FRETS.NET

I have been a bass guitar player for the last 30+ and while I've learned how to care for and adjust my guitars, I know to ask for help before I do (more) damage.  I have lurked around here for a while and found some similar issues, but would not attempt a repair without some advice an/or instruction.   The headstock on this bass is coming apart at the glue joint. The neck is a bolt on. I noticed this about a week ago.  For reference the opening starts about half way between the nut and first fret and ends just above the second fret.  I have 3 pictures below which show the problem.

I welcome any suggestions and advice.   Thank you

Views: 439

Attachments:

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

The glue joint has failed & it needs to be cleaned up & reglued.  I would remove the strings, loosen the truss rod and with gentle pressure, see how open you can get the joint.  Then get as much of what is left of the old glue out by using a very thin pallet knife as a scraper.  Before gluing, assemble the necessary clamp, strong wood glue, flat caul for the fingerboard side, and curved caul for the neck side.  I make these out of wood & cover with leather to protect the guitar surface.  Work the glue thoroughly into the open joint, let it soak in for a couple of minutes then clamp firmly & clean up.  Let is set for a day before restringing.

Hi Richard,

If you have no glue, tools and equipment and are not skilled in woodworking repairs and similar why not just take it to a professional repairman and have it done right?  This separation is in a critical area and if the repair is not done in accordance with best practice it will fail.   

If you do have all of the above (including suitable glue like Titebond) and the instrument is a cheap and non essential item have a go as detailed elsewhere on this forum.  R. 

I've seen a significant number of these failed scarf joints on imported instruments.

You've got to get the old glue out.  I don't know what it is, but Asian glue is funky.  I've had reglues on these scarf joints fail because the glue didn't grab.  Titebond is pretty forgiving.  Just  get it as clean as possible before gluing.  I use cork sheet on the curved side caul;  Really molds to the curve for even pressure.  You can buy it at Michael's.

RSS

© 2024   Created by Frank Ford.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service