Is this an expensive repair? (GS Mini crack)

[AmericanEagle]

I've been wanting a Taylor GS Mini mahogany for a year now,
but cannot afford one ($500 new, $400 used).
I just saw this ad for a cheap one, but it has a large crack.
Can someone please tell me about how much a luthier in Mass
may charge to repair this?
Thank you.


http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/msg/4958136627.html

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by AmericanEagle

I've been wanting a Taylor GS Mini mahogany for a year now,
but cannot afford one ($500 new, $400 used).
I just saw this ad for a cheap one, but it has a large crack.
Can someone please tell me about how much a luthier in Mass
may charge to repair this?
Thank you.


http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/msg/4958136627.html

This is one of the most common soundboard cracks on steel string guitars. Repair will cost you anywhere from $25-$100, depending who does it for you. It is very DIY-able. The top may have separated slightly near the crack on the underlying braces.

[AmericanEagle]

Originally Posted by Ned Milburn

This is one of the most common soundboard cracks on steel string guitars. Repair will cost you anywhere from $25-$100, depending who does it for you. It is very DIY-able. The top may have separated slightly near the crack on the underlying braces.

Thank you.
I just got a quote from a local luthier for $100
after seeing the photos.
He said his guess is the guitar dried-out.

If I did it myself, how would I fix it?
Do I need to rehumidify it first, to close-up
the crack a bit?
What glue do I use?
How do I clamp it?

[Sam VanLaningham]

Originally Posted by AmericanEagle

Thank you.
I just got a quote from a local luthier for $100
after seeing the photos.
He said his guess is the guitar dried-out.

If I did it myself, how would I fix it?
Do I need to rehumidify it first, to close-up
the crack a bit?
What glue do I use?
How do I clamp it?

This is actually a somewhat common problem with gs minis. I had one that did almost same except the joint only separated without the splaying crack that yours has. Anyways, I think they bust loose because there are no tone bar braces to support that area of the top on these gs minis.

[MikeRGR]

Hey AE

If the crack was caused by lack of humidity, you dont know what other problems may be there, also caused by lack of humidity, sharp frett ends etc

[repete]

Buy it.

Rehydrate it.

Have it fixed in July-August when the humidity is high and the crack will be closed up as best as it can.

-r

[AmericanEagle]

Originally Posted by MikeRGR

Hey AE

If the crack was caused by lack of humidity, you dont know what other problems may be there, also caused by lack of humidity, sharp fret ends etc

I've received some more info from the seller:

"I'm the original owner, I bought it in late 2013 from GuitarCenter and have been playing it since then. I think it might because it accidentally hit the corner of a desk 2 months ago. I didn't see the crack at the beginning because I don’t really pay attention to the body when playing it but found the crack about a month ago. I attached two pics for your reference. Let me know if you need more info."

[AmericanEagle]

Originally Posted by repete

Buy it.

Rehydrate it.

Have it fixed in July-August when the humidity is high and the crack will be closed up as best as it can.

-r

What do you think a fair price would be for this?

Thanks

[Ned Milburn]

If you could get it for 200, sound good to me.

The crack on top is not from impact. It is a dryness crack.

You can DIY with carpenter's glue (good quality) mixed with some sawdust if desired to help color it similar to the wood an stain color. I often mix titebond II and III and sawdust for this job. It creates a good cement that is close to waterproof. Glue or the mix get massaged into the crack just enough to ensure small beads push out evenly on the inside of the guitar (use a mirror).

On the underside, you'd want to add some cleats every inch or inch and a half. (Small, grain lengthwise "stitches" which are glued across the crack - about 8-10mm x 4mm wide - 2mm tall is fine)

Lifting braces will need a syringe for inserting a slightly (10-15%) watered down glue then clamped (there is a way to do this with popsicle sticks and books for weights if you don't have c-clamps.

I would not overhumidify before the repair. I'd just make sure the guitar is at comfortable humidity (55-60% RH IMO). If you OVER humidify trying to close the crack fully for the repair, the same pressure will try to pull another crack in the top once the humidity drops back to normal comfortable.

[AmericanEagle]

So, this is a good investment then?

I had one luthier tell me to not get it.

I need to decide this weekend either way.

Thanks

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by AmericanEagle

So, this is a good investment then?

I had one luthier tell me to not get it.

I need to decide this weekend either way.

Thanks

I wouldn't let the matter be a deal-breaker, but you can see how close to 200 the seller will go. Remember, if you pay to have it fixed, it adds 100 bucks.

Only you can judge if it is worth it.

[AmericanEagle]

Does someone out there have a thin strip of mahogany wood,
that I could use to glue on the underside of the guitar, if I get it
and fix it?

thank you

[Aubade Acoustics]

Most millwork shops or woodworking shops would probably have some mahogany scraps. If not I would be glad to send a piece to you N/C You pay shipping from Louisiana.

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by AmericanEagle

Does someone out there have a thin strip of mahogany wood,
that I could use to glue on the underside of the guitar, if I get it
and fix it?

thank you

You don't need to glue mahogany inside for the repair. Well, mahogany would be fine for the cleats, but spruce is fine too.

[AmericanEagle]

Originally Posted by Aubade Acoustics

Most millwork shops or woodworking shops would probably have some mahogany scraps. If not I would be glad to send a piece to you N/C You pay shipping from Louisiana.

that would be great, thank you

I've been to Louisiana 3 times for work,
but up North in Lake Providence. Drove
from Vicksburg Miss each day, thru Tallulah,
then Transylvania (smallest town I've ever been in!).