My handmade Larrivee got a crack in it.

[webdesigner]

Hi everyone,

Someone put a big crack in my handmade Larrivee acoustic guitar. This guitar has sentimental value to be because it was given to me.

I am currently getting the crack repaired by having a cleat put in. However, I am wondering if I should have the obsess filled and wood finished.

What would you do if you were in my shoes? I tend to obsess over this sort of thing. LOL

https://imgur.com/l8bjaZR


https://imgur.com/rjhbbV7

[Slimt]

Are there any pieces inside?

[webdesigner]

Originally Posted by Slimt

Are there any pieces inside?

The guitar repair guy told me yes, there are some.

[guitar12]

If it were me I would get the hole patched and refinished. Sure, it will cost you but since you said that you would obsess about it (I would too) and that the guitar has sentimental value you'll feel better in the end.

Rob

[webdesigner]

Originally Posted by guitar12

If it were me I would get the hole patched and refinished. Sure, it will cost you but since you said that you would obsess about it (I would too) and that the guitar has sentimental value you'll feel better in the end.

Rob

I was told it might cost me around $200. He said it's a really difficult to get it the way it should look.

Can any professional guitar shop do work like this?

[gmel555]

More of a gouge than a crack...? Still, I agree it's wise to cleat both ends & middle(?) so a crack doesn't develop/migrate out from it. Cosmetically if it were me I'd get it filled. I'd rather see the fill than the hole. Be strong, you can get past this!
PS: Once it's cleated, a furniture repair/wood worker might do a better job on a patch than a tech.

[619TF]

Originally Posted by webdesigner

What would you do if you were in my shoes?

I'd likely murder the person who put the crack in my guitar!

[Slimt]

There are luthiers our there with great skills. Ive it before. There are some that know there craft well

[JERZEY]

I would send it back. Its not a crack its a canyon. Its never going to look right. If you ever decide to sell it that canyon is going to hit you in your wallet. I expect in my area that the repair would cost 400-600$ and it will still never look right.

[rllink]

How did that happen? I would get it fixed the best I could and then it is what it is. It might show if someone knew it was there, but I'll bet it won't look obvious.

[rampix]

Since it has sentimental value to you I would get it cleated and filled. It may come out better than you think if all the pieces are inside. Not invisible but it looks like it’s on the lower side. If so, you won’t see it while you’re playing it and no one in the audience will see it either.

As for obsessing over it, try to look at it as a tool to make music more than an objet d’art. The battle scar won’t affect its ability to make beautiful music. And for years to come there will be a story to tell along with the music.

[Chickee]

It looks more like a puncture than a crack! Have it filled and forget about it. It just adds to the guitars story. Its not the Mona Lisa, its a guitar.
frank d.

[Godfather]

It looks like some sort of a puncture from something heavy or sharp falling on it or the guitar being dropped or knocked over on to something sharp enough to punch that hole in the wood.
Cleating should stabilize it enough to keep from splitting the wood further. I would have it cleated and fuggaboutit…. play the snot out of it and not worry about getting the “first” ding or scratch, thats behind you now.

[619TF]

Originally Posted by JERZEY

I would send it back. Its not a crack its a canyon. Its never going to look right. If you ever decide to sell it that canyon is going to hit you in your wallet. I expect in my area that the repair would cost 400-600$ and it will still never look right.

Send it back to who?

[mcduffnw]

Before the repair person you chose does too much to it, I would have him stop, and I would call Larrivee Guitars and talk with them, send them the pictures and see who they would suggest to do the work. They might do the work themselves which would be awesome...or...they would recommend someone they know and trust to do the work right.

And yes, you should have it fully repaired and filled in. It is a great guitar and it deserves the best repair/restoration you can have done to it.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher