Repairing a Broken Guitar Neck (The Stronger Way)
- Gluing and Clamping. This is the easiest step right here. Clean up all of your exposed surfaces with your weird metal pick thing.
- Routing the Reinforcement Channels (Pt. 1) So on its own, this neck'll probably snap like a twig the second you try and tune it. ...
- Making the Reinforcement Blocks (Pt. 1) First thing to do with making the reinforcement blocks is to make a template. ...
- Routing the Reinforcement Channels (Pt. 2) Now we have a rough neck shape, it's time to take ol' routie the router to it again! ...
- Making the Reinforcement Blocks (Pt. 2) Same again, run your nail round a post-it and cut out a block to suit. ...
- Painting It Up. Fortunately, even though I used different woods, I could still do an invisible repair on this guitar on account of the finish being solid-colour.
- Bonus Step: Nut Upgrade
What to do if you break your guitar's neck?
What can you do with a broken guitar?
- Create A Guitar Planter. Take a saw, slice through the middle of the guitar vertically so that you cut alongside the neck. ...
- Build A Bird House. ...
- Build A Doll House. ...
- Make A Place To Hang Your coat. ...
- Use It As A Speaker.
How to tell if my guitar needs a neck reset?
Your guitar might need a neck adjustment if:
- Certain notes are “choking out”, or not ringing clearly
- You can hear a metallic buzz coming from the frets
- The string “action” (distance from string to fret) has increased
- The guitar has moved climates (for example, from high to low humidity)
- Putting a capo on the guitar causes buzzing
- The guitar feels tight, and bending strings is difficult.
How much does it cost to replace a guitar neck?
How much does it cost to replace a guitar neck? Generally speaking, a neck reset on an acoustic guitar can cost between $250-700. Any less than that, and you’re getting a very good deal. Any more than that, and you’re likely shelling out to one of the pricier luthiers out there.
How do you repair a cracked guitar neck?
Step 2: Tools and Supplies
- Clamps - I like the clamp type shown. I think screw clamps encourage people to really crank it down and damage the finish. ...
- Glue - No magic glue. White glue is stronger than the wood. ...
- Water - for cleanup
- Paper towels - Lot's O Lot's.
- Little artist paint brush - you could use a large brush if you wanted. Size doesn't matter much here.
Can a broken neck on a guitar be fixed?
Almost anything is repairable. Here are the immediate steps to take. If the headstock is still attached to the neck (the headstock veneer often keeps it attached), gently - very, very gently - slacken off the strings. Pop it in it's case and get yourself to a good repair guy.
What is the best glue to repair a guitar neck?
Hot hide glue or simply “hide glue” has been famous for being the luthiers choice in both guitars and violin family instruments for centuries. It dries very hard and is not susceptible to thermal plastic creep like many of the modern PVA glues.
How do you fix a guitar neck joint?
0:416:10How to reinforce a loose neck joint for better tone and sustain, guitar or bassYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFit I used my Dremel on the lowest setting for this but it can be done with basic wood files orMoreFit I used my Dremel on the lowest setting for this but it can be done with basic wood files or sandpaper.
How do you fix a cracked acoustic guitar neck?
3:016:24Easy Guitar Neck Crack Repair with Super Glue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's got one little area that it feels a little. High. Once it's clamped everything lines up prettyMoreIt's got one little area that it feels a little. High. Once it's clamped everything lines up pretty good. Probably just do a little they're getting a CA touch-up. As far as the finish is concerned.
Can you use super glue on guitars?
Super glue, surprisingly, is also used on acoustic guitar extensively. While super glue ranks right next to duct tape in the things-that-can-fix-anything-around-the-house category, it's also helpful for guitars.
How much does it cost to fix a guitar neck?
Generally speaking, a neck reset on an acoustic guitar can cost between $250-700. Any less than that, and you're getting a very good deal. Any more than that, and you're likely shelling out to one of the pricier luthiers out there. Video Player is loading.
Can you glue in a bolt on neck?
2:078:12is it possible to glue a previously bolted neck -Podcast 123 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to strip away any lacquer. That's on the glue gluing surface area you want to glue wood toMoreYou want to strip away any lacquer. That's on the glue gluing surface area you want to glue wood to wood not wood to lacquer.
How do you fix a broken headstock?
0:3612:25Repairing A Broken Headstock: Episode 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you don't want that this is just regular old gorilla wood glue but you can also use like tightenMoreAnd you don't want that this is just regular old gorilla wood glue but you can also use like tighten aligned or something I mean Elmer's wood glue whatever just wood glue.
What is a neck reset?
A guitar neck reset is done to adjust the angle at which the neck joins the instrument's body. To do this, the neck is removed, and the angle is modified in a way that it tilts back a little. A neck reset is a good way to save the guitar, and it will make the guitar play more comfortably.
Can you glue a broken guitar?
The key is to get good even distribution on both pieces. I like to use a small brush to get the glue in the cracks/crevices and get rid of excess glue. The goal is to get enough glue that everything inside is coated within the repair - but not so much that it's a total mess to clean up the outside.
Why is my guitar neck cracking?
3:095:41What Causes Neck Pocket Cracks? Sharpen My Axe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what I mean by that is the extremes either going hot to cold cold to hot dry to wet wet to dryMoreAnd what I mean by that is the extremes either going hot to cold cold to hot dry to wet wet to dry you get the idea. Those can cause the wood to expand.
How do I know if my guitar neck is broken?
If you can make it open up by wiggling the neck it's deeper than the finish. I would also look at the joint where the fretboard is attached to the body. If there's a crack at the point and you can flex the neck and see the crack grow larger/smaller, then you have an issue.
What is hot hide glue?
0:021:54Using hot hide glue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's the traditional glue for lutherie. And it's what all your old Gibson's and Martin's are heldMoreIt's the traditional glue for lutherie. And it's what all your old Gibson's and Martin's are held together with. When it hardens it's like crystal. So it transfers tone really well.
What kind of glue do you use on a guitar bridge?
Regluing and Clamping A Guitar Bridge We typically prefer Franklin's Titebond as our glue of choice: This common wood glue has a reasonably long working time before setting, is fairly easily removed if necessary, and it is easy to apply and cleanup. Hot hide glue is a traditional option.
What is aliphatic glue?
Aliphatic resin, also known as "carpenter's glue" and "yellow glue," is a synthetic adhesive (in this case, an aliphatic compound) with a light yellow color and creamy texture used most frequently to bond together pieces of wood.
What type of glue is Gorilla Wood Glue?
PVA glueGorilla Wood Glue, a PVA glue, offers the benefits of an easy-to use, water-based adhesive, with Gorilla strength. This PVA glue is incredibly water resistant and dries a natural color that offers an invisible bond line for your projects.
Step 1: Gluing and Clamping
This is the easiest step right here. Clean up all of your exposed surfaces with your weird metal pick thing. Get all the little bits of broken wood out of there that are going to interfere with the two halves fitting back together like a particularly good jigsaw. Next, you take your head and neck, and cover the surfaces with your wood glue.
Step 2: Routing the Reinforcement Channels (Pt. 1)
So on its own, this neck'll probably snap like a twig the second you try and tune it. I'm not going to test that, because I really can't be arsed to clean out all the glue and reattach it. What we really need is some wood that bridges the gap between the two pieces. The selector switch is probably the highest part of the guitar.
Step 3: Making the Reinforcement Blocks (Pt. 1)
First thing to do with making the reinforcement blocks is to make a template. Because of the unusual shape, the blocks can't just be whacked out with a saw, they've got to be shaped. Grab yourself a trusty post-it, then run your nail around the edge of the rout. Cut this out with some scissors, then check it fits properly.
Step 4: Routing the Reinforcement Channels (Pt. 2)
Now we have a rough neck shape, it's time to take ol' routie the router to it again! I mean, you could leave this step out, but it's even stronger still if you do this. What we're going to do is make a shallow rout (not as deep as the truss rod) across the whole back of the neck. The same principles apply as before, no corners and all that.
Step 5: Making the Reinforcement Blocks (Pt. 2)
Same again, run your nail round a post-it and cut out a block to suit. This one matters a lot more in terms of fit, as it's going to be the one that's actually seen as well as a benefit to strength. It also allows you to add a volute if you want one, further increasing strength and looking pretty nice in the process. Rasp your new block to shape.
Step 6: Painting It Up
Fortunately, even though I used different woods, I could still do an invisible repair on this guitar on account of the finish being solid-colour. Unfortunately, it's Epiphone's Pelham Blue. This meant I couldn't find it in poly anywhere, and it's noticeably lighter than other Pelhams.
Step 7: Bonus Step: Nut Upgrade
Now if your guitar is on the cheaper end, it's worth taking the time to upgrade your nut. A bone nut will only set you back about a fiver, and it's worth every penny. Only issue is, if you've got cream binding the chances are it won't match.
Step 2: Assessing the Damage
First of all get rid of the strings, you want no tension on the neck at all.
Step 3: Tap Off the Nut and Remove
First remove the truss rod cover with your screwdriver and release tension on the truss rod with your Allen key.
Step 4: Block, Glue and Clamp
So for this stage I used a block of scrap wood (sapele if your interested) and cut a rough neck profile in on the bandsaw.
Step 5: Done
At this point you can put the nut back in place with a small drop of superglue, reattach the truss rod cover and string the guitar back up.
Can A Broken Neck On A Guitar Be Fixed?
Yes. A guitar neck can be repaired, but it depends on what happened and how much damage was done to the guitar. Generally speaking, if the break is clean and straight or “shattered”, then there is a chance that it can be fixed.
Can A Broken Acoustic Guitar Neck Be Fixed?
As long as it is a clean break, a broken acoustic guitar neck can be fixed by using some wood glue, some clamps to hold it in place so the glue can dry and a piece of hardwood to use as a block. The wood glue and the clamps will help to strengthen the damaged area so that the guitar neck will not completely break.
Common Ways Guitar Necks Get Broken
The headstock is the top of the neck where you attach your tuning keys. It’s pretty common for the headstock to be broken from accidentally dropping it on a hard surface. this can happen to both acoustic and electric guitars.
Replacing A Broken Guitar Neck
There may be instances where a repair is not feasible and you need to replace the neck instead. In some cases, a repair may be possible, but the cost of doing so is more than the price of a new neck.
Acoustic Guitar Neck Replacement Cost
Acoustic guitar necks can be very expensive and most of the time, the cost of replacing a guitar neck is more than the price of a new acoustic guitar.
Electric Guitar Neck Replacement Cost
The cost to replace an electric guitar neck depends on what type of replacement neck you want. If you want the same brand as the one you had, then it’s going to cost more.
Important Guitar Neck Repair Points
Guitar neck repairs can be challenging and it’s important to take your time with the repairs. Many repairs are completed without any major issues, but like with any repair, there is always a chance of something unforeseen happening during the repair.
How to fix a broken neck on a guitar?
My guitar neck is broken. What do I do? 1 If the headstock is still attached to the neck (the headstock veneer often keeps it attached), gently - very, very gently - slacken off the strings. Pop it in it's case and get yourself to a good repair guy. 2 If the headstock is just cracked, do the same - slacken off and get it repaired. 3 If the headstock is completely detached, carefully wrap it up in something (a bag, newspaper, etc.) and try not to knock, damage or disturb those jagged splinters of wood poking out. 4 Don't try to fit the headstock back to the neck as the joint should usually be examined and cleared of any misaligned splinters or loose timber before this is attempted. 5 Check for any splinters that have come loose and if you find any, pop them in a bag - they'll help complete the jigsaw and assist in getting a good, clean repair.
What to do if you break a guitar neck?
If you do manage to break or crack your guitar's neck or peghead, don't panic. Almost anything is repairable. Here are the immediate steps to take. If the headstock is still attached to the neck (the headstock veneer often keeps it attached), gently - very, very gently - slacken off the strings. Pop it in it's case and get yourself ...
What to do if your headstock is cracked?
If the headstock is just cracked, do the same - slacken off and get it repaired. If the headstock is completely detached, carefully wrap it up in something (a bag, newspaper, etc.) and try not to knock, damage or disturb those jagged splinters of wood poking out.
Why is my guitar's headstock angled back?
On any guitar with an angled-back headstock, the area where it angles is naturally weak. This is because of a number of factors but primarily to do with the timber's grain direction and the fact that the area is pretty thin - the thinnest part of the neck. Add to this the fact that many instruments have a truss-rod access channel here, ...
What is the best case for a guitar?
A good-fitting, hard case will protect your guitar from most things. If you wanted to be a bit anally-retentive about it, you could slacken the strings off before stowing your guitar but that's probably overkill for most people (although you should definitely do so if you ever have to ship your guitar anywhere).
Can a broken neck be reinforced?
Some, however, require a bit more effort. 'Short' breaks across the neck or the headstock that allow very little 'glueing' surface will often need to be reinforced.
Can you get your guitar neck repaired?
Protect your guitar and you might never have to get its neck repaired. If the worst happens though, don't panic - things can be put right again. Make sure you trust whoever is repairing the broken neck though - the only thing worse than having to get your neck repaired is having to get it done twice.