Ukulele Repair Question

[Chris Shaltis]

Hi All,

This is my first post here.  I have a ukulele in for repair that has a failed glue joint on the heel of the neck.  Please take a look at the attached pictures.  My question is whether or not this can be repaired by just gluing and clamping or should the neck be removed to make the repair.  I guess some of it depends on what the customer is willing to pay for the repair.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ok, part two.  I'm going to re-glue a popped off bridge on this same uke.  Please take a look at the last attached picture.  The finish is pretty thick.  It appears to me that the bridge was attached directly to the finish.  I'm puzzled as to the perfect round corners that are left of the finish/glue on the bottom of the bridge.  I wouldn't think you couldn't apply glue this perfectly.  I was going to carefully cut away the finish using the bridge as a guide to make the gluing surface perfectly match the bottom of the bridge.  I would then sand the bottom of the bridge to remove the finish/glue that is left behind.  The problem I have is that the bridge will then sit below the surface of the surrounding finish.  What do you all think?  As always I appreciate the friendly help and support.

[Matt Dreher]

In my opinion and from past experience, there is no need to remove the neck. The neck joint does not appear to be loose from what i see in the pic. simply force the cracked joint open with gradual pressure from a clamp and a piece of wood extending from the head stock to the heal/ body. go as far as you can, if you hear any wood grain starting to pop obviously stop immediately. Force some glue in with a feeler gauge, enough to get good squeeze out. release and clamp together. remove excess glue. There is almost always a bit of a ridge around the crack that can be lightly sanded and touched up if needed. There is not much pressure on a uke so i don't believe you would need to spline it. hope this helps...

[Chris Shaltis]

Thank you Matt.

[Frank Ford]

Check to see if the finish is acetone-proof.  If so, give the crack a good drink of medium viscosity cyanoacrylate, and clamp it up.  Next day, clean up with acetone, and it's good to go.  Should be a quick and easy process.

[Chris Shaltis]

Thank you Frank.