About Chris Jaster Expertise Any question related to electric or acoustic guitar/bass repair or building finishing etc.
Experience I'm a professional luthier (guitar builder) and owner of JBC Instruments in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. We are a successful guitar repair and building shop focused on attention to detail, pride in workmanship and total customer satisfaction.
Education/Credentials Certificate of Luthiery (Building/Repairing stringed instruments) obtained from Timeless Instruments in Tugaske Saskatchewan Canada under Master Luthier David Freeman.
Expert: Chris Jaster Date: 7/5/2008 Subject: Cracked spruce top
Question QUESTION: Hi Chris,
I have been build a Stewmac ooo kit. All going well until I had to leave the body due to work. I found a crack in the top today and am not sure how to fix it. Not sure if goes all the way through.
Could I drizzle some super glue or titebond into the crack and clamp it? Or do I need cleats? Not sure if I sould even attempt to fix it.
Any help would be great
Cheers
james
ANSWER: Hello James. Thin cyano should do the trick it usually does for me when I'm building ang get a little crack. You could if if you feel u need to cleat it but if it's not to deep the cyano should be enough.
Chris Jaster
Luthier
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hey mate,
Thanks for the advice! Wasn't sure what cyano was, but now know it's supa glue. Am worried it's not flexible enough. Am taking to a guitar repair friend for further advice.
I'll keep you posted. Building is hard man!! Even from a kit!!
James
Answer Hey James perhaps I should be more specific here. Thin cyano would be best I suggest you check out your local model airplane building shop. As well you will need some accelerator (does away with waiting). If the crack is not all the way thru the top than thin cyano is an excellent chance to stabilize the top now prior to finishing. Just be sure to to do all your final sanding properly and you should be O.K. Having said this if it is an absolutely noticeable crack you'll want to be careful in your cleanup that you don't create a dip in the soft spruce top while cleaning it up which will show up in light refraction prior to finishing. TIP: When it come to pre finish cracks use your head and patience. If you need more help let me know. You can always email me at johhny_11_11@hotmail.com and I'm mre than willing to help u out.
Cheers from Canada M8
Chris Jaster
Luthier
