Martin d28 Guitar binding repair by Randy Schartiger guitar repair videos

[@stevevia7257]

Hi Randy, I just bought a 2021 Martin d28 with a crack in the top almost identical to the one in your video and sincerely appreciate the schoolin' on this project. I was concerned that by gluing it up at the bookmatch crack that it might crack somewhere else but watching this video gave me the confidence to do it. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to share this on KZbin. God bless you and Thank you again.

[@electricgeorge5589]

Randy when I look at your videos it's like being over a friends house and getting all the information need to fix a problem that I am having,their is no doubt that you repair guitars to the best of your ability. Thanks again for your channel.

[@RandySchartiger]

Those are kind words my friend thank you so much! And thank you for your support!

[@jfrphoto01]

Hey Randy, Great vid as usual. To clean dried on glue or to just remove old wax and/or polish build-up from a guitar, I use Naptha. It removes dried or wet glues, skin oils and polishes/waxes from all surfaces of the instrument without damaging the finish or binding/purfling/trims. Got this trick from a luthier in my area. He also recommends using Fish Glue to attach/reattach binding/purfling/trim and it cleans up with water. "edited for typos"

[@peainapodtube]

I feel relieved knowing this same issue can be fixed on my guitar

[@chappo5410]

I love the care you put into repairing guitars Randy👍

[@hungrswom]

It is amazing for me, when I saw this video, after two days; my friend took his guitar Martin D18 to me repair the binding, so ; I say useful again

[@nicolen.9642]

Very helpful! I hope they carry this glue in France... France is what it is... Thanks Randy for sharing your skills I wish I had! 🤗

[@moontheloon1969]

great videos randy ,greetings from wales,you remind me of my old boss who taught me motor mechanics he also taught me encouragement is the best thing you can give a man,and you do that brother

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks so much for checking out my videos brother it is very much appreciated! :)

[@spring74light]

Thanks. Interesting vid. I have a D-35 with a similar, though not so serious, problem. I suspect the origin is poor quality control on the part of the binding-strip manufacturers. As you see, the binding is not detaching from the guitar, but from itself! It is a composite of alternate black and white strips which are possibly bonded together during manufacture between hot, or ultrasonic, rollers. The old glue traces you removed may well have been a legacy from a previous repairman. The binding-strip material contracts quite considerably at low temperature, causing the separation force at the place of maximum concavity on the guitar perimeter (where it tries to straighten out). I used long lengths of elastic to bind round the affected region (trouser-belt principle) once I had applied my glue to the gap using a fine paintbrush. The glue I devised was approx. 75% acetone, 25% Duco (“balsa cement” in the UK). This mix runs like water and creeps into the gap. The fix has lasted several years, though I am reluctant to take my guitar for a walk in its case on a frosty night! [Tyneside, England.]

[@thomastommy1192]

Randy you are doing a great job on that D28. It's looking ten times better. Maybe you can give it another life. Thanks for the video.

[@RandySchartiger]

It really came to life when I buffed it. I'll show it better in the next video. Thank you for watching my friend!

[@harryodum5598]

Hi Randy it's funny that you're repairing a Martin 25! I just took a class at a community college that a guitar Builder from Detroit area was teaching. We built a Martin 000 25 in the class in The Binding what is a real Beach to put on. I'm French waxing it now and the Indian Rosewood on the back is a real Beach to fill the grain on. I'm filling the back and the sides of that Indian Rosewood what is a product called West systems and it works real damn good can't wait to get it done. Love the show dude

[@guitarstruggles3140]

Nice work as always! She looks a lot better. Q-ball is looking good too! Rock on brother!

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks brother! I was shocked how well she buffed up! Now I just want to get it together and play it! :)

[@bbbbbblues]

G'day from Downunder. Luv all your informative videos, mate. Good on ya'.

[@stephenquail3168]

That's some fine work over there.Qball at large.

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks Stephen, Q-ball is a big help for such a little friend :)

[@JennysCountryChannel]

Great repair video, Randy! And thanks for the Q-Ball visit at the end :-) Have a wonderful new week......Jenny ♫

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you Jenny for taking time to watch and post, it is very much appreciated my friend! Q says hey and thank you as well! :)

[@jamshadghanbar5597]

Its very nice watching your videos. Thanks for the effort

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you my friend for your support!

[@victordelanietze4998]

Good job man looking forward to the guild repair. Take care

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks Victor! I'm anxious to get started on it! Cheers!

[@danbeck3166]

Nice fix on the binding Randy...

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks Dan! I was still afraid it'd break even after heating it because this thing is so old and dried out.

[@CrawfishParish]

You are a genius. Great Job

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you brother! :)

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Another great video and the series is coming together nicely Randy. already back so I will catch up wit your material during the weekend. Cheers!

[@RandySchartiger]

Glad to hear you're safely back my friend, I hope all is well! Thanks Cesar for your support it is greatly appreciated!

[@Sherman1862]

Glad "No Plumber's Crack" featured at the beginning... ; ) Thank you!!! : )

[@michaellaverty1844]

I had to send my D-28 to the Martin Factory back in 2009. The Binding came loose and a neck reset. At the time the only Martin Tech was a old grouchy guy that bitch any time you needed work done. He wouldn't touch it and I sent it back to the Factory. I wish their was a guy like you around here. The Factory had it from November to May. At the time it was the only Guitar I had. I bought a Taylor 214ce just for something to play while the Martin was at the Factory. The Taylor mostly just sets in its case now.

[@bluegrassbarry]

Thanks Randy. How's your daughter doing? Back in Canada now and my D18 has been here drying out for two years and this same biding separation is happening on the back. This is about how i've been planning to deal with it. it's been hydrating for a month now but hasn't swelled back to it's original size. not masking the finish. just go carefully with the hairdryer, (not heat gun) and water thin ca glue. (no accelerator). Nice to watch you do this before I do it. God be with you. Salam.

[@idtwalt]

Hey Randy! The binding on my D-35 has separated from the body over about 12 inches. I've had some woodworking experience and want to try to bring the binding back into place in a similar fashion to how you made this repair using the hair dryer, tape and glue. What I don't know is what type of glue and where to get it. Great videos.... so much to learn.

[@RandySchartiger]

CA glue or super glue is what I use for binding usually. About any hardware store carries it or you can get it from Ebay. The biggest mistake I see is people that tried to fix it themselves and break the binding, so you have to heat it quite a lot hotter than you might think to get it to stretch if it needs stretched. Thanks for watch I hope that helps.

[@mikebartistrymichaelbowlin3973]

Dig the vids. I watch them cuz your one cool cat. You tone of voice reminds me of my family from Harlan Kentucky

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you man! and thanks for checking out my videos!

[@12Radius]

Lookin good man! Martins need a lot of tender care. My 0-18 Martin don't think it a tree any more.

[@RandySchartiger]

That's right! When they're no longer a tree people should stop treating those old Martins like one! Thanks for viewing bro!

[@sameldin4067]

Fantastic job pal ....

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you man!

[@CristinaS]

Great job, Randy! Have a nice day, Cristina

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks so much Cristina! I hope you're having a wonderful day as well! :)

[@jdcadence]

That looks great! I have tried repairing binding on my D-35 and I’ll admit it didn’t go well. What kind of glue is that you used? It looks like it held nicely! This video was a big help in understanding the binding better. Thank you for sharing!

[@stephengent9974]

Sure is a shame how some folks treat nice guitars. Looking forward to the Guild restoration series.

[@RandySchartiger]

It sure is! I think of these old instruments as a gem and it's sad to see one ran down like this one was. Thanks for viewing mate!

[@suzannacrawford6447]

Hi Mr Randy, wonderful job on that binding. The owner isn't going to recognize his/her guitar when they get it back. I like how it buffed out after the scraping and sanding. A good ole blow dryer can get some good results, been using one on some of my projects too. How fine was the grit of sand paper you were using? I've had some similar repairs recently...a coworker had of all things, liquid nails stuck to the lower bout of his guitar and that was a boat load of fun to remove! LOL. Can't wait to see/hear it when she's done. You do excellent work! So happy to see Q-ball, she's looking good. Hooold Oooon!

[@RandySchartiger]

I meant to mention the sand paper grit and completely forgot while the camera was running, I used 1200 grit and then 1500, then lightly went over it with a 2000 grit mesh paper and then buffed. I wouldn't have buffed the entire guitar but it wouldn't have looked right on the top only buffing the area I sanded so decided to just buff the whole thing. Oh man, liquid nails on a guitar! I bet that was every bit as bad as hot glue! lol Thanks so much for the kind comment Suzanna! :) Hold on!

[@Dev9172]

Im starting to think that who ever was working on the Martin before you was Jack The Ripper ! lol I want to hear the Martin when its done . So you are going to fix the Guild . OMG . This should be good . So much work needs to be done on it .

[@RandySchartiger]

Yeah he wants me to fix the broken truss rod and then see what we can do about the neck angle. It's going to be a major surgery!

[@Dev9172]

It really will be . Randy , it may take a lot of your time . Do you want to do it ? Hey I humidified my guitar for a day . ( the one I leave out ) You were right . It is sounding so much better . The wood really opened up . I guess even with the heat off it still needs it . Thanks .

[@dalepal]

Nice job gluing that binding back on properly. Note to self…never use hot glue on or near a guitar. LOL

[@RandySchartiger]

Yes! lol I'ts nice to hear those words! The 2 definitely do not play well together lol Thanks for tuning in brother!

[@kedocom]

Hey Randy I have the same hair dryer :) Let me ask you on this old Martin is the binding white/black and the part inside white/black/white purfling mounted on a shelf?

[@mrnikau1]

Inspiring stuff.

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank ya mate!

[@robertkibbler1564]

I think I would have made a curved caul the same curve as the waist and clamped it over the binding somehow with elastic bands until it's all set. I did something similar on a bound neck binding sometime ago turned out great.nice job randy! Be good to hear it? Cuddles to Q'ball.

[@RandySchartiger]

Yep I'll definitely do a little demo with it, right now I'm held up waiting on a pick guard I ordered, I didn't have the right material color to cut one myself so ordered it, once it's here I'm going to do one more video on this guitar and send her home. Thanks for watching!

[@zenguitarankh]

Hell yeah man...thanks!!....how hot do you set the blow drier? All the way?

[@RandySchartiger]

yes all the way hot! makes a quick safe job :)

[@electricgeorge5589]

I think you do nice work,How was Looney Larrys beer.Thanks Randy.Hope you come out with a guitar this and fix book,sure good information.

[@RandySchartiger]

The beer was great! Better than store bought beer! That's a good idea about the book I'll have to think on that. Thanks for the idea and for having a look my friend! :)

[@bluegrassbarry]

Is that extra thin ca glue or just off the shelf crazy glue?

[@blueatlantisguitar]

What grit sand paper did you use to wet sand glue from Martin top. I have a 1953 Guild X-50 that has lotta loose binding to tackle. thanks

[@joshuabrande2417]

I have the same I have the same problem on my Martin. What kind of tape did you use?

[@matthewhubbert8588]

Hi Randy how are you? You legend u... Is this the same process with old binding from the 50s? I got a 52-53 epiphone jazz guitar and want to keep it original. However, im aware some old binding can be difficult and possibly volatile, is that correct? Would it be celluloid or cellulose acetate?

[@richardlee7591]

Randy, I need your advice. I have a mandolin with the fourth fret installed too deep. The fret was apparently installed with a press because the fret board is deformed along with the binding. Playing the fourth and fifth frets results in the same note because it is deep enough to touch on the fifth fret while noting the fourth. Leveling all the frets would remove too much material on the surrounding frets, so I am left with two options unless you have an alternate idea. One: remove the fret and replace with a larger profile fret then level it to the height of the rest (if high profile fret wire exists or go with large fret wire like bass fret wire) Two: somehow cause the fret board to swell raising the fret in question. Idea: (remove the fret fill the slot with water then heat with a soldering iron...repeat until fret board swells) I have not purchased fret wire before so I am not sure of the available sizes and how they are referred to for ordering purposes. I have confidence in my abilities but am unfamiliar with the specs. Thanks in advance, I know you are the man to ask, Rick

[@RandySchartiger]

If you can find some wood that's the same kind of wood your fretboard is made of, start sanding it and make yourself a bunch of sawdust, pull the fret and drop the sawdust into the fret slot and areas that have been pressed, use CA glue or super glue and drop just enough drops (very little glue) of glue into it to cover the whole area and let it cure good, then you can sand the area down to the same level the rest of the board is, cut a new fretslot and install the fret and you'll never know it was ever worked on. If you can't find the same type of wood, you can carefully sand a little between each fret until you have enough dust, it won't take much. Thanks for tuning in and good luck on your repair!

[@JohnBerthoty]

Nice work Randy. My 1994 D28 has the exact same problem (same spot, about 12" of binding is loose. What should it cost (roughly) to do that repair?

[@solice8844]

The taped area of the binding doesn't get glue. When you remove the tape does that area pull away and create an uneven adhesion?

[@RandySchartiger]

I use a very thin viscosity CA glue, thinner than water and it runs under the tape and into every area that's open to it, this assures there are no areas between the binding and the wood that doesn't get glued.

[@RyanLinkMusic]

Randy Schartiger Thanks for the video! Do you recommend any particular brand of glue?

[@terrynorton3182]

Ryan Link Glu Boost.

[@steveharris2589]

Good video Randy, Have you every used any Duco cement it is pretty good stuff.I will be waiting to see the Guild. 🎸🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@RandySchartiger]

I've never tried it but have been told it's really good, Thanks much Steve!

[@hungrswom]

useful

[@dwrdcszz]

What kind of glue?

[@alamosabill201]

You can't kid me that's your hair dryer. 😂

[@RandySchartiger]

lmao it's mine now! =D

[@lloydhardwick3064]

Do you use just regular masking tape.

[@RandySchartiger]

Well it's made by 3M and they call it painters tape but yes masking tape really is all it is.

[@davidcomstockrocks]

Cheers ❤️🎶

[@anthonywilson6268]

What is the outer binding size on a d28?

[@EvergreenAcupuncture]

Dude, be very still, there’s a bear behind you!!!

[@manifestgtr]

Ugh, I hate it when someone asks how long I’ll have their guitar. It’s a perfectly rational question....a customer is perfectly within their rights to ask it....but it’s one of those things that puts a mental “ticking clock” on a repair for me. Occasionally there will be a guitar that needs a few more days to settle in and... *text message sound* “hey man, what time can I come by and pick up my guitar?” “I just need a few more days, remember that neck block situation we talked about taking a little more time?” “Ohhh yeah, cool cool” “It’ll be good by the end of the week 🤙” Two days later: *text message sound* whyyyyyyyyy

[@davidheid3210]

its hard to find a "good"luthier

[@manifestgtr]

David Heid It’s just venting man...everyone vents about their work

[@Zampan0]

Randy said that he isn't a luthier, I don't know why he said that. Imo, if Randy isn't a luthier no one is. Maybe he said it because he doesn't make guitars, I don't know. This was found on "Duck Duck Go" search. - Luither -define - "What is a Guitar Luthier?" "In general, a luthier is a craftsman who makes and repairs stringed instruments. Most luthiers specialize in working with one type of instrument. A guitar luthier has studied and trained in the art of guitar repair and construction. Guitar luthiers typically work in one of three settings: guitar factory, guitar repair shop, or a self-employed business."

[@customshopdesigned4468]

Nice job. I am wondering what glue you used on the biding to drip down into the crack? Super glue?

[@RandySchartiger]

yes very thin viscosity CA glue. thanks for watching!

[@amberpagan1756]

Thank you your amazing

[@RandySchartiger]

Thank you my friend! and thanks for checking out my videos!

[@idahodad1]

What if Willie Nelson brought his guitar in to repair. How long would it take?

[@RandySchartiger]

lol oh man, without looking at it and to repair it all right, I'd say about a year! lol

[@idahodad1]

LMAO!!!

[@discoveryman59]

Repair it?? Smoke the bugger! All those hole aren't ware, they're bong holes!

[@RandySchartiger]

discoveryman59 lol I bet one could get high just smoking Willie's axe!

[@RosaStringWorks]

Hot glue... might as well throw in some duct tape too. Amateur repairs are the worst to fix. Nice job.

[@RandySchartiger]

For sure! If they'd send the instruments to be repaired before trying to fix it themselves it would save all of us time and trouble. Thanks for viewing Jerry!

[@AvaPxiaO]

So much for flat tops, if they don't go one way they go the other :) I'd love to have one and treat it like it deserves.

[@RandySchartiger]

It's amazing sometimes the high end expensive guitars that find their way here for repairs that look like they've been left outside in a tent! I don't know why people treat old high dollar guitars like that, or even new high dollar ones.

[@LifeDigitized]

Hi Randy, Love your video's. You truly are a artisan when it comes to the art of guitar repair and restoration. You keep the art alive... Question, how can we get in touch with you. Do you have an email address? David from Middletown Delaware

[@RandySchartiger]

Thanks so much David for your comment and for watching! You can reach me on Facebook, or on my channel here on KZbin go to my "about" tab from the main page and you can email me from there. Thanks again!

[@bigdaddy1847]

I missed what type of glue you used. What was it?

[@RandySchartiger]

thin viscosity CS glue. thanks for watching!

[@The1Helleri]

What kind of glue are you using?

[@RandySchartiger]

thin viscosity CA glue. thanks for watching!

[@KYTO82]

Cleaned up great!

[@RandySchartiger]

I couldn't believe it, I think most of it was from cigarette smoke. Thank Tim!

[@electricgeorge5589]

Guitar book

[@OliviD22]

you should have clean the body with a fine sand paper before gluing back, just the cleaning with x acto knife is not enough, you wanna have the cleanest surface as possible for the glue. Glue on glue is never good.

[@banjopickingbuddy]

What glue are you using to run into the crack?

[@RandySchartiger]

Thin viscosity CA glue.

[@banjopickingbuddy]

Thank you :o)

[@RandySchartiger]

banjopickingbuddy You're welcome! :)

[@Gingerjake2]

Hot glue!? Were they plumb loco? I mean, if they screwed up (& they did) that stuff is insane to get off again! As you've shown!!! A lot of years back I did some restoration work for an antique shop & hot glue was just new then...people were using it on everything!!!! What a headache. I cannot believe what a fantastic job you've done here. Well...yeah, I can...you do a great job on everything you lay your hands on! =} Guild F-50!!! Oh you *know* you got my attention now! Hugs to you & Q! The ultimate guitar team! ~G~ ♪

[@RandySchartiger]

Hugs back atcha my sweet friend from us both Q and myself! :) I remember when hot glue was new and how people were gluing up everything that was broken lol and you are 100% correct, it's a nightmare to remove, at first I was going to unglue everything they'd glued with it but knowing what a mess when it gets hot I only unglued enough to stretch it just enough to work. Thanks for having a look Ginger! :)

[@Gingerjake2]

I had to restore an antique dresser & all the drawers (two large & two smaller across the top) were joined by dovetailing? Well with time those had come loose & they decided to hot glue them...but they didn't make sure the drawers were squared so they wouldn't fit or slide in & out of the openings anymore...I inherited that mess...lol! I was luckier than you because the dovetailing was just bare wood - no finish to worry about ruining, but you do wonder what planet some people came from sometimes don't you? But hey! it was no obstacle for you!!! Just a pro to the core! I'm looking forward to hearing this one too, once it's strung again... If I'm not here tomorrow, have a great weekend! ~G~♪

[@jeffersoneinstein9641]

You have nerves of steel my friend, i'd be scared to death to attempt that repair. I'm sure the experience and actually knowing what you're doing helps quite a lot too. :} Great work it looks fantastic. Take care.

[@RandySchartiger]

Oh man lol I still after years of doing this get nervous if I think too much about what can go wrong. I haven't re-finished an entire guitar for a while but every time I do work like this makes me wonder if I'll screw up and have to re-do it from scratch. Thanks mate!

[@tedpeterson1156]

+Randy Schartiger Watchin you it's kinda like that Bob Ross guy w/ out the fro.. "We'll put a happy little tree right over here."

[@RandySchartiger]

Ted Peterson LOL! My wife and me used to watch him every week. Thanks man! :)

[@thomastommy1192]

I hope the owner of the D28 will let you fix the fret board and put a truss rod in that guitar.

[@RandySchartiger]

I wish he would allow me to too! I'm going to talk to him about it.

[@pjs-1287]

Hey boss you need to shorten your videos too long. What kind of glue are you using

[@RandySchartiger]

click the cog in the lower right hand corner and speed the videos up :P tightbond original for wood. thanks for checking out my videos!

[@tallthinkev]

BEER!

[@RandySchartiger]

Drink more! :D

[@AvaPxiaO]

Give us Randy fans your opinion on sanded tops? I mean something like this guy has done kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJW8e5mVrsesjNE I hear it may help out some dampened frequencies, probably some highs, but I've never had a heart and a donor to try it.

[@RandySchartiger]

Acoustic guitars (especially high end ones) are extremely sensitive beasts! A pick guard can make a difference in overall tone, volume and sound, even the thin finish can make huge changes! So yes, thinning the entire top can make major changes, you'll notice much more response on high end guitars as they usually are tap tuned to resonate best around A440 tuning.