Black light repair question.....

[thefishinmusician]

I've gotten a guitar back with the headstock re-broken....I used a black light to look for traces of old glue and saw nothing...I can see that it didn't entirely break on my original repair , and I know sometimes a headstock is weakened by the initial shock of the breaking....I use compressed air to help shoot the glue into cracks sometimes , so there's no question of getting glue in there...This was also a large break , as I remember....Yet , I see zero traces of glue using the black light...I used LMI instrument makers glue....I always use the black light when doing bridge re-glues , and all the old glue shows up well....Any thoughts ?....Thank you , please...

[RETROROD]

Would you explain your blacklight technique?....as applied to 'glue detection'? I have heard about using it for determining original VS overspray finish on vintage guitars (especially Gibsons) but not familiar with using it for glue residue detection issues..

On this forum, a non-response signals a "deer-in-the headlight" situation.... :-)

[thefishinmusician]

I use it on bridge re-glues to show old glue to be removed , and other breaks...It shows up white...Just turn out the lights , and look....It glows , pretty much...There was none on this break , and just re-glued the headstock normally , altho it may yet come back to be splinted in the future...

[Luke Single]

I agree with chad. I don't have a lot of experience but I have repaired a few head stocks and of course read... ALOT. Usually quality glue won't break at the joint if you did a good repair. It is likely that it broke somewhere else and that's why your are not seeing any glue residue. If I were doing the repair I would reinforce the neck with two maple/hardwood inserts or blocks to strengthen the headstock, especially because it broke twice. Maybe someone has better adice or could counter.

[LARRY KLOSE]

Would hide glue make a stronger joint?

Larry

[William F.Eden]

You can't beat HOT Hide glue for anything to do with building Instruments or repairs. It just won't slip after you get it glued ether .Bill..............

[Luke Single]

I like to use hide glue whenever practical but usually on a headstock repair I would use wood glue, specifically titebond. Maybe it's because I'm not as comfortable using hide glue yet, but on something like a headstock repair I like wood glue for its working time, stickiness( while wet), strength, and most importantly I don't have to wonder if I mixed it correctly.