm
It doesn't have to look bad at all.
You'll need some bungi cords, elmer's pro wood glue, a little water and a sponge.
First dip your finger in the water and run it along the crack. That brings up the grain a bit and stops the glue from absorbing right in. Not too wet, just a bit.
Next run the glue along the length or the crack. Don't go crazy with the glue, but don't be stingy either.
Now, as nerve-racking as this seems gently push down on either side of the crack, alternating sides. The idea is to work the glue in. Push the bead of glue down by running your finger along the length of the crack with a little bit of force. Do the up and down thing again.
Now wrap the bungi cords around the guitar pulling the crack together. You should see glue push out. This is a good thing.
Once you have all of the bungi cords in place, lightly dampen the sponge and wipe up the excess glue, turning the sponge frequently.
Leave it overnight. If you missed any glue you can clean it up the next day.
11/01/2007 10:57 pm
If you need some inspiration, check out Seagull of the Dead
11/01/2007 11:32 pm
as the current owner of the Seagull of the Dead, i must say Nick did a tremendous job, and knows what he's talking about.
btw Nick, looking at those pics again made me want to go hug it.
11/01/2007 11:43 pm
I'm glad to hear it's still being loved. It does have a sweet tone, doesn't it?
12/01/2007 12:25 am
it does, yes. it's my go-to gal for fingerpickin'. i think ill go restring it, it needs it.
12/01/2007 12:55 am
Thats some amazing repair work. I am impressed!
"Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard,
grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em."
-- The Webb Wilder Credo --
Topic starter
12/01/2007 2:21 am
Thanks Nick & everyone. I will attempt to make a "clean" repair when I get back home. My initial thought was that it will be difficult to get the glue where I need it without making the crack worse or making a complete mess. Good advice here Nick and the pictures are an inspiration. I'll report back on my results but it may take a while.
Cheers,
Ed
"The details of my life are quite inconsequential." - Dr. Evil
Topic starter
12/01/2007 7:36 pm
Nick - is the "Elmer's ProBond Interior Wood Glue" the right stuff? They also make exterior wood glue and I believe an interior/exterior wood glue. I'm sure any of them will hold the wood together but don't know if one is better for appearance or other reasons. Thanks again!
"The details of my life are quite inconsequential." - Dr. Evil
12/01/2007 9:22 pm
ProBond Interior is a good one.