Structural Repair

Crack Repairs – Repairing Wood Cracks in Guitars

Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair, Tech Talk /

Wood is the most common material for guitar construction. A few particular tree species such as Ebony, Maple, Rosewood Mahogany and Spruce have long been staples within the industry. The type chosen for a particular task is based on a combination of factors such as: availability, tonal qualities, aesthetic beauty, workability, tradition, strength, and durability. 

As with anything made of wood, if they are to last, guitars require care and consideration to protect them from damage. Wood cracks can usually be attributed to one of two main causes: Impact (such as a drop or hit) or humidity issues. While the causes may be simple, the variation is nearly endless. The following is an overview of the common ways that wooden guitars can crack and corresponding methods of repair.

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Gibson Hummingbird and J-200 Pickguards​

Tech Talk, Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair /

The pickguard art featured on the Gibson Hummingbird, as well as the “flower and vine” pattern used on the J-200, are defining features of the respective models. Originally the most expensive guitars in Gibson’s catalog, their unique pickguard’s make these instruments instantly recognizable.

In part due to the flexible material used, these pickguards are more likely to lift and curl around the edges than other modern pickguards.

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Acoustic Guitar Bridge String Ramping

Tech Talk, Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair /

An acoustic guitar’s bridge and saddle work together to anchor and suspend the strings on the guitar body. During a setup, raising or lowering the saddle is one of the key adjustments to an instrument’s action. However, there are limits as to how far the saddle can be adjusted in either direction.
An acoustic guitar’s bridge and saddle work together to anchor and suspend the strings on the guitar body. During a setup, raising or lowering the saddle is one of the key adjustments to an instrument’s action. However, there are limits as to how far the saddle can be adjusted in either direction.

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Mitchel’s PlateMate

Installations & Upgrades, Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair, Tech Talk /

The bridge plate is an integral part of the internal support structure of an acoustic guitar. As part of the bracing system, it helps to support the instrument top and resist the pulling force exerted upon the instrument by the strings.

Mitchel’s PlateMate is designed to protect your guitar’s bridge plate from damage caused by ball-end strings. It is made from solid brass and installs in minutes. Should the need arise, the plate can be removed almost as easily!

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Acoustic Guitar Bracing Repairs

Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair /

In an acoustic guitar, bracing is the internal support structure that holds the instrument together. By design, the top, back, and sides of the guitar body must be fairly thin and are typically made from wood. A series of comparatively thicker pieces are then glued to specific locations to provide stability in high stress areas; This is the bracing system.

Without sufficient bracing to reinforce it, the instrument would buckle, crack, and fall apart from the substantial force put upon it by the strings.

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Acoustic Guitar Bridge Reglue

Tech Talk, Structural Repair /

The bridge truly is the heart of an acoustic guitar. Typically made from a piece of wood such as ebony or rosewood, it is glued to the guitar’s top, where it serves several critical functions. When strung to pitch in standard tuning, a set of light gauge acoustic guitar strings exerts about 160lbs worth of tension upon the instrument. Since the strings are attached to the bridge, this pulling force is partially transferred to it. Though guitars are designed to be able to resist that force, if there is any weakness in the glue joint connecting the bridge to the top, it can fail.

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Vintage Acoustic Guitar Pickguard Replacement

Tech Talk, Acoustic Guitar, Structural Repair /

Many acoustic guitars manufactured from the late 60’s through the mid 80’s utilize acetate or celluloid plastic pick guards glued directly on top of bare wood. An unfortunate concern with this technique is that, with age, the pick guards have begun to shrink and degrade. This is similar to another common affliction of vintage instruments: The breakdown of plastic tuner buttons. As many of these instruments have attained a degree of collectability far above the manufacturers wildest expectations, expert repair is often warranted to save these fine instruments.

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