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I'm a beginner luthier and I've done lots of reading on building and I've also done some basic things like intonation, action etc.
My guitar got damaged in shipping and I'm thinking about repairing it myself (tell me if this is a stupid idea).
There are 3 cracks (8.5cm, 28,5cm and 18cm). Internally It's all right.

If it matters, It's flamed mahogany.


Is it a good idea for a guy with almost no experience other than reading on the subject to repair this?



Sorry about the quality

Have to admit, if it were me, I would get expert advice, or even do the repair under expert supervision...would depend if you are merely wanting to glue it back together, of strip back the finish and do an invisable repair (would be my preference if its a quality solid would instrument) and refinish.

New or used guitar? If new, I would send it back. If used I would send it back, but guess that depends on how and who you bought it from.

Type of finish? Makes a difference. Expensive guitar or not? How much of a repair do you want? Where it looks great, or not? Just seveal questions. The answer is yours and what you can do or think you can do. Like Frank said or infered, there are repairs and then repairs. I would if going to do it yourself, do so with some help or have it repaired by someone who can evaluate it and do it well. But again, that depends on the guitars worth in value and to you. Don't want to spend a dollar to save a dime thing maybe.


What I see in the picture, it does not appear difficult repair. Also looks like more than some cracks. Maybe the cracks caused the back and rim thing. That said, it is what is seen on a picture and way looks on the bench may be different. The cracks do not look hard to repair, and back to clamp to rims. But just a quick glanse on my part.

It's my own used guitar that was damaged in shipping while I shipped it from A to B. sending it back to where I bought it from is not possible.
It has Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish.
Not very expensive but It has a lot of value for me...
I'm trying not to be too anal about dings and blemishes, repaired crack line is ok with me.

Rasmus: The very fact that you have to ask the question answers it for me. Seek out help from some one local with some experience.This is not meant to put you down but to try to prevent you from getting in over your head. If this is a cheapo[don't think it is]and you don't care,then fill your boots and see how you make out. Good luck.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I Think better for you and the guitar to have it done in the long run. If you decide to do it, research here am MIMF and read up on taking down the finish and fixing the crack and then re doing the back to the rim and lining.

That repair can be done by any competent repair person.
The back is unglued form the linings and the binding is still in place!
This makes it easier to fix.
As to the back crack-what humidity was the guitar made in?
Is the humidity higher -so as to swell the crack shut.
Then it's a matter of working a slow setting glue into the crack & clamp it level.
Do a dry (no glue) clamp up to make sure all will fit & work together.
Lacquer is one of the easiest to touch finishes.
Just take your time-if you added stain to the wood with a filler then follow the same steps as you did when you made the guitar!
BUT you will need some specific style clamps to get this done.

Mike

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Mike Collins