Wood Working Question

[Brainchild]

I'm hoping that someone here can help me out.I have a little problem with my daughters guitar. The pressure from the strings are pulling the neck loose from the body.
Now this isn't a mega dollar guitar,but I would like to fix it and buy myself a couple of months
So what would ya use to glue this thing back together?
I am thinking that even a metal braket for the back to hold the two pieces together is a good idea also.

Is carpenters glue strong enough to hold this thing? I mean with the pressure of the 6 strings is great,so it has to be strong.Should I opt for epoxy of some kind? And what kind?

I have attached a pic of the problem.

This gap will open to 1/2 inch when pressuer is applied

Thanx

[gjimene2]

it should work.

Another thing I recomend is Wood Epoxy from PC*Epoxy you can buy it at a plumber's store Great stuff. Also liquid nails can work wonders, just be careful when applying it on

[sharder8]

Originally posted by gjimene2
liquid nails can work wonders, just be careful when applying it on

NO JOKE!!!

I used liquid nails to glue the ends back on the rear windows in my truck and got some on the fingers and glass! (Worked great and still holding strong!!! )

Harder

[Ed_S]

Even a cheap guitar's worth a couple hundred these days, I'd consider having a pro look at it.

That said, I've done a little wood instrument repair - and it's no joy! Yes, a good wood glue will hold it under pressure IF the surface prep before & clamping after is done right, which would mean the neck's gotta come off for starters. Surfaces have to be clean of all old glue, else the new will never hold. This will likely damage the finish, so that'll have to be done too... Quite a job, overall!


Quick cheap way you could try first would be to slide sandpaper into the gap and "shoeshine" it back & forth on both neck & body. Squeeze in some good carpenter's glue & clamp with a strap around the body. Leave clamped 24 hrs. Reinstall the strings & gradually increase the pressure, a little at a time. It may hold a good while - or not...

[OuTpaTienT]

Originally posted by Ed_S
Even a cheap guitar's worth a couple hundred these days,

I wish. But there's plenty of $10 and $20 guitars around. And most of them aren't even worth that.

BC, most decent wood glue is stronger than wood. As long as it gets good surface adhesion, it'll hold.

If it's really a cheap guitar, then I might just drill a hole and put a countersunk screw through it with a nut/washer on the inside of the body.

[Brainchild]

If it's really a cheap guitar, then I might just drill a hole and put a countersunk screw through it with a nut/washer on the inside of the body.

It is and I have thought of that

I don't know if I can get my hand inside the thing though

A bracket on the outside is possible though

[Knothead]

Not much to add to what Ed_S wrote; that's a tricky job.

However, instead of regular wood glue, I would suggest using a Polyurethane glue (one is sold as "Gorilla Glue") and prep and strap-clamp like Ed said. Hopefully, it'll hold, even after you re-string it. This stuff will "foam out", but it's pretty easily cleaned up with a sharp chisel.

Then sand it a bit and brush some acrylic paint (Liquitex "Van Dyke Brown, Red Hue" would be fine) then seal the sanded/painted parts with some Poly. Should be fine.

[sixf00t4]

well, i would hate to see you put a bolt through the body.if you do, be sure to put on some washers so you do not get resonance. i really think that is the WORST way to do it, you are messing with the dynamics of the sound of the guitar when you intrude on its splendor like that.

lets just say i have a lot of respect for any guitar, and treat them with love and care. so modifying them at all makes me uneasy. a good glue, trusting the expertise of Knot, i would say use what he uses. Precision clamping is a must. you do not want the neck to be moved in any direction. when you do clamp, be sure to check out the action, making sure it will still be playable.

ed_s is right, but i know you just want to do this simply, cheaply, and yourself BC. just get some of Knot's glue and clamp it. maybe i am over-estimating the ear and skill of your daughter, but every guitar should be the best.

[Tomteriffic]

BC, some resin-loaded glues, like Liquid Hide Glue, or even Elmer's Woodworking Glue should do the trick if you strap-clamp it. Makes a joint stronger than the wood itself and cleans up pretty easily.

Kinda makes me wonder what they used for that neck heel, though...

[Brainchild]

Thanks for the ideas guys.I wound up using just Elmers Wood Glue.
The fretboard wasn't messed up,and the action looks good for now.
I have it clamped together and waiting for tomorrow so I can check it out.

Now this is only a halfsize guitar that is under $50, so not really much loss,IMO I just didn't have the extra $$$ to buy a new one atm.

As far as her skill, well she is still learning chords,and tuning,so tone is irrellevant right now.

But I wasn't gonna turn her loose on my Epiphone,I'd like to put the first scratch on itBesides it is way too big,she can't hardly reach around it

We'll see if I can break the neck off tomorrow

Thanks again