accoustic experts: is this worth fixing?

[m4rk0]

a while ago I found an old yamaha from 1958
I can't find a lot about yamaha's from before the 60s so I am not sure if its worth restoring.

it has a big crack in the back and a small one in the front. It als needs a new 'zero fret' at least thats what I think it is.
nice flame maple back and sides, and it says no.300 Nippon Gakki

 

[Mor Paul]

I would think some wood glue would be helpful. Once you get that done, put some Jumbofretz on it.

 

[blue313]

Flame maple back and sides may make for a very bright acoustic.  But it looks quite beautiful.

That kind of crack would be easy enough to fix but probably won't be invisible.  You can either glue the crack together or cut a thin bevel to sides of the crack and glue a splint in there.  Hopefully the bracing is still intact.

That does indeed look like a zero fret, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  However, it will need to be replaced since the nut will be too far back to intonate properly without it.  Also, it may need a neck set depending on the action.  Are you looking to do this yourself or bring it somewhere?

 

[mayfly]

with that flame, it's definitely worth fixing.  The cracks won't be hard to fix.

I bet it will sound really good when you are done.

 

[Mor Paul]

I'll just slip this in here...

 

[Alfang]

I'd pull the strings off, those remaining, slack off the truss rod a half or one turn.  find a good place to store it, then start researching on how to fix it, Might as well do a complete restore on it. as original as possible.

Take your time and do it right, should be a good one when your done.  If not I'll take it... send it to me

 

[Wana_make_a_guitar]

I'll just slip this in here...

Stop that  :laughing7:

 

[blue313]

A great place for info on that may be here.

http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=12

Frank Ford is a moderator there.

 

[m4rk0]

Thanks  for the advise y'all!
I will absolutely investigate this further..

 

[Unwound G]

The Yamaha is definitely worth fixing.  From the pictures, it seems there are no wood being chipped off or missing which makes it an easy fix. You will need to cut short strips of wood to reinforce along the crack almost like a stitch inside the hollow body.  Use a strong glue like Titebond which cures transparent.  Adding weight or pressure to the crack during curing will ensure a near seamless bond.  Lightly spray, wet sand and polish will help to create an almost invisible mend. 

As for the Zero fret, use a taller fret wire so as to raise the strings above the subsequent frets. You can slowly work the action down by leveling the tall fretwire with a fret and crowning file.

 

[Edin]

Beautiful instrument!!!

Fix it well, please...

 

[Justinginn]

Don't you dare not fix that. And put me on Alf's list. I'll take it.