1970s Martin headstock repair

[Trent Norgart]

Hello Frank & the Frets.com community,

I've recently been handed this piece of work.  Thoughts, comments, advice?

Basically somebody's grandpa is rolling over in his grave over this one.  After some initial research this is the plan I've devised 2 plans to have it
back in playing condition again: 

First off will be the tuners, they will be removed for the entirety of the repair.
    1.) Align all splinters to "book-match" headstock & neck pieces to
each other, apply carpenter's wood glue, clamp headstock & neck
pieces together, clean out any "squeeze-out", and let dry for 2 days.

If after drying the headstock doesn't seem sound then:
     2.)  Route out 2 channels in the back of the headstock/back of the neck that are then filled with solid mahogany braces.  This wouldn't be
pretty, but would add structural integrity and is a recommended
technique I've seen demonstrated before in Dan Erelwine's Guitar Repair
book.

  

Then comes the finish touch-up.

All in all this is going to be a fun learning experience; I can't wait to begin :-).

Thanks,
Trent

[Jon Whitney]

It took me a few looks, but I think you're right... a gladiator trimming an errant string off his hip armor?

[Trent Norgart]

LOL, close enough Jon.. Can we just focus on the guitar (not the dude who dropped it) B-)

[Trent Norgart]

That's the perpetrator who knocked over the guitar stand where his grandfather's guitar was resting....

[Ned Knepp]

The repair looks like it went back together pretty nicely. Well done, Trent.

[Trent Norgart]

Thanks Ned,

I always appreciate appreciation.

[Tim Mace]

Every time I think a repair like this seems a waste of time FF comes thru to reverse my novice opine!!!What a craftsman!

 

[Paul Verticchio]

Nice job Trent! (:

[Trent Norgart]

Why thank you kindly, good sir

[Ron frazier]

You could glue it like you stated then put a new peg head veneer over that
Ron

[Paul Verticchio]

Hey Ron,

Could you start checking the posting dates on these old dead posts?

Posting 2 years after the question was asked and answered is no longer a germane reply.

[Trent Norgart]

Ron,

I kinda have to agree with Paul on this one; the repair has long ago been completed & pics posted of the repair are here: 

https://www.facebook.com/NorGartar/photos/a.437223289623154.105352....

As you can see form the above link I indeed put on a new veneer (with an unofficial Martin decal acquired from Frank Ford himself), but also routed out the side to glue new wood in order hide the initial crack-line from the side.  It took a lot of patience & time, but totally worth the effort- I've never felt more like a luthier than when doing this labor of love.

Best regards to you and your wood-working my friend!

[LARRY KLOSE]

I generally agree with not reviving old discussions but I missed this one the first time around.  Trent's process is pretty clear and beautifully done but how did you re-drill those tuner peg half-holes after applying the new wood to the side, without risking tear out and a wandering drill?

Larry