I've been pretty busy making and repairing more regular-type guitars over the past few weeks...here's one, a telecaster resonator electric...
..and another resonator guitar..this time a 12 string converted from a Harmony Stella...
...and another Harmony..this one is a 1939 model...I picked this up at a guitar show, I've reset the neck and given it a general fettle..
....and more guitar fettling, this time a new neck in a USA made cigar box guitar...
..and still more to do...I've a 1920/30s Stella Galiano to finish doing the neck re-set on...and new in today, a Takamine with a broken headstock..the front veneer is the only thing holding it together!
Comments
Very interesting stuff about the neck. Thanks for posting this - I had never considered why heels are the way they are on a "proper" guitar (although nor have I ever done a dovetail joint!) Good advice, cheers.
The repaired headstock...spot the join! The visible line is the original headstock scarf, it actually broke just below the transition into the neck.
As regards headstock breaks, the glue itself (I use Titebond on this one, otherwise hide glue) is often stronger than the bond between the woodfibres...BUT once the grain has been ruptured, the likelihood of a crack or split propagating from the broken fibres is quite high. This was relatively easy, as it lined-up well with virtually no gaps, and didn't need any backstrap or overlay reinforcement. On really bad breaks with lots of splintering/missing pieces or on previously repaired breaks, it's sometimes prudent to add a 'backstrap" and/or headstock overlay to provide some structural continuity over the area of the break.
Some cool guitars there John, love the Telecaster! Re Takamine...they say a repaired (glued) headstock break is stronger than the original, is this true? (-:
Lookin Good !! More power to you! I am building wood currently, but am ready to start my ALLY's s. I want you to know how much I respect and admire the way you are using your talents. I love your playing,its my Fave.. Congratulations on your website , hope to stop by time to time........ KP