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Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar

January 27, 2011 by Jimmy Foster

This neck was broken with a vertical break that is very hard to repair.

Guitar Neck Repair (Jan-2011)
Guitar Neck Repair (Jan-2011)

I had to make a special fixture to be able to clamp the head and compress it horizontally and vertically at the same time. Of course, you could only clamp the downward pressure until the head of the guitar was at the right degree of angle in relation to the fingerboard gluing it with the west system of epoxy. Then of course you have to clean it all up.

Guitar Neck Repair (Before & After)
Guitar Neck Repair (Before & After)

After that, we have to shave off the back of the head approx. 3/32nds to allow for a rear ebony head veneer. This should go into the neck at least an inch pass the crack to insure stability. You have to realize that the strings are pulling approx. 25pds of pressure each so that fibers in the wood of the rear head veneer is what is going to give the neck its strength.

Of course, it is necessary to refinish the complete neck and rematch the colors, and then set the guitar up properly.

Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar
Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar

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Jimmy Foster (Luthier & Guitarist)

Jimmy Foster (1948 – 2011)

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Blog Posts

  • Custom 7-String Baritone Archtop Guitar January 27, 2011
  • Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar January 27, 2011
  • Custom St. Charles Avenue Archtop Guitar (6-String) January 27, 2011
  • Gibson SJ Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Repair (Bridge & Face) January 26, 2011
  • Video: Stompin’ At The Savoy May 3, 2008

More About Jimmy

Ted Ludwig Interviews Jimmy Foster
From Sep. 2004: Made for Each Other
From NOLA.com Apr. 2011: Jimmy Foster
Foster Guitars on Facebook

Blog Posts

  • Custom 7-String Baritone Archtop Guitar January 27, 2011
  • Guitar Neck Repair On An Archtop Guitar January 27, 2011
  • Custom St. Charles Avenue Archtop Guitar (6-String) January 27, 2011
  • Gibson SJ Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Repair (Bridge & Face) January 26, 2011
  • Video: Stompin’ At The Savoy May 3, 2008

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