All Discussions Tagged 'caving' - FRETS.NET2024-03-28T16:23:49Zhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=caving&feed=yes&xn_auth=noSEAGULL 12 STRING - BRIDGE CRACKED & TOP CAVING INtag:fretsnet.ning.com,2011-05-22:2177249:Topic:578842011-05-22T03:09:20.735ZMark Softichhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/MarkSoftich
<p>First off, my name is Mark and I am new here. I am not a luthier, I am just a guy trying to pick up some skills and hope to be able to build guitars in the future. I wanted to start with some repairs since I am pretty familiar with setting up acoustic guitars and doing minor tasks like fret leveling, intonation, shaping new saddles and nuts. I picked up a Seagull SM12 on Ebay with a cracked bridge and the soundboard caving inward.</p>
<p>I know that a lot of 12 string guitars have problems…</p>
<p>First off, my name is Mark and I am new here. I am not a luthier, I am just a guy trying to pick up some skills and hope to be able to build guitars in the future. I wanted to start with some repairs since I am pretty familiar with setting up acoustic guitars and doing minor tasks like fret leveling, intonation, shaping new saddles and nuts. I picked up a Seagull SM12 on Ebay with a cracked bridge and the soundboard caving inward.</p>
<p>I know that a lot of 12 string guitars have problems with the string tension pulling the bridge area upward so I thought it was just the belly bulging up and I would be able to use a Bridge Doctor, but after receiving the guitar I noticed that the top is actually caving in more than I thought between the neck and bridge.</p>
<p>There is a hairline crack running from the bridge out toward the kerfing and bends up to the waist. At the waist the crack goes from a finish crack to a full open break in the top. See Image <a href="http://img809.imageshack.us/i/seagull3.jpg/">http://img809.imageshack.us/i/seagull3.jpg/</a></p>
<p>Looking down at the guitar in playing position the top dips from the fretboard to the bridge and then it slightly bulges up from the bridge to the tail. Here's an image <a href="http://img840.imageshack.us/i/seagull2.jpg/">http://img840.imageshack.us/i/seagull2.jpg/</a></p>
<p>Looking at the guitar from the tail to the headstock you can see the top is caved in at the waist. <a href="http://img827.imageshack.us/i/seagull1.jpg/">http://img827.imageshack.us/i/seagull1.jpg/</a></p>
<p>The top is also cracked at the glue joint all the way from the tail to the bottom of the soundhole. This crack moves when I push it so it's also a clean break al the way through.<a href="http://img684.imageshack.us/i/seagull4.jpg/">http://img684.imageshack.us/i/seagull4.jpg/</a></p>
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<p>The bridge also has a crack forming all the way through the back 6 string holes. This looks like it could be glued and clamped. </p>
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<p>Other than that the guitar is in pretty good condition. The neck is straight and strong, and the back and sides look great. I bought this guitar for cheap so I am not afraid to really dig into it. I am really looking for some experience. If you need any more information or pics from me please let me know.</p>
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<p>Thanks,<br/>Mark </p>
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