Easy Guitar Neck Crack Repair with Super Glue - JONAH GUITAR - Part 1

Very short, very easy neck crack repair. CA glue is perfect for this type of repair.
Dane Nichols builds and repairs guitars in Mt. Shasta, Ca.
Music: www.purple-p lanet.com

[@davidthompson6832]

I think it's really cool how you respond to viewers' questions ! Even if they are somewhat condescending!!! THANK YOU FOR POSTING ALL THE VALUABLE INFORMATION FOR WOOD-BE LUTHIERS!!! LOL👍👍👍

[@jonahguitarguy]

David Thompson, appreciate you noticing. Sometimes I get kind worked up but I don’t respond right then. I reread and sometimes it hits me different. It’s hard to read vocal inflections in these posts. Thanks a lot man.

[@bigbirdmusic8199]

@@jonahguitarguy you are a gift sir. thank you for all you do!

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@bigbirdmusic8199 Much appreciated my friend!

[@RandySchartiger]

that thin CA works miracles when it runs in places no other can go!

[@jonahguitarguy]

Yes it does. Especially with lots of little cracks going everywhere it's great.

[@crieverytim]

Hi, thanks for sharing this info. should one get the CA THIN SUPER FAST (EM 02) or CA MEDIUM (EM 150)?

[@jonahguitarguy]

It doesn't have to be fast set but yes the thin stuff so it runs in good. Which type of glue really depends on if you can flex the crack open very much. If you can flex the crack open my preference Titebond org. You can help it run into the crack with an air compressor or canned air.

[@JonathanSaldivar]

in your experience how do these fixed guitars play after having their necks broken? is it a negligible difference or does it feel fragile?

[@jonahguitarguy]

A good repair shouldn’t need to be babied. Should play and sound the same.

[@JonathanSaldivar]

@@jonahguitarguy that's promising ti hear. Thanks for the reply!

[@steveharris2589]

Good video Dane!!!!!!!!!!)))🎸🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@jonahguitarguy]

Thanks so much Steve🎸🎸🎸👍👍👍😀

[@efio7363]

I didn't realize how serious a crack was until I changed the strings for the first time. It was a christmas gift that arrived on a delta flight in the cargo area, and I'm sure it got banged around and I really want to get it repaired

[@jonahguitarguy]

You can send some close up pics to my email. You can find that in the about section of my YT home page. Happy to advise or do the repair.

[@thrashfan4ever]

i would sue delta takem to small claims court

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

Looking forward to the de-clamping!

[@jonahguitarguy]

Me too Greg, gotta make a new nut for this one before any string tension happens.

[@truthfulrobot9295]

Would the same concept work for a baby taylor who has those dovetails ?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Thanks for the question Johnny, I hate to give an answer without seeing the guitar and knowing exactly what shape it's in. But if the finger joints at the neck to peghead took a shock and it's just loose then I would think CA glue is very reasonable way to repair it. If it's completely separated and wood glue could be used I think that would be better if it is that loose.

[@shredbacca]

Mine snapped the neck clean break hiw would I fix if myself?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Do you mean clean break like in two pieces? If so clean is great but I would not use CA in that case. And when a neck is in two pieces realignment is very critical. You really need to work out a clamping plan and dry run to make sure everything is aligned correctly. Sometimes jigs are needed. I would use titebond original wood glue. Go to about on my channel and email me a pic or two.

[@symbolicacts6056]

Would any super glue work or do you need the thin stuff?

[@jonahguitarguy]

I use titebond CA thin for this sort of this. It's important that it's wicks deep into the crack. I use medium or even thick for finish repairs.

[@franklinslamo]

Ok why the water? Can you explain that please? I have an LP with a heel crack that I am thinking of doing something similar with since it is not very separated. Thanks

[@franklinslamo]

OK after re-watching this it sounds like you are thinking that water will help the thin ca to penetrate better but water actually makes ca cure quicker. To slow it down put it in the fridge and chill it. Just my 2c. Thanks for sharing.

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@franklinslamo, all I can say is smarter people than me have used that method for years.

[@tux7300]

I have a Les Paul style guitar with the exact same damage in the same location as well, hopefully I'm able to repair it after watching this video, I lived in a bad place where people didn't respect my property and I'm in the process of repairing my old instruments.

[@jonahguitarguy]

Best of luck Tux.

[@krishverma2611]

Hello sir! I just cracked my guitar neck and the crack like yours. difference is that the side of the crack toward the body is a bit raise in comparison to the other side, the crack is a bit more toward the head and it is not that deep. I dont have anything to repair it and since there is complete lockdown in my country, i cant take to a guitar shop. Is it okay if i keep playing or should i do something so that it doesnt get worse? I have an electric Guitar. PLZ REPLY I AM REALLY WORRIED AS IT IS MY FIRST AND ONLY ELECTRIC GUITAR

[@jonahguitarguy]

I wouldn't keep playing it if the crack gets bigger when tuned to pitch. If that's the case loosen the strings and wait until it can be repaired.

[@krishverma2611]

@@jonahguitarguy But the problem is that i have a tremolo bridge. If i loosen the strings, it puts pressure on the body and i think that it can dent the body. Also, i think only the outer part is cracked and it doesnt move at all even when im tuning or bending hard.

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@krishverma2611, if it doesn't open don't worry about. You could a couple of business cards between the bridge and body to protect the body. Plus if you do keep playing it put some tape over the crack so it doesn't get and dirt or oils from your hand in it. The glue will work better on clean wood.

[@krishverma2611]

@@jonahguitarguy ok thnx a lot you relieved a LOT of my stress. Thank you very much!

[@krishverma2611]

@@jonahguitarguy hey i really need your help i was restringing my guitar and when i removed the strings i saw that the crack is as far as the fretboard and it opens when i pull it back(the fretboard also opens when pulling back).I am REALLY worried and i dont know if i should put te new strings on. PLZ REPLY

[@vstatealum]

I have that exact guitar given to me with a crack in the neck similar. What glue did you use again?

[@jonahguitarguy]

I used super glue, probably Titebond brand thin.

[@jtpg33jtpg]

How much would you typically charge for this type of repair? I have a similar scarf joint crack and am trying to decide if I should have it repaired or just buy a new one. Thanks!

[@jonahguitarguy]

That’s 50-100 depending on finish touch up. Less finish repair = less $

[@pizrux6592]

@@jonahguitarguy so I have an albanez that the head snapped off and I went to Guitar center and they wanted 330$ for it I said I’ll think about it. Is that a good price for that repair?

[@pizrux6592]

Actually they said 350$

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@pizrux6592, there are a lot of factors involved. You say snapped off, well it will need finish repair and possibly splines. Plus where you live can also be a cost factor. I personally have never had one cost that much.

[@jimlytleworks]

May I ask, if it were not "wicked" with water, would very thin viscosity CA glue not "wick" by itself?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Good question Jim. My understanding from a source I trust is it works better with water than without. My feeling is I want it to work as well as possible.

[@jimlytleworks]

@@jonahguitarguy Affirmations are a gift. Thanks! This will make or break for me. Feeling hopeful. She plays but she don't stay in tune due to a neck crack. I am visualizing the steps. Haven't applied glue yet.

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@jimlytleworks, good luck Jim

[@jimlytleworks]

@@jonahguitarguy Thank you, Dane Nichols. I now have a fully functional '79 Ovation Legend thanks to your video and feedback! I used distilled water. Not sure if you think that part matters or not.

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@jimlytleworks, distilled water can’t hurt.

[@brainjordan9732]

How to identify that a guitar has just a finish crack or wood crack?

[@jonahguitarguy]

I thought replied to this already. A wood crack will likely follow the grain lines. A finish crack can go in any direction.

[@AidenM716]

Hey man how do I fix minor splits on the siding of my fretboard, it’s a black neck and ebony fretboard

[@jonahguitarguy]

Do you mean the fretboard is separating from the neck? Or there are minor slits in the board itself?

[@AidenM716]

@@jonahguitarguythere’s minor slits, not sure how to describe it, it’s when you hold it and look down on the fret markers on the side of the neck, it’s next to one

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@AidenM716 I would fill them with med CA glue. Once cured scrape with razor blade or file with fine file. Some fine sanding may be needed 600. Coat with fretboard oil or polish if the edge has a clear finish.

[@rbmc1983]

I bought an used bass guitar and didn't pay enough attention. The neck was splitting on the scarf joint. It wasn't breaking, it was a clean separation (really tight gap). Do you think I can repair it with thin CA without removing the fretboard? I'm really upset because I have little money and cannot afford to send the bass to a luthier and this was a really dumb mistake of mine. I'm really sad with my stupidity. Can you please help me?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Send me some good pictures of the break.

[@jonahguitarguy]

There's a button that says view email address right under all that other info.

[@rbmc1983]

@@jonahguitarguy I found it, thank you. I sent two photos to your email.

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@rbmc1983,I saw those and just responded. Good luck friend.

[@rbmc1983]

@@jonahguitarguy thank you. You helped a lot. What's you advice if the crack is dirty? I think it might be the case. I'm grateful for your help. Subbed to your channel. Edit: grammar.

[@sayanbiswas4764]

If i repair like this how menu days will i tune ?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Keep in mind this is a very tight crack and the perfect type to fix with super glue. If your neck crack is like this you should be able to tune up the next day.

[@Snaaa-bx7yx]

Ive found a semi acoustic guitar in horrible very horrible condition and im trying to fix it, problem is, the neck is all cracked the mechanism where you tune it rusty,any tips?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Hi Snaaa-bx7yx, Rusty tuners may be able to be fixed by taking them off the guitar and soaking them in some solvent. I would start with naphtha. Brush with an old tooth brush. Let them dry or blow them out with air. Oil with 3 in 1 oil or something similar. You may have to replace them if that doesn't work. Hard to comment on lots of neck cracks without seeing the guitar.

[@Snaaa-bx7yx]

@@jonahguitarguy yeah the neck cracks is litterally missing pieces

[@Snaaa-bx7yx]

@@jonahguitarguy like a puzzle😂

[@mC_DiDiDiDiDi]

Hey, quick question, why did you spray the crack with water first? Thanks.

[@jonahguitarguy]

McDuck, it helps the CA wick into the cracks better. And it doesn’t hurt the adhesion any.

[@Patrick-lm5qy]

@@jonahguitarguy I had the same question. Thank you for all that you do sir

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@Patrick-lm5qy appreciate it!

[@thrashfan4ever]

that is what they do to wood when there building boats they get it wet so they can bend it. it probobly opens the pores in the wood up more so he can get whatever he needs to down in the crack to repair it i imagine he used saw dust and i would inject epox or tight bond 2 or something clear type of glue resin with a insulin syringe super fine till the whole got filled up and clamp it down with a wood clamp and wipe away the excess as tightly needed but not to tight . see wood expands and contracts in different weather temperatures and also is a little flexable when it gets wet and he probobly sprayed the wood first with water because wood gets very dry and can crack easy when you put to much preasure on it so he probobly did that to relieve some preasure and open the wood pores up on the guitar would be what i would think.

[@ThePeterfernandes]

Sir, what is the Brand name of the CA glue you used?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Titebond thin. But the STewMac thin or Starbond thin will work.

[@ThePeterfernandes]

@@jonahguitarguy Thanks

[@plusmin09]

Why did you spray water on it before applying the CA glue?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Hi Plusmin, a little water in the joint helps the CA wick into the crack.

[@plusmin09]

@@jonahguitarguy Thanks!

[@plusmin09]

@@jonahguitarguy I'll try that out! I dropped a lucite bass while trying to dig out some of that weight, and it cracked along the scarf seam. Hopefully the super glue will be enough

[@rommelabesamis581]

inspired by your techniqe, i will do the same to my gibson j200 acoustic guitar. just curious if the water you sprayed into the crack will not weaken the super glue?

[@jonahguitarguy]

Thanks for watching Rommel, The water helps to keep the super glue traveling deeper into the crack. With out the water it might dry to fast and not get to the bottom. And the water will not hurt the glue in any way. I still have this guitar hanging by the peghead in my shop. It was given to me cause it was broken and the guy was moving away. It's holding up very well I even took it to the lake last summer.

[@rommelabesamis581]

@@jonahguitarguy great help Dane, thank you so much for that info. will do it right away, thanks.

[@DE-GEN-ART]

i wish headstcks broke at the scarf joint more often, easier to fix in my opinion. spaaks volumes about the strength of wood glue and a proper joint

[@jonahguitarguy]

Most headstocks breaks are surprising easy to fix. And the nasty ones get splines. Thanks for having a look.

[@saimonlama2907]

Same cracked on my samick gd50

[@jonahguitarguy]

Now you know what to do.

[@arajoaina]

Sami i is not Indonesian company. It is a Korean company

[@jonahguitarguy]

arajoaina, ok I’ll look it up. Thanks

[@DougHinVA]

super glue starts to set up fast and does not absorb into the 2 sides of the crack. Titebond (yellow glue) is what a real luthier uses. Forget this.

[@jonahguitarguy]

If you watched the video then you know that I ran some water over the crack to help suck the CA into the crack. It also slows the dry time. Titebond is great if the crack is more flexible and can be opened up a bit. Check out my Epi Dot neck repair that is exactly what I did in that case. And in this case the guitar is holding up fine and really wasn't worth a more expensive repair.

[@DougHinVA]

@@jonahguitarguy OK; if ot works for you time after time, then it's good enough and fast

[@mC_DiDiDiDiDi]

I read that moisture helps CA glue dry faster, so I am confused as to how water will prevent drying too fast. Any ideas?

[@franklinslamo]

@@mC_DiDiDiDiDi Yes I have heard the same. I am not sure what the value of the water is or if it actually works for the intended purpose. I may have to do some experimenting.

[@therealg.o.a.t3757]

My dog knocked over my new Les Paul guitar and there’s a slight crack in the neck. 😭

[@jonahguitarguy]

This would be a good way to fix it. But it needs to be clamped correctly. If you’re not sure about doing it yourself take it to a good repairman. But don’t leave it to long because it will collect dirt and oil in the crack and that could be a problem for the glue up.

[@jonmatthews4254]

Starts 4:30

[@jonahguitarguy]

So you get decide for me and everyone else that might see this video what is actually valuable information? But thanks for watching the video I appreciate it.

[@mohsinahmad7975]

Man is so indigenous.....

[@jonahguitarguy]

Thank you.

[@BITESIZEJONES]

😴

[@prakashsunuwar4124]

Don't use super glue give it to guitar restoration tech to repair

[@jonahguitarguy]

Thanks for watching, I am a guitar tech. This is a good option for a very specific hairline crack on an inexpensive guitar.

[@bluenotgreen63]

If you want to fix a Samick guitar, throw it in a wood chipper right out of the new box.

[@jonahguitarguy]

Pretty decent guitar for the money sure it’s no Martin.

[@bluenotgreen63]

@@jonahguitarguy Michael Kelly guitars are a great bang for their buck and make some awesome guitars. I own a Hybrid and a 53’ aside from my other guitars. Try them out some time.

[@jonahguitarguy]

@@bluenotgreen63 thanks I’ll look into it.