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Harmony H162 major repair project is finished - How did it turn out?
So I wanted to try a neck reset……
I purchased a Harmony H162 for $35 in rough shape to practice major repairs on and recently finished the project. Overall I’m happy with how it turned out and I learned a ton along the way. It plays nicely and actually sounds really good. Here is a list of problems/repairs needed: -Bridge lifting and cracked -Multiple large cracks on back and soundboard -Loose and broken braces on both top and bottom -Heel separation and bad neck angle -Dent/crack on bottom side near the end pin -Broken and bent tuners -Thick goopy finish sprayed over entire guitar - including the fingerboard and frets! Things that went well: -Crack clamping and cleating -Dent repair on the side. I made a tuner clamp to pull the cleat up against the inside and flatten the dent while gluing. -Fingerboard sanding and radius, dot inlay replacement -My first ever re-fret -Tuner replacement Things that didn’t go so well: -Fingerboard removal. This was much more difficult than I thought it would be. The glue was very stubborn and I made a bit of a mess of the soundboard under the extension and also took a couple gouges out of the neck. This step wasn’t necessary but I wanted to try removing the fingerboard just to do it for practice and I also wanted to re-glue the steel neck reinforcement bar. -Dovetail fitting. This was my first time working with a dovetail joint and it proved tricky to get get it reshaped and shimmed correctly so that the heel was solidly in the pocket and did not move. I eventually got there but it took me a long time. I ended up sanding the back, sides and entire neck down to bare wood and then stained and refinished them. Again, not necessary but did it for the experience. I slightly reshaped the neck while I was at it. I sanded some of the overspray off the top but then left it alone. I re-finished the back, sides and neck with Tru-Oil. I was disappointed I couldn't salvage the original pickguard, it basically disintegrated so I ended up buying a thick D45 shaped pickguard and did what I could to cut it down to a similar shape as the original. I posted several threads in this forum soliciting advice along the way and want to say thanks for all the great comments and willingness to help! I already have 2 more Harmony guitars waiting for neck resets, I’m looking forward to it. Before and after Pictures: |
#2
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Looks good!
In my grade 7 shop class there was a sign, "Learn by Doing" . You have succeeded. |
#3
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Nicely done!
Bob
__________________
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#4
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Nice work, it looks great!
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#5
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Love it... That must have been very satisfying.
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