FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Guitar Headstock Repair

Question:
Just glued on the headstock of my Martin D-28. It broke off when the cased instrument slid off the wall I was leaning it on and hit the floor. I made sure the surfaces were clean, applied glue over the entire area, clamped it well, and wiped off all the excess so the wood pieces I put between the clamp and the guitar don't get stuck. Should I be very nervous? It didn't seem like rocket science. I live way out in the country, so that is why I did it myself. My biggest fear is that i may lose some tone or sustain if air bubbles got in the glued ends. Have to wait and see. I feel so horrible how the guitar has suffered in my hands! Any comment?

Answer:
, I suppose you should probably be a little nervous. First, where did it break? At what location? Did the dart get damaged? Was it a clean break? Any missing wood? How is the runout on the break line? What kind of glue did you use for the repair? Are you happy with the repair? How does it look cosmetically? Did you have to put a new overlay on the headstock? Did you have to place biscuits or dowels in the neck? What did you use to touch it up? How does it play now? You didn't mention the year, but if it is older than 1985, does the truss rod still adjust freely? Just FYI, there is a substance that makes great non stick cauls called UHMW Plastic (Ultr-High molecular weight)...It is truly great...doesn't stick to Aliphatic Resin, PVA or HHG glues, yet can be cut or molded to virtually any shape...if you can't get a hold of some scraps of this type of material (Lee Valley sells it by the bag) then place some wax paper in between the wooden caul and the surface the next time...much easier to get off. You're right, stringed instrument repair is not rocket science, but then, I'm not a rocket scientist...I'm just a stringed instrument repair and restoration technician...I won't try to launch any rockets if they don't try to repair any instruments. In any event, if the repair seems good to you, and if it is now solid and plays with no problem than all is well. However, you should know that if you want to have it fixed properly (assuming you did something naughty that needs to be rectified), you'll be doing it on your own penny...Martin will not do a warranty repair on top of an unauthorized repair. BTW, just a quick comment, it is much easier to give constructive advice before you start gluing...as it is, all I can say is good luck. Oh well, as you say...it isn't rocket science