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Private member DiscussionAcoustic Repair

Taylor GS Mini headstock - delamination.

Hey, I'm working on a 2017-ish Taylor GS Mini which has a delaminating headstock...see photos... I was surprised to see that the laminate was plastic... I reckon quite a few of the community will have done this job many times, so I'm after group wisdom :). Just a small request I know... Just Fyi...I haven't quoted the customer yet, but I reckon (with some other work I'm doing on the instrument)...our budget will be limited.…

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Private member
Well, a lot of times I just think we replaced the entire neck in the factory because we couldn't make them look right. Unless it was just a small corner of the crown and not lifting anywhere near the…
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Repair

Glue for Martin DXME Fretboard Extension

Anyone know what glue type is appropriate for a Martin DXME fretboard extension to secure it to the plastic laminate top (or whatever it is)? I have one on the bench that has broken loose, and I’m not sure what to use. I tried contacting Martin, but they won’t help since I’m not an authorized Martin repair shop. 🫤 Thanks!

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Private member
When I was trying to glue HPL to the lining, someone recommended Titebond Melamine Glue. Not sure it is appropriate for you, but worth looking into further.
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Measured drawing and assembly for Proper Variable Radius Sanding Jig

Doug Proper designed a sanding jig that supports variable concave and convex curves, described in the following Loothgroup article: https://loothgroup.com/post-imgcap/the-variable-radius-sander/ I built one and am impressed with how it facilitates preparing bridges, braces and also allows tracing any radius using the chord formula. I made a rough measured drawing and assembly guide to share, with Doug's blessing. First step, ma…

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Ian Davlin
Thank you John !
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Repair

Warped x-brace on Gibson L-3

I watched the Guild F-20 video (https://dev2.loothgroup.com/groups/repair-and-restoration/forum/topic/cracker-x-braces-on-guild-f20/#post-60310) with great interest since I've been working on a Gibson L-3 with a similar problem. A little back story - The original repair request was to address a small pickguard crack on the sound hole side. After peeking inside, I saw 5 loose brace ends on the treble side. Still a pretty standard repair…

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Private member
That move of 3D printing the taper you want and running it through the sander to make a copy just blew my mind! Thanks for sharing Dave!
Private member Discussion3D Printing

Switch Tip Print

Would anyone be able to 3D print these plastic pieces from this Fender switch kit? Unable to find them anyway anymore without paying 3 times as much as I did 2 years ago. They seem super simple https://www.stratcat.biz/225800-kit.shtml

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Private member
Thanks for your help! I can order the switch and get measurements of the hole spacing and blue square part spacing. I know the button is just shy of 11/32" wide and has a square female hole inside to…
Private member DiscussionFinish Repair

When chips happen--customers, expectations, and responsibility

Hey all, I am really enjoying digging through the looth group. I have not yet watched all the ding kings vids or read all the amazing comments and articles here, but I've been appreciating some of the loothing for dollars stuff, seeing other people's intake sheets, discussions about dealing with customers, and it led me to this question: How do people deal with customer expectations, liability, and the inevitable accidents that can happ…

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Private member
@member some really solid perspective here, thank you. You're so right regarding the bit about some of the more abusive customers being the most obsessed with cosmetics, to paraphr…
Private member DiscussionFinish Repair

Plastic polish on french polish finish

I have been working through Robbie O'Brien's french polish course and he recommends using a plastic polish. The product he used wasn't available at my hardware store so I purchased this product https://www.meguiars.ca/3M/en_CA/p/d/v000190445/ and just want to make sure that this will not damage my finish. I'd appreciate some feedback for a rookie finisher.

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Ian Davlin
That's probably pretty good. Meguire's #9 would probably also work. For those looking for these products, Harbor Freight, at least in my hood, has a nearly complete set of the polishing products. #7 i…
Private member DiscussionGeneral

Gretsch Country Gentleman with Truss rod adjustment at the neck/body joint??

*See photos* Does anyone have any information on the truss rod nut or adjusmtent tool for this Gretsch 7670 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman? The truss rod adjustment is at the body under a plastic cover and it looks like the truss rod nut is missing. I’ve never seen this before on a Gretsch or any guitar. Let me know if you have follow-up questions. Any info is much appreciated!!

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Private member
Ouch…I won’t ask! This guitar actually has too much back bow and needs to be loosened, so that could be a plus. Will definitely still be proceeding with caution 😅
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

Cutting Clear Plastic Pickguard – Looking for Cleaner Results

I rarely use pickguards on my builds, as most of my guitars are intended for fingerstyle players. That said, I occasionally need to install one, and I've yet to find a cutting method that consistently meets my quality standards. I’ve experimented with several techniques for cutting clear pickguard material, but the results are always somewhat disappointing. Using a brand new X-Acto blade gives a reasonably clean cut, but there's almost a…

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I use raw pickguard sheet material, apply 3M 468MP Double Sided Adhesive Transfer adhesive sheet and trim to rough size with scissors or blades, depending on the pickguard material. I then attach to…
Private member DiscussionElectric Repair

Switch out output jack on an active P Bass?

Hi Gang, Has anyone switched out the plastic, 8 pin box output 18 volt active/battery switch output jack on a P Bass special for a standard TRS output jack or some other? I just got off the phone with Fender and they don't make this anymore and they recommend replacing with another plastic box from Molex and are sending a wiring diagram. The problem with all this is the plastic boxes have wimpy thin spring steel and wear out quickly.…

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Hi Gerry! Thanks so much for the reply. I got the wiring diagram from fender. Yes, much switching involved. Initially, one person told me they didn't carry the switch and indeed referred me to an…