Best glue for broken headstock?

islander53 · #1 06-08-2018, 08:42 PM

I broke "Molly"s neck.

She's a Seagull, and this is what happens when you're too lazy to get the guitar stand out of the gig bag at home.

I've Googled and see people saying Gorilla Glue, Hot Hide, Titebond, and even regular old white glue/wood glue.

So what really works? Does it matter? Will any of the above do the job well?

charles Tauber · #2 06-08-2018, 09:06 PM

I suggest titebond. Don’t use gorilla glue on it.

mirwa · #3 06-08-2018, 09:46 PM

You can see its been previously repaired as well.

Titebond is as Charles mentioned good for this application.

Looking at the grain tear out, would not surprise me that you may need splines fitted to it as well.

Steve

jonfields45 · #4 06-09-2018, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirwa

You can see its been previously repaired as well

Could you be referring to the factory splice?

zeeway · #5 06-09-2018, 05:13 AM

Yep, Titebond original and clamp 24 hours. Wipe glue squeeze out with damp cloth. This will also make you remember to always put guitar on stand or back in its case.

islander53 · #6 06-09-2018, 05:27 AM

Thanks everyone. I'll get some Titebond, as it seems to be recommended the most. This will be my first repair of this kind, so hopefully it will go well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirwa

You can see its been previously repaired as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonfields45

Could you be referring to the factory splice?

Steve is correct (good eye!). It was broken when the previous owner had it, too. He did a very good repair, apparently, since it didn't break in the same spot.

islander53 · #7 06-09-2018, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeeway

...This will also make you remember to always put guitar on stand or back in its case.

My hand is duly slapped. ...Believe me, ever since this happened my other Seagull has been put on the stand or in the case EVERY time.

LeightonBankes · #8 06-09-2018, 07:59 AM

Gorilla wood glue (not the original stuff that foams) is the same as type 3 titebond

islander53 · #9 06-09-2018, 08:18 AM

ugh... Titebond isn't available anywhere in my area.

Wozer · #10 06-09-2018, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeightonBankes

Gorilla wood glue (not the original stuff that foams) is the same as type 3 titebond

and TIII is junk unless you are going to heat it to around 210* so it fully hardens...

Elmer's carpenters glue would be a fine thing to use as opposed to Titebond original...

charles Tauber · #11 06-09-2018, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islander53

ugh... Titebond isn't available anywhere in my area.

Titebond is an aliphatic resin glue. They were first to market it. Since then there are a variety of other companies selling, effectively, the same stuff. Elmer's Carpenter Glue is one, LePage Pro Carpenter Glue is another. Gorilla also sells one that is not their original polyurethane (expanding) glue.

You'll need to remove the tuning machines to perform the repair. If the head/neck is in two pieces, you'll need a "special" clamping arrangement to keep the two sloping parts from sliding past each other once the glue is applied. The the head is still attached to the neck, and you can squeeze glue into the hinged parts, the clamping will be much simpler.

islander53 · #12 06-09-2018, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

Titebond is an aliphatic resin glue. They were first to market it. Since then there are a variety of other companies selling, effectively, the same stuff. Elmer's Carpenter Glue is one, LePage Pro Carpenter Glue is another. Gorilla also sells one that is not their original polyurethane (expanding) glue.

You'll need to remove the tuning machines to perform the repair. If the head/neck is in two pieces, you'll need a "special" clamping arrangement to keep the two sloping parts from sliding past each other once the glue is applied. The the head is still attached to the neck, and you can squeeze glue into the hinged parts, the clamping will be much simpler.

Good to know - on both counts! Thanks!

mirwa · #13 06-20-2018, 06:29 PM

Have you finished the job?

This one needed splines, came in last week, goes out this morning, what takes the longest is the paint work, simple titebond glue.

1 Broken,
2 Glued and splined
3 Strung up for a day
4 Paint work
5 Back side shaded a little darker
6 Front side up close of the break

Steve

Jcamp · #14 06-20-2018, 07:51 PM

I’d think Titebond would b the best. Supposedly wood will break before the glue joint will. As far as getting it it’s made in Ohio I believe so it’s pretty close to Canada. Can u order some off amazon?

charles Tauber · #15 06-20-2018, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcamp

I’d think Titebond would b the best. Supposedly wood will break before the glue joint will. As far as getting it it’s made in Ohio I believe so it’s pretty close to Canada. Can u order some off amazon?

It’s sold in a variety of Canadian stores, including Lee valley. Regardless, as I mentioned previously, there are equal alternatives also available in Canada.