Top crack and loose brace.....which one first?

Even if it ain't broke you can still fix it.
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Legolas
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:43 pm

Top crack and loose brace.....which one first?

Post by Legolas »

I have a Martin Dread with a structural crack that occurred
when it was shipped to me. I'm trying to do the repair
myself. The crack goes through the top and is 6" long. It's
located about an inch above the sound hole (if you're
holding the guitar ready to play). The impact also caused
one of the legs of the X to become loose.

First question is: Do I glue the leg of the X or massage
glue into the 6" crack first? Does the order matter?

Also, I plan on using fish glue to re-attach the leg of the X
which I think is just fine; but for the crack do I use Titebond
or something else?

Thanks!
Last edited by Legolas on Thu Dec 26, 2013 10:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
tippie53
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Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
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Re: Top crack and loose brace.....which one first?

Post by tippie53 »

crack first then the brace I would use the fish glue on the crack if it is tight . also if you need to apply a small diamond cleat
have at it and post pics
john
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Legolas
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:43 pm

Re: Top crack and loose brace.....which one first?

Post by Legolas »

tippie53 wrote:crack first then the brace I would use the fish glue on the crack if it is tight . also if you need to apply a small diamond cleat
have at it and post pics
john
Thanks John! So, where do i put the cleats? At both ends
of the crack and one on the middle? The crack is pretty tight and
there's no big hole or gouge.
tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
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Re: Top crack and loose brace.....which one first?

Post by tippie53 »

make a diamond shaped cleat. use spruce 1/2 in wide 3/4 in long .100 thick and glue about in the middle from the brace to the end. That should hold it.
tape the ends of the cleat so it look pyramid
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Legolas
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:43 pm

Re: Top crack and loose brace.....which one first?

Post by Legolas »

tippie53 wrote:make a diamond shaped cleat. use spruce 1/2 in wide 3/4 in long .100 thick and glue about in the middle from the brace to the end. That should hold it.
taper the ends of the cleat so it look pyramid
Okay, great!
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