1962 00-21. FINISHED
Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 6:53 pm
I've started work on a 1962 Martin 00-21. This girl was sent to me for evaluation. She's actually in good shape, but there are issues that need to be addressed:
1. Long crack in the BRW, left side, lower bout.
2. 3 cracks in the top, lower bout, left side
3. Neck Reset.
4. Binding reglue.
This lady has all original finish, which I want to protect as much as possible. I really need to make an insulated guitar blanket to throw over the guitars as I steam the neck. This piece of 1/8" dense, yet flexible foam did the job for today.
First I loosened the fretboard with a heating blanket, then I steamed the neck pocket. The neck came off easily.
Then I addresses the cracks. The crack in the side appeared to have already been glued, but without further stability, the crack continued toward the tail. It's 10" long. I evened up the wood and used ca glue on the crack. I made 5 thin struts out of scrap BTW, which I installed evenly along the crack, starting at each end of the crack. That should arrest further cracking in perpetuity.
I had 3 top cracks to deal with. I installed cleats along the cracks, to arrest further problems.
Tomorrow, I'll clean up the finish, fix a small area where the binding has detached, and reset the neck.
1. Long crack in the BRW, left side, lower bout.
2. 3 cracks in the top, lower bout, left side
3. Neck Reset.
4. Binding reglue.
This lady has all original finish, which I want to protect as much as possible. I really need to make an insulated guitar blanket to throw over the guitars as I steam the neck. This piece of 1/8" dense, yet flexible foam did the job for today.
First I loosened the fretboard with a heating blanket, then I steamed the neck pocket. The neck came off easily.
Then I addresses the cracks. The crack in the side appeared to have already been glued, but without further stability, the crack continued toward the tail. It's 10" long. I evened up the wood and used ca glue on the crack. I made 5 thin struts out of scrap BTW, which I installed evenly along the crack, starting at each end of the crack. That should arrest further cracking in perpetuity.
I had 3 top cracks to deal with. I installed cleats along the cracks, to arrest further problems.
Tomorrow, I'll clean up the finish, fix a small area where the binding has detached, and reset the neck.