Thrashed the top of my guitar

Hurricane Bob · #1 01-12-2018, 10:42 AM

When pulling my guitar case off the workbench by the handle it opened, the guitar flew out and took multiple dents from the latches and hit the ground. Luckily there isn't any structural damage, could have been worse. All the fresh dents are white, there are lots of old dents as well. Is there anything to be done? I am so mad at myself right now for being in a rush

Mystery123 · #2 01-12-2018, 10:46 AM

If no structural damage (how did you check? Braces? Cracks?), just be careful next time.
That's how all those other dings are made.
Shows history.

#3 01-12-2018, 10:50 AM

Ignore it. I don't see anything there that changes the value or utility. In fact, only you would pick out the new from the old if this guitar was hanging in a vintage instrument shop.

(Just one more advantage to worn vintage instruments...a couple more dings don't matter.)

urobouros · #4 01-12-2018, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystery123

If no structural damage (how did you check? Braces? Cracks?), just be careful next time.
That's how all those other dings are made.
Shows history.

**** right! Battle scars aren't only earned on stage

It's the first kiss that always stings the most but they're all part of the story you tell while when showing it off.

redir · #5 01-12-2018, 10:52 AM

Aw bummer man. It's such a common occurrence. I know you don't want to be lectured at this moment but for others sake reading this, two things I learned to either never do or always do. One, don't ever put anything on the roof of your car lest you drive away and forgot it was there and two, always always always latch at least one latch on the case even if you think you are putting it down for a second.

Zigeuner · #6 01-12-2018, 10:58 AM

Gee, that's terrible. If you send that guitar to me, I'll dispose of it for you. You pay shipping, however.

More seriously, anyone who tells you that they never had the case lid drop unexpectedly is not being forthcoming.

Don't look at the dents, play it!

Mystery123 · #7 01-12-2018, 11:00 AM

I had this happen just yesterday.
I didn't realize my kids had opened the polyfoam case zippers all the way around and I thought it was zipped.
I picked it up and I had the case in my hand and guitar on the floor.
Luckily, it happened in living room where I have thick carpet so nothing happened except a chill going up my spine.

Hurricane Bob · #8 01-12-2018, 11:12 AM

Had just changed out the sponge/bag in the sound hole and only latched one latch, the rest was sheer horror, mayhem, and disbelief. I was in a rush and wasn't taking my time. Should I use guitar polish and then a black sharpie? some of the dents are deep...

Earl49 · #9 01-12-2018, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurricane Bob

Should I use guitar polish and then a black sharpie? some of the dents are deep...

Anything you do to "fix" it is likely to make things worse. For example, a black Sharpie has ink that will reflect differently than the current stain and finish. Just accept the extra battle scars and move on.

lowrider · #10 01-12-2018, 11:17 AM

Guessing that that's the Gibson, it's a shame but it is what it is now. I don't think I'd try to touch it up, it usually only makes things worse. Just clean and polish it and keep on playing.

Mystery123 · #11 01-12-2018, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurricane Bob

Had just changed out the sponge/bag in the sound hole and only latched one latch, the rest was sheer horror, mayhem, and disbelief. I was in a rush and wasn't taking my time. Should I use guitar polish and then a black sharpie? some of the dents are deep...

Never.
Black sharpie is not even black.
I had black speaker finish messed up and I tried black sharpie.
It looked fine then but soon after it had purple hue and could easily be seen when light reflected on it.

vindibona1 · #12 01-12-2018, 11:35 AM

Is that why they call you "Hurricane" Bob?

Hurricane Bob · #13 01-12-2018, 11:37 AM

OK, I will leave it be and caulk it up to the "case lid drop syndrome". Kind of reminds me of the time I drove over my tool box after working on my car, now that was a mess

stephenT · #14 01-12-2018, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurricane Bob

Is there anything to be done?

Yes, though it's not perfect but it's the best way other than refinish (don't!!!). Those white marks are crushed lacquer finish. if you can find spray Watco satin spray nitro lacquer ($10 at Lowes), spray some in a cap, use a small artist brush and carefully trace the scratches one at a time. The solvent in the spray lacquer will melt the lacquer in the scratch and reduce or eliminate the white-ish look.

rokdog49 · #15 01-12-2018, 11:54 AM

You could get the entire top restored for under $500 at Lays Music in Akron.
Yes, under $500. That's what I was told.