What kind of glue for a headstock crack?

[Scottcrud]

I think I can do it myself. Got clamps etc. Crack isn't that bad. Guitar is still in tune! Any tips on what glue to use and where I can buy it?

[Caddie]

Unsolicited advice...

Have you done this kind of work before? No? Take it to a pro.

Does the guitar have value to you or the marketplace? Yes? Take it to a pro.

Would you ask a brain surgeon where he buys his tools?

"Doc, I'm thinking about trying to fix my dog, ever since my cousin Earl hit him over the head with a shovel the dog keeps crappin on the rug."

caddie

[Scottcrud]

Caddie, hhhmmm, maybe your right, though two of my wifes/kids dogs I'd love nothing more than to perform amateur brain surgery on!

[Steve Haynie]

^{If the guitar is cheap enough to sacrifice you can try a repair on your own. If it is something valuable you want the best headstock repairman to do the job.}

[Scottcrud]

it's a rare Robin Raider 1 of 125 made in Houston. I picked it up for slightly above the HFC 350 point.... Headstock was damaged in shipping. It's not bad, still in tune, but wood is sticking out and cuts into my hand. I will probably not sell it as I've been searching for another for a few years now. I want it done right but I'm not going to pay the same amount or close to have it repaired as what I paid for it. I've got kids and they require more money than my "hobby".

[Bobby Marshall]

It is more difficult to fix a poor repair than a bad break. Or so I have read.

[Steve Haynie]

Practice on a trashed piece of furniture and do what you gotta do.

[Scottcrud]

good idea...

[hamerhead]

Try gluing those dogs together. If that works, do the guitar.

Way back when, I had my Les Paul in the shop, so they gave me a LP loaner. I had to work on a buddy's guitar and gave him the loaner to use. He promptly had it slip off his strap, nearly taking the head off. Because it was still hanging on by the veneer on the face, I was able to smear some Elmer's in there. I had to use a rag-wrapped visegrip as a clamp. Well, part of the rag got caught in the crack. After 2 days of drying, a piece of Mr. Rag was now a permanent resident. I sanded it, put some shellac over it and took it back. If the store noticed, they didn't say anything.

[gtone]

Try gluing those dogs together. If that works, do the guitar.

Don't know if this helps, but try that new meat glue for the dogs. Available at most butcher shops and meat counters, apparently...

[Hamer Dave]

It is more difficult to fix a poor repair than a bad break. Or so I have read.

Very true. However, if it is clean, and currently tight, It can be fairly easy. You'll need to open it to inject some wood glue in there. You want to get the wood glue as deep into the crack as possible. Seems scary, but you can judge this fairly well by feel. I've thinned the glue, and injected it via a veterinarian (not vegetarian) syringe. I've done a few like this, and they've held like gold. It's rather simple when the break is clean without any interfering loose slivers of wood in the way, etc. I have been told wood glue absorbs better, than an epoxy in this case. With the repair ending up stronger than the original wood. I've seen displays at woodshops, showing off the strength of their wood glues. You'd be damned to be able to separate the glue seam!

Hope that helps, and I don't get slapped silly with a wet noodle by the professionals on this board!

[kkeller]

Scottcrud,

My advice would be to put some tape over the crack so you don't feel it as much and keep it clean. When you come to your senses, have it done by a pro. The worst case scenario, using thinned Titebond, would be that the wood swells with the moisture content and raises the finish even farther, actually making the edge sharp. When this happens, you are going to have to call Jay or Greg or me to try to open it back up and repair it correctly, and it will cost more than you have in the guitar.

KK

[hamerhead]

I KNEW IT!! Duct tape can fix anything.

[tbonesullivan]

if it's that kind of break it will not be a super expensive fix. Just take it in, have it evaluated, after which they will probably use a clamp to open the break a bit, squirt in some glue, then clamp it tight, wait for it to dry, over spray, done.

What kind of guitar is it?

[kkeller]

I KNEW IT!! Duct tape can fix anything.

Sorry, duct tape is TOO sticky. It could pull the edge of the finish right up on a nitro guitar. I'd use a layer of blue painter's tape (stick it to your shirt first to remove some of the tack) and then cover with a waterproof tape.

[BCR Greg]

I can fix it.

[Scottcrud]

I'm taking it to a luthier in Houston so I don't have to ship it. I'm dropping it off Saturday and it will be delivered to me when it's done. KKeller, BCR Greg, Murkat, I KNOW all three of you can fix it and fix it right. Shipping is not an option for me right now, and I know the guy in Houston can fix it right for me. Thanks for all the advice, humor, etc. etc. I appreciate it. Tape?!? really!?!

[Hamer Dave]

Scottcrud,

My advice would be to put some tape over the crack so you don't feel it as much and keep it clean. When you come to your senses, have it done by a pro. The worst case scenario, using thinned Titebond, would be that the wood swells with the moisture content and raises the finish even farther, actually making the edge sharp. When this happens, you are going to have to call Jay or Greg or me to try to open it back up and repair it correctly, and it will cost more than you have in the guitar.

KK

Kim,

So what would you do and/or use in a headstock crack?

[Hamer Dave]

I'm taking it to a luthier in Houston so I don't have to ship it. I'm dropping it off Saturday and it will be delivered to me when it's done. KKeller, BCR Greg, Murkat, I KNOW all three of you can fix it and fix it right. Shipping is not an option for me right now, and I know the guy in Houston can fix it right for me. Thanks for all the advice, humor, etc. etc. I appreciate it. Tape?!? really!?!

Scott,

I don't think the tape was a joke. It's meant to keep the break clean, for an easier repair when gotten to.

[FrankieIII]

Let Greg, Jay, or Kim fix it, but if you're feeling brave...

http://www.franklinadhesivesandpolymers.com/Wood-Adhesives-International/Wood-Adhesives/Application/Assembly/Titebond-50.aspx

[DaveL]

I can't speak for headstock cracks, but I had to repair a mirror that had come loose

for a frame, gorilla glue will survive a nuclear war, and be careful about getting it

on your clothes.

[Scottcrud]

As I said, it's in Houston getting repaired... A question to Greg, Jay and Kim.... How did your first repaired headstock turn out? You all had to start with a first one right? And did all three of you get the shit grilled out of you for wanting to do it?

[hamerhead]

We're all just concerned for your welfare.

Now don't f*ck it up.

[Scottcrud]

It's fixed. Drying. Waiting to get area re-sprayed. Did ya'll know that DBZ guitars is now out of Houston Texas? BTMN probably did...

[Hamer Dave]

As I said, it's in Houston getting repaired... A question to Greg, Jay and Kim.... How did your first repaired headstock turn out? You all had to start with a first one right? And did all three of you get the shit grilled out of you for wanting to do it?

If it's a rare one, good you had it done, especially if they're refinishing it. Should hopefully turn out looking great, and maybe not even noticeable. That said, next time around if it looks like a simple break, you may want to try it yourself if you're interested in that sort of thing. Mine came out perfect, but I saw it was a simple break, and have read my share of repair books, etc. When a student, my teacher had always encouraged my exploration of the guitar. To not be afraid to examine how they work, why, etc. To do your own tinkering with set-ups, truss adjustment, etc. Read, explore the internet, it's a wonderful resource for learning. Feel comfortable before you start. I usually find things aren't as complex, as initially thought. But do your research first. Good luck!