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
- Apply the glue along the length of the crack. ...
- Wipe off the excess glue with the damp cloth. ...
- Place the wax paper over the glued crack. ...
- Place the guitar neck support caul, like this one, on top of wax paper.
- Clamp the caul down to hold the join in place.
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.

How do you fix a cracked neck?
0:2014:21How to Fix a Snapping and Popping Neck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is known as gua shot or muscle scraping. And it might end up becoming your new favorite self-MoreThis is known as gua shot or muscle scraping. And it might end up becoming your new favorite self-massage. For the neck.
How do you fill a cracked guitar neck?
2:446:24Easy Guitar Neck Crack Repair with Super Glue - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI don't have bunches of time on this card and I'm like so since you just saw a neck repair onMoreI don't have bunches of time on this card and I'm like so since you just saw a neck repair on another one I'll kind of reset up and just do a real quick explanation of what I'm going to do. Well I'll
Can cracks in guitars be repaired?
Most acoustic guitar cracks can be sealed with good adhesive or glue. However, the timing for the repair is critical because the separation often expands when neglected. Also, if dirt and oils accumulate in the seam, the glue will be less effective.
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.
Can a cracked guitar neck Be Fixed?
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.
Does a crack in a guitar affect the sound?
So what's the impact? Well usually, cracks will result in less sustain (how long a note can be heard), and less resonance. These are two factors which are really important in creating a good tone. Cracks still can impact the tone of an electric guitar, but it's not as big of an issue.
How much does it cost to repair a crack in a guitar?
Acoustic Guitar Repair RatesServiceCostBrace repair$40 per brace and upCrack repair$40 minimum and upHeat press neck$80 and upFret level (includes a set up)$160 and up17 more rows
How do you glue a cracked guitar?
0:564:59How to Fix a Guitar Crack Caused by Humidity Damage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd press upward gently to open the crack a little while i work glue into it from the outside. CleanMoreAnd press upward gently to open the crack a little while i work glue into it from the outside. Clean off the glue. And then clamp it lightly with a flat call on the top.
Why do guitars crack?
Lack-of-humidity cracks typically run along the grain of the wood. As wood shrinks in low humidity environments, it eventually reaches a point where the wood can stretch no further and, well, it cracks.
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.
Can you use wood glue on guitar?
Glues Used In Guitar Repair. Aliphatic resin is amongst the most popular woodworkers glue used in instrument building and repair today. Titebond Original Wood Glue is quite common. Unlike Hide glue, it is ready to use straight from the bottle.
How much does it cost to repair 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.
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 you fix hairline cracks in headstock?
1:235:56How to Repair a Minor Headstock Crack Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then apply the glue directly into the crack. It seems to be working really well I can see theMoreAnd then apply the glue directly into the crack. It seems to be working really well I can see the glue. Actually going into the crack. I'm wiping off any excess glue with a damp. Towel.
How much does it cost to repair 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.
How do you fix a cracked guitar headstock?
0:446:55Guitar Headstock Repair Method Beau Hannam Guitars - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI've my method is I open up the crack as much as I dare and then blob glue into it this way and thenMoreI've my method is I open up the crack as much as I dare and then blob glue into it this way and then when I apply pressure it squeezes out and so if you rock this back and forth.
Prepare the Crack
Before starting, you must remove the strings from your guitar. The tension your strings place on the neck of the guitar will place unnecessary pressure on the crack. This pressure will make the repair job difficult for you. You also need to have the fretboard exposed for clamping.
Apply the CA Super Glue
To apply the Starbond CA super glue (or similar) to the opening, you will need the following:
Remove Any Excess Glue
The next step is to remove excess glue from the surface of the neck. To do this, you will need:
Buffing the Repaired Area
The sanded section of the neck will look a bit dull to you at this point. But, not to worry. Next, you are going to work on the area with a compound to bring back its shine. To buff the repaired area, you will need the following supplies:
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 cracks in wood?
Agree with all above. If you don't have a syringe, you can apply some wood glue at the crack opening and force it in the crack with a feeler guage. Use a lot of glue and flex the crack little to spread the glue around within the crack. Wipe up the excess and clamp. Wipe up any excess after clamping. You may have to do the wipe up a few times. Let it sit overnight and you're good to go!
How to use Elmer's Carpenters glue?
Elmer's Carpenters glue (the yellow stuff) is much the same as Titebond. Either will work. Practice your clamping method without glue until you get that down. Practice until you see the gap close up all around. Use clamping cauls under the clamp jaws ( some pieces of pine or softer wood). Work the glue in with a feeler gauge or thin palette knife. Have a damp sponge or rag handy for cleaning up glue squeezeout. Leave it clamped at least overnight for the glue to set well. Have at it!
Do you need a clamp for a bass guitar?
you don't even need a clamp, just place the guitar upside down with a shoebox under the headstock to raise that end up a bit, and put a fender bassman head or something with similar size/weight on the back of the body to weigh it down.
Do you need a clamp for a melcaster?
mellecaster. you don't even need a clamp, just place the guitar upside down with a shoebox under the headstock to raise that end up a bit, and put a fender bassman head or something with similar size/weight on the back of the body to weigh it down. Click to expand...