How to repair top damage form string snapping

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Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

How to repair top damage form string...

Well I did something stupid and was switching back and forth between two treble E strings and snapped the string twice in the process. It left two small dings in the finish just below the bridge. Should I just leave it or is there a way to touch it up? I believe the finish is standard nitro cellulose.

Thanks

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 10 2015 16:36:52

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Cervantes)

I immediately filled it with superglue when that happened to me. It looks solid but I added a strip of golpeador under the bridge... the offending string took away lacquer and wood too, don't want it happening again.

edit: I used the tip of a seringe or a toothpick to apply the glue, don't remember exactly.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 10 2015 16:46:18

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sr. Martins

I immediately filled it with superglue when that happened to me. It looks solid but I added a strip of golpeador under the bridge... the offending string took away lacquer and wood too, don't want it happening again.

edit: I used the tip of a seringe or a toothpick to apply the glue, don't remember exactly.

Seems like super glue may be the best option. I don't care if it doesn't look perfect, just want to protect the wood. I was also thinking why not add a thin piece of plastic like you suggested. I was also reading about drop filling with lacquer but seems much more labor intensive and error prone.

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Finishing/Super_glue_drop-fill_quick_fix_for_finish_chips.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 10 2015 16:55:00

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Cervantes)

All I had to do was touch it with the tip of the toothpick (or seringe) and it spread itself when it contacted the hole.

The plastic went later on and covered that area too, it looks good but it seems that overtime the wood colored itself on that area (it was white but then darkened, which is a good thing).

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 10 2015 17:04:26

sig

Posts: 296
Joined: Nov. 7 2007
From: Wisconsin

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Sr. Martins)

I had the same thing happen to my instrument when I was installing some carbon trebs. Much thinner so when I started winding them up to pitch, the B string slipped and took off the FP and a small bit of the cedar. I'll try the superglue. Never thought of that, thanks!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 11 2015 18:44:13

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Cervantes)

When you change the strings you can cut a piece of cardboard 6" long and 2" wide and tape it behind the tie block. Then don't remove it until you are sure the treble string wraps are going to grip the tie block.

I often include a section of clear tap plate material behind the tie block on 12 hole bridges.

If the finish is dented but not broken you can have the dent steamed out a bit.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 11 2015 23:41:07

pbekkerh

Posts: 34
Joined: Dec. 11 2012

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Cervantes)

Isn't it possible to fill the dent up with pumice and shellac?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 11 2015 23:49:09

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Cervantes)

If the guitar hasn't got a french polish no. Although I have never tried it. If the ding is deep then it usually looks pretty awful when filled with shellac too as it can get pretty dark.

The best looking option is to get a small graft put it place but it can be costly. I would charge between £50 - £100 depending on how much finishing work was needed.

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Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 12 2015 14:36:13

edguerin

Posts: 1589
Joined: Dec. 24 2007
From: Siegburg, Alemania

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Cervantes)

Just forget it, if it isn't too deep?

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Ed

El aficionado solitario
Alemania

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 12 2015 15:28:01

Tom Blackshear

Posts: 2304
Joined: Apr. 15 2008

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Cervantes)

Truly, if the holes are not big then forget it but this procedure has been tried before with some success, however, this it is not for the faint hearted.

Stick a small hole in the dent than use a small amount of warm water to soak the spot then use a small amount of heat to swell out the dent. Then let dry, smooth and polish over.

This is no guarantee for a successful repair.

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Tom Blackshear Guitar maker

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 12 2015 16:48:55

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1674
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: How to repair top damage form st... (in reply to Tom Blackshear)

I like Tom's suggestions and I have a slight variation on his repair method: Dampen the injured area from the inside of the guitar. This should re-expand the grain, perhaps overnight as it dries. It's thin wood and there's no varnish inside. Maybe loosen the strings until done.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 13 2015 6:02:15