'57 D18 cracked tailblock & sides

[Len Biglin]

Hi , a friend has just brought his D18 in with a crack where it fell on the tail , cracking the sides and partway through the tail block.The tailblock has a vertical strip up the middle on the inside which I have never seen before, but it probably saved a worse outcome.So the side cracks come out about 2" from the centreline and one side of the crack is higher than the other , in other words there is some clamping required to force the crack closed . My idea is to run a bolt with a large washer through the tail hole from inside , and use another block (maybe plexiglass) on the outside and tighten the nut until the crack is closed. Any ideas please and what glue would I use that will penetrate thru to the tailblock , or should I glue the inside seperately ? It's pretty awkward working on the tailblock inside.Also was the vertical strip on the block the norm in the 50's ? thanks Len

[Tim Mace]

I'd be tempted to either remove neck to customize or get a new neck and really fix it up since it's a Martin or look at Cumpiano's bolt-on technique which looks practically infallable if done correctly.though all these suggestions are mucho more involved unless you're in a big hurry.Don't just put a bandaid on it.

[Len Biglin]

errr thanks Tim , you lost me there , we are talking tail end here...and since my post I took the time to check Frets.com and Frank has a repair of a similar crack , the difference is that mine is not through the tailpin hole and also the crack is not open on the inside surface of the block , also it doesn't want to re-align , as if some wood fibres are holding it apart.I will try some pic's tomorrow. Len

[William F.Eden]

Sorry I thought you were talking about the bottom end of the Guitar.if so you have the right idea and use C.A glue for the job.Bill.""""""

[Len Biglin]

Yes you got it right Bill, maybe some water thin CA followed by medium CA Len

[Tim Mace]

My bad.I missed the most important detail...de tail vs de neck. I get excitated when it comes to elderly Martins.Don't you like useless info?

[Len Biglin]

Well I found a good tool , I loaded up a spool clamp with wooden washers , then threaded it through the tailblock from inside , I put another washer on outside and a block of wood each side of the crack. This way the force of the tight spool clamp was trying to equalise the displacement each side of the crack. It worked instantly , the crack popped back into alignment and I ran water thin CA into the crack followed by medium CA . The edges of the crack I squished with tightbond and wiped off with water.Now I just have to work out a good reason why the owner should give this wonderful 57 D18 to me ! It is surprisingly light weight and sounds just sweet and clear.Len

[William F.Eden]

Len it's best to leave well enoufe alone .A 100 years frome now one of your off spring will be glad he gave it to you .Good luck on your future repair work and mybe your luck will keep coming back.Bill.""""""""""