Neck damaged by truss rod?

[pete1951]

This Freshman has had a little accident!

The truss rod was VERY tight which meant there was a lot of force pushing on the back of the neck, the strings were very light and the (remains of ) neck is dead straight, so I think it was due to ‘operator error ‘ . When the the guitar had a minor fall ( I think it was in a soft case) the head flew off.

Unfortunately this was some time ago. There are several missing splinters and damaged to the end of the break.

So what to do? Through away, well yes a proper repair will probably be more than the second hand price. ( the frets are also worn and at least a part refret is needed)
Just run some Titbond over the join and hope for the best.??

No because of the missing wood I intend to use epoxy.
Epoxy is not a great glue for most guitar stuff, it will not come apart with heat and can make farther repair difficult. It does have some strength the other glues lack in that it can bridge small gaps, most glues need a well fitted joint to stick best.
Hopefully it will play again soon
Pete

[pete1951]

One other problem with epoxy is that most common epoxy glues are very viscous, and too thick it work their way into small cracks or splits. Hide glue ( used by traditional instrument makers is great at doing this ,and if the neck was hanging on and not come off completely I would probably have used it. However, hide glue can’t bridge gaps, so , as splicing in new wood is uneconomic, epoxy it will be

[bonzo]

Hi Pete. Some of the newer grip fill type adhesives might be worth a look. They used to be thick and bulky, meant for heavier work but I have used some of the lighter grade ones, very strong and can be smoothed when dry. As you say, traditional glues are a way to go but after some scepticism on my part I have had good results.
There are different types to choose from some quite specialist, might be worth a butchers. 👍🎸

[davey]

Gibson's original patent is here: patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/4d/57/18/4cc57793b2f981/US1446758.pdf

It seems that part of the benefit of a truss rod is so the manufacturer can use lower grade timber, just don't bang the headstock on anything. Maybe earlier GIbson truss rod necks were a bit chunkier at the weak spot.

[pete1951]

Not exactly an invisible mend, but I don’t want the hassle of refinishing the whole neck, but it will play again rather than go into landfill!
....


Pete

[davey]

Excellent, Pete.