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Post by rbe on Oct 16, 2022 19:54:26 GMT
Been wanting to ask this question for awhile. But haven’t been foruming much. I have been going round and round with this for a long time.
The example here will be a vintage 12-fret Duolian in rough condition that needs some neck work. For the sake of conversation, this guitar would be getting a full refinish.
The neck has a complex break in it that cannot be repaired without adding new wood. So the repair will be visible before finishing.
So, here are three possible choices. I am curious what folks think about which is best.
1. Make the repair. Keep the original neck as intact as possible, and do whatever can be done in the finishing to hide the repair. This means the finish might be darker and possibly more opaque than the typical clear finish on Duolians.
2. Make a new neck as close to original spec as possible. Can be pretty darn close.
3. Replace with a new NRP neck. Some folks like the idea of getting a truss rod in the deal. Not me. But the NRP replacement is done quite a bit. Especially by NRP.
I’m looking forward to hearing what you think. Thanks. Rik
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Post by pete1951 on Oct 17, 2022 6:35:34 GMT
I guess for many of us cost would be something to think about. Having said that , I would probably go for an ‘ honest ‘ repair, rather than replacing the 90year old neck.
Of coarse the broken neck could be stored, and a new one made ( no truss rod would look best ) and the original neck could be refitted at a later date.
Look forward to seeing the finished guitar Pete
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Post by Michael Messer on Oct 17, 2022 8:03:27 GMT
Hi Rik
In these situations I always say to people that there will never be any more 1930s National guitars, so wherever possible and within reason, the original components should be kept. Failing that, I would go for option 2. Option 3 would never be a consideration.
Shine On Michael
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Post by 1928triolian on Oct 17, 2022 9:50:48 GMT
Option 1.
( it's the only case I would buy that Duolian! )
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Post by davey on Oct 18, 2022 9:03:28 GMT
Does this Guitar exist & can we see photos ? If the neck could be repaired well, I wouldn't bother to hide it, just tone down the new wood a bit and varnish the whole piece. I also wouldn't repaint the body, but it's your guitar.
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Post by Stevie on Oct 18, 2022 12:31:32 GMT
I know mine is "only" an MM, but setting aside the logistics I'd be in a queue for one of Rik's refinishes in a split heartbeat Davey!
でつ e&oe ...
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Post by pete1951 on Oct 18, 2022 14:51:33 GMT
Does this Guitar exist & can we see photos ? If the neck could be repaired well, I wouldn't bother to hide it, just tone down the new wood a bit and varnish the whole piece. I also wouldn't repaint the body, but it's your guitar. Yes to daveys first comment, but rbe can do a finish that looks like a brand new 30s Duolion , I would need to see the guitar to confirm that he should refinish, ( is there enough original paint to save?) but I think we can trust his judgment . Pete
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Post by davey on Oct 18, 2022 15:24:02 GMT
Okay I've just figured out who RBE is ! What a pillock I am. If it's going to look like a brand new Duolian a repaired neck will perhaps look a bit silly. However, I still prefer old things to look old.
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Post by michaelsegui on Oct 19, 2022 1:07:33 GMT
Option 1
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