Gluing and Cleating a Back Crack Using TJ Thompson’s Cleat System.

Mark shows the process of gluing a hard-to-reach back crack in a ‘32 Gibson L-00 using a cleat system designed and marketed by TJ Thompson. This is a live-from-the-bench video and far from cinematographic greatness, but hopefully, you’ll enjoy the behind-the-scenes look that this repair video provides.

[@You1987Tuber]

"1yr ago" HOW did I miss this!? Great demo Mark. LOVE your hinge trick! Thanks a million 🙏

[@TheFolkwayMusic]

Ha! right on, TJ. m

[@ashleyhunter3300]

I have used that system for top crack repairs. It is a great system. Easy to use !

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I really appreciate these posts, Mark. About ten or twelve years ago, I drove from my home, near London, specifically to go to your Guelph store. I brought a rare 1920’s Martin tenor banjo (hub cap resonator and 1st yr, patent pending Grover tuning machines) to be given a quick “on the spot” appraisal and to get some modern tuning pegs to use with it. I got the appraisal, the modern tuning pegs AND an AWSOME Framus, bolt neck 1970 mandolin, with “cats eyes” f-holes. I had just completed Mike McConnvilles two courses on guitar design and repair at the local community college (the Stratford location of the Kitchener college). You were the one who told me about Sergei de Jonge’s 6 week guitar building course in Quebec! Well, I went, I learned a TON of high end Luthier techniques, and had a ten yr “career” as a respected repair man, here in London! Thank you! Unfortunately, my arthritis has put my repair and playing days to bed, forever, but you gave me a tip that really improved my world, for the last decade! All the best! Peace

[@TheFolkwayMusic]

Thanks for the note! So nice to hear that we were an inspiration of sorts for you!

[@rauschguitars]

While I don't have the skill to do repairs such as these, I love seeing the process. Fascinating work!

[@partrickstowman8039]

Thanks again!

[@jazzboxrecordings3414]

I love these behind the scenes videos.

[@cedarbylard]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@oldtimefolkie]

Thanks Mark! Great demo on that. Cool stuff.

[@toneconsultant]

This is great, except for one thing. His hide glue took a long time to harden up. In my experience, you don't have that much time unless he's using shelf Hide glue that has additives or he added additives to his hide glue. That's fine, but I just had to clarify because with 100% hide glue, you have less than a minute to move. I'm also assuming his syringe was in hot water or something like that.

[@TheFolkwayMusic]

Correct. You've got to move fast with hide glue. Heating the area is critical, and keeping the syringe of glue in the hot water of the glue pot is also necessary. Do a dry run first to make sure you can get everything done quickly and accurately.

[@dhh488]

I know of a J45 from 1945 that has 3-4 bad cracks that were badly repaired. I don't know if it's worth the $6k plus the cost of doing it right. It is the most comfortable guitar I have ever played, just a smoothy.

[@TheFolkwayMusic]

Badly repaired cracks that are holding tight can be left alone. But if they're open, its a good opportunity to redo the repairs in a less unsightly way!

[@dhh488]

@@TheFolkwayMusic Hi, thanks for the response.

[@Cpt_Adama]

would you use this system for the longer crack that was on the guitar too using a very long cleat or use multiple traditional diamond cleats?

[@TheFolkwayMusic]

Sure. You can use this system for any length of crack. Longer cracks need more prep and planning, but the job is the same. I tend to stay away from Diamond cleats most of the time.

[@MegaChoo2]

Is there a follow up to show how tight you got it?

[@TheFolkwayMusic]

Would have been a great idea, but no, sorry, we didn't shoot one.

[@chrishartz2397]

Why don’t all luthiers do this…it seen “easy”…cost effective….and results in an effective repair that looks good…?

[@TheFolkwayMusic]

The set-up time is long. The custom cleat stock and plexi cauls have a cost associated with them as well. If you use them it's because you value the process and final result more than the bottom line.

[@chrishartz2397]

Agree completely …never time to do it right….always time to do it twice..