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Old 04-26-2015, 07:00 AM
B. Howard B. Howard is offline
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Default Opening the box

Sometimes what looks like more work up front is really the easiest and best approach to a repair. Repairing a single broken brace through the soundhole makes sense, but what about 3 or 4? What about repairs that are very difficult to reach in the lower bout? At a certain point it really just makes more sense from a time involved perspective as well as a quality of repair one to just open it up. Of course this presents some new problems. Bindings to deal with, getting the back realigned, etc. But like anything else, with proper tools, jigging and a well planned repair process it actually goes rather well.

This link is to my latest blog entry where I detail the repairs of Guild D-30 that was stepped on and partially repaired by someone else. I show my methods for opening and reclosing a soundbox as well as the actual repairs to the bracing etc. Enjoy.

http://howardguitars.blogspot.com/20...r-repairs.html
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Old 04-26-2015, 08:06 AM
Tom West Tom West is offline
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Brian: Nice repair. Looks like this one was rode hard and put away wet. Your jig for side alignment was interesting and certainly must ease the job of getting the back on in correct alignment. Have added your blog to my favorites and will venture in later and hopefully it will be as informative as this repair. Thanks.
Tom
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Old 04-26-2015, 01:56 PM
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rogthefrog rogthefrog is offline
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That was a fun read. Thanka for sharing.
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Old 04-26-2015, 03:12 PM
Sam VanLaningham Sam VanLaningham is offline
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Brian. Thanks so much! I plan on opening up my guild JF30 to rebrace (I messed it up shaving too much wood). Your methods are totally inspirational. I'm almost tempted to stet today!!!! Cool.

Sam
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Old 04-26-2015, 03:47 PM
printer2 printer2 is offline
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Going to have to call you 'have heat gun and spatula will travel'.
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Old 04-27-2015, 05:50 AM
B. Howard B. Howard is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by printer2 View Post
Going to have to call you 'have heat gun and spatula will travel'.
Yes they can be two of my favorite tools at times. Plus the heat gun is good for keeping my coffee warm while i work.......
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Old 04-27-2015, 09:04 AM
redir redir is offline
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That looks great Brian. You make it look easy. Fortunately for me I have long skinny monkey arms and can reach way back inside guitars. But sometimes it just makes sense to take off the back. When I've done this in the past I would make a mold to keep the back aligned and use wedges if necessary to form fit it as close as possible but that jig, Franks jig, is quite clever.
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Old 04-27-2015, 09:38 AM
Halcyon/Tinker Halcyon/Tinker is offline
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That's awesome! I often think that repair is harder than building...
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Old 04-27-2015, 10:21 AM
John Arnold John Arnold is offline
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Quote:
I often think that repair is harder than building...
I have done plenty of both, and repair can definitely be harder than building. The most challenging is to undo bad previous repairs.
I also believe that repair experience makes you a better builder.
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Old 04-27-2015, 10:35 AM
Ned Milburn Ned Milburn is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Arnold View Post
I also believe that repair experience makes you a better builder.
Agreed! One thing I appreciate a great deal is learning from other builders' design flaws, to ensure I don't do the same thing on mine!

"If it works, use it! If it doesn't, don't!" ;-)
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  #11  
Old 04-27-2015, 04:57 PM
repete repete is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Arnold View Post
The most challenging is to undo bad previous repairs.
That statement had held true in EVERY craft I have been involved in!

-r
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