Crack Repairs – Repairing Wood Cracks in Guitars

Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair, Tech Talk, Uncategorized / By erik

Wood is the most common material for guitar construction. A few particular tree species such as Ebony, Maple, Rosewood Mahogany and Spruce have long been staples within the industry. The type chosen for a particular task is based on a combination of factors such as: availability, tonal qualities, aesthetic beauty, workability, tradition, strength, and durability.

As with anything made of wood, if they are to last, guitars require care and consideration to protect them from damage. Wood cracks can usually be attributed to one of two main causes: Impact (such as a drop or hit) or humidity issues. While the causes may be simple, the variation is nearly endless. The following is an overview of the common ways that wooden guitars can crack and corresponding methods of repair.

Acoustic Strap Buttons

Acoustic Guitar, Installations & Upgrades, Tech Talk / By erik

A guitar strap allows the player to securely position the instrument in a comfortable spot without the need to physically hold it. They can be useful whether playing seated or standing.

Strap buttons are the connecting points that let the user easily secure and/or remove the strap as needed. Each guitar strap needs needs two points of contact. On an acoustic guitar, these points are typically the endpin and either the headstock or the heel.

Taylor Guitars Expression System Repairs

Acoustic Electronics, Acoustic Guitar, Tech Talk / By erik

The Taylor Guitars Expression System is a series of proprietary onboard acoustic guitar electronics. Here we will discuss some commonly needed repairs.

Gibson Hummingbird and J-200 Pickguards

Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair, Tech Talk / By erik

The pickguard art featured on the Gibson Hummingbird, as well as the “flower and vine” pattern used on the J-200, are defining features of the respective models. Originally the most expensive guitars in Gibson’s catalog, their unique pickguard’s make these instruments instantly recognizable.

In part due to the flexible material used, these pickguards are more likely to lift and curl around the edges than other modern pickguards.

Acoustic Guitar Bridge String Ramping

Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair, Tech Talk / By erik

An acoustic guitar’s bridge and saddle work together to anchor and suspend the strings on the guitar body. During a setup, raising or lowering the saddle is one of the key adjustments to an instrument’s action. However, there are limits as to how far the saddle can be adjusted in either direction.
An acoustic guitar’s bridge and saddle work together to anchor and suspend the strings on the guitar body. During a setup, raising or lowering the saddle is one of the key adjustments to an instrument’s action. However, there are limits as to how far the saddle can be adjusted in either direction.

Acoustic Guitar Neck Resets – Martin Mortise and Tenon

Acoustic Guitar, Neck Resetting, Tech Talk / By erik

A mortise and tenon joint is a centuries old method for connecting two pieces of wood. The “mortise” is a hole or recess cut into a part which is designed to receive a corresponding projection referred to as the “tenon” on another component so as to join the two pieces together.

The Martin Guitar Company has been using this style of joint to secure the neck onto the body of their student and player grade model instruments for decades.

Acoustic Guitar Neck Resets – Hybrid Neck Joints

Acoustic Guitar, Neck Resetting, Tech Talk / By erik

Oftentimes, action adjustments can be made via the instrument’s truss rod and saddle. This process is commonly called a setup. However, proper setup is only possible within a limited range. If the geometry of the instrument is not within certain specs, proper setup will not be possible. Given the substantial demands placed upon it, it is not surprising that, sooner or later, even the finest instruments will require a more substantial overhaul. Often, this will involve a neck reset. A neck reset is the process of readjusting the angle at which the neck is joined to the body.

Traditionally, an acoustic guitar neck is attached to the body using a glued joint called a “dovetail”. While strong and reliable, these types of joints require a substantial effort to separate and reassemble once required. As a result, neck resets on dovetail style neck joints require an experienced hand and carry a considerable price tag. Since most acoustic guitars will require a neck reset at least once over their lifespan, many manufacturers have sought to redesign their neck joints in a variety of ways with the goal of making assembly and neck resets less labor intensive and more cost efficient to perform.

Guitar Headstock Decal Replacement

Finishing and Aesthetics, Taylor Guitars, Tech Talk / By erik

In guitar parlance, the terms “headplate” refers to an area of the headstock, the part of the instrument that typically holds the tuning keys, that is facing outward when the instrument is held in the playing position. It is traditionally the spot where an instrument maker places their mark to let audiences know who made the instrument that they are hearing!…

A simple method of applying a makers mark to an instrument is via a decal. While there are a few different methods of application, these are all essentially stickers that are affixed to the instrument. Often a protective finish will be applied over the decal to prevent damage. While they can still be quite stylish, compared to inlay, decals are much quicker and easier to install. They are perhaps most commonly associated with electric guitars in the Fender style, but decals can be seen on countless brands including some Taylor and Martin guitars.

Mitchel’s PlateMate

Acoustic Guitar, Installations & Upgrades, Structural Repair, Tech Talk / By erik

The bridge plate is an integral part of the internal support structure of an acoustic guitar. As part of the bracing system, it helps to support the instrument top and resist the pulling force exerted upon the instrument by the strings.

Mitchel’s PlateMate is designed to protect your guitar’s bridge plate from damage caused by ball-end strings. It is made from solid brass and installs in minutes. Should the need arise, the plate can be removed almost as easily!

Acoustic Guitar Bracing Repairs

Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair / By erik

In an acoustic guitar, bracing is the internal support structure that holds the instrument together. By design, the top, back, and sides of the guitar body must be fairly thin and are typically made from wood. A series of comparatively thicker pieces are then glued to specific locations to provide stability in high stress areas; This is the bracing system.

Without sufficient bracing to reinforce it, the instrument would buckle, crack, and fall apart from the substantial force put upon it by the strings.

Acoustic Guitar