Split Neck

[CamoPicker597]

First of all i wanted to say hello to everyone here since i just joined the board earlier today.

So i got this guitar for free from one of my students the other day because she didn't like it and wondered if i could use any parts from it. The only problem is the fingerboard is splitting away from the neck down to about the 3rd fret. I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to repair this. I'm wanting to put a Dobro nut on it and raise the bridge some so that i can play it on my lap like a Dobro. I was wondering what some of you thought about that idea too. Thanks.

Here are some pics of the guitar.

 

[Mor Paul]

Okay, I'm thinking this will be a fairly difficult repair. I'm thinking you'll need to use heat to lift part of the fingerboard, then reglue.

And now, you should see if anyone with more experience knows what to do, since that's just my guess. That looks like a pretty nasty crack by the nut.

 

[CamoPicker597]

I was thinking the same thing. One other idea i had was to get a hypodermic needle from tractor supply and putting wood glue in it and then clamping the neck while it sets up.

 

[-CB-]

No place for wood glue - hide glue is the thing for that, with preheated wood.  The more serious problem is - is it worth it?  I think not. 

 

[DangerousR6]

I'd say throw it in the fire, and buy a new neck. That neck isn't worth the trouble to fix, unless you just want the experience. And only if you really like the body, would it be worth getting a new neck. With the square heel on the body, you should be able to find a reasonably priced tele neck in the showcase to fit that body.

 

[kboman]

I'm thinking it will cost you several times the guitar's actual worth to get it in shape again, and that maybe it's better to retire the poor thing.

Unless it has great sentimental value, which is another currency altogether.

 

[blue313]

Try carefully flexing the headstock to see if you can get some daylight in that crack without destroying it.  You'll need to get good coverage for the glue to hold well.  The syringe or pipette may be a good bet and fresh hot hide glue is preferred on guitar work.  Also clamp well, but not too tight.  You'll just end up with too much squeeze out and a starved joint.

The big concern I have is getting glue in the truss rod channel.  However being that it's a Hondo, there's a distinct possibility that the rod is mostly covered even without the fingerboard. 

Fixable, yes.  Great experience, definitely.  You'll never fear the common split SG/LP neck again after this repair.




The best advice I have is don't spend serious money or time on it.  Have fun and learn from it, try a few things, but know when to throw in the towel.

 

[zogoibi]

I wrote this before I realized that there was a good answer already offered.  I'ld definitely try to drizzle some glue in the cracks; why not, unless it is also warped?  What better to learn on than something you only half-care about?  Stewart McDonald sells syringes for waterbased glues and they also sell tiny tips for super-glue.  I'm not sure which would work better; probably wood glue.  I'd pry open both sides of the truss-rod with a couple of knife edges; no more than a half millimeter.  You'd only have to pry a fraction of that if you decide on super glue since it's viscosity is so water-like.  With the headstock up and the butt-end down start drizzling about a quarter inch from either edge; avoiding possible/probable truss-rod/glue contact.  Maybe rubberband a rag around about the third fret to confine any suprise overflow; especially if you thin the glue a bit.  The more I think about it, I'd use wood glue since it fills voids much better than super-glue.  Clamp and clean up the ooze.  It'll definitely work.  Won't be any uglier than it already is if you are just half-careful.  I fixed a Danelectro recently with similar damage.  That old Hondo will become a cherished beater.  Good luck!

 

[BobR55]

And why did the neck crack there in the first place, excessive use of the truss rod? You may have a horribly warped neck there even after you get it glued up. Good luck.

 

[Unwound G]

There were a lot of intelligent answers and suggestions from the posts.  I would recommend to save the neck even just for gaining experience.

Good points suggested were :-

1.   Pry open the crack.
2.   Using syringe to apply glue.
3.   Trussrod may also be affected by the glue.

Further, I will suggest using Franklin Titebond glue over any other types of glue.  This is a water-based wood glue that bonds wood to wood together that will become stronger than the wood itself.  The metal trussrod may get lesser chance of becoming bonded in the channel.  Also excess glue can be easily wiped off with tissue or rag when wet and clean up with plain water.

If you have wood clamps, use them.  If not, cut strips out of old bicycle tyre tubes and use them as lengthy rubber bands to bind up the neck.  If not, then lie the neck flat on the table with the fretboard facing down and pile books, magazines on top to weigh down on it.  Let the glue cure for a few days before stringing up.

I have done a lot of repairs like this with more positive results than negative and the guitars range from Gibsons, Fenders, Gretsches, Squiers, Nationals to El Cheapos.

Try it and pat yourself on the back when it you run that metal slide down the fretboard.

 

[Alfang]

I agree with zogoibi, and unwound,  it won't hurt to try some thin glue and clamp it real good for a while, try to keep the glue out of the truss rod area, and don't glue the clamps to the fretboard.

It's a hondo, this is the perfect guitar to practice doing work on, after you fix the crack, do a good setup on it, paint it, jam it through your amp

 

[TomPerverteau]

A bit off topic, but that is the first photo of a Hondo I have seen in decades!

 

[Dan025]

try to fix it cuz, why not? it is already no good you can't break it more. but also have a plan B. measure the neck pocket and it's relationship to the bridge saddles. maybe you can get a replacment.

try to get an idea of weather it is warped badly. i've seen necks that people try adjusting many times and never get right. but what they didn't know when they  started was that it was twisted or S shaped down it's lengeth.

this is where you need a strait edge and not just a string under tension. see if the fret board is more or less strait from the last fret to about the 4th fret. if it's not and you can't get it that way then it may be a wait of time. once it is strait from the the 4th up then see if there is releife from the 1st up as there should be if it is only the fret board that is warped.

you may be able to get it pretty good with a spray paint re finnish and a fret level and dress after you glue it.

 

[MUYFUE]

try to fix it cuz, why not? it is already no good you can't break it more.

That made my day!  :laughing7: :laughing3: :laughing11: :hello2: :laughing8: :icon_tongue: ccasion14: :guitaristgif: :blob7: :headbang:

For real, give it a shot, and see how it goes. If it sucks, so what! It was already broke. N.

 

[DangerousR6]

A bit off topic, but that is the first photo of a Hondo I have seen in decades!

I thought the same thing, haven't seen a hondo since the early '80's.... :icon_biggrin:

 

[Wana_make_a_guitar]

A bit off topic, but that is the first photo of a Hondo I have seen in decades!

I thought the same thing, haven't seen a hondo since the early '80's.... :icon_biggrin:

I have a hondo acoustic 

 

[-CB-]

I rode a Hondo CB550f back in the mid-70's.  Fast bike, but never stayed in tune......

 

[TomPerverteau]

If the body is made of a good material it would be worth slapping a nice Warmoth neck on!

But I agree that there is much to be learned by working on the original neck.