Guitar Repairs.

[CypSIdders]

I own and play a couple of run of the mill guitars.
However a rather unique guitar has been given to me, a 12 string accoustic, it's about fifty years old and is a rather valuable item.
I played it today and it pumps out an amazing sound.
The guitar does have a few issues though, if these issues are affecting the sound and tone them it would sound incredible if they were sorted.

The main issue is the soundboard has sunk, between the sound hole and the neck, as far as I can tell it has ladder bracing, there is no diagonal or longitudinal bracing. I'm fully aware that this will, more than likely, require a neck reset and some additional bracing.

I've had a quick google and I can't find much on prices for this sort of work.
My questions are these, does anyone have a rough idea how much this type of repair would cost?
Secondly, can anyone recommend am reliable, luthier who could do this sort of work, in the UK?

[Jediworrier]

Am hooking up with a few peeps online in an hour for a music quiz, one of the chaps has been known to build a guitar or two, will try to remember and mention it (writes it down)

[Jediworrier]

Am hooking up with a few peeps online in an hour for a music quiz, one of the chaps has been known to build a guitar or two, will try to remember and mention it (writes it down)

[CypSIdders]

Bump, anyone?

[gazza285]

Where are you for a start?

[hotchy]

Guy in Perth scotland does all this. Fixes Amps, guitars and is very reasonable. Does it as his retirement hobby business. He doesnt do post, only in person so if your here I can send details.

[CypSIdders]

Thanks for the replies, I'm based in the Welsh borders about 30 miles from Hereford.
I would be prepared to travel but not to the SE, Scotland is a possibilty as I have relatives in SW Scotland.

[Big-Bo-Beep]

Most guitar stores will have a nominated luthier/tech that will carry out repair work.

However, examining and strengthening the internal structure of an 50 year old acoustic may even be beyond these guys.

You maybe need to find an acoustic guitar maker and get a quote, check out the goggle for some in your locality.

[Jediworrier]

Hey op just got off the phone to the chap.

A few things he said....

I wouldn't attempt to dismantle a 50yr old guitar.

I'll bet the bridge has pulled up.

If it's worth less than 12k it's not really valuable.

Could try adjusting the truss rod but probably not a good idea.

Try de-stringing it and put it in a dehumidified area (he did say good luck with that one)

And last but not least, if it plays well just enjoy it.

Cost.... ooooh!


btw, he did ask why it was valuable, make/ owner?

[Jediworrier]

Oh yeah and I forgot the main bit, it wont sound the same and possibly not in a good way.

[gmaz]

CypSIdders said:

Thanks for the replies, I'm based in the Welsh borders about 30 miles from Hereford.
I would be prepared to travel but not to the SE, Scotland is a possibilty as I have relatives in SW Scotland.

If you're prepared to come as far as north bristol, this guy is good.

[CypSIdders]

Jediworrier said:

Hey op just got off the phone to the chap.

A few things he said....

I wouldn't attempt to dismantle a 50yr old guitar.

I've seen older guitars repaired, successfully.

Jediworrier said:

I'll bet the bridge has pulled up.

It hasn't, that's a realtively easy fix anyway.

Jediworrier said:

Could try adjusting the truss rod but probably not a good idea..

If all that was needed was a truss rod adjustment and fret levelling I'd do it myself.

Jediworrier said:

Try de-stringing it and put it in a dehumidified area (he did say good luck with that one).

Again if that's all it needed I wouldn't be asking the question.

Jediworrier said:

Cost.... ooooh!

Not interested

Jediworrier said:

btw, he did ask why it was valuable?

Make!

[CypSIdders]

gmaz said:

If you're prepared to come as far as north bristol, this guy is good.

What guy?

[Jediworrier]

Good luck op, just passing on my mates musings.

[Big-Bo-Beep]

Not up on the science of structures under tension , but I'd think the pull of
12 strings on the neck and body is fair bit more than 6 strings.

Good luck in your quest to get it repaired.

BTW in what universe is an £10K acoustic guitar NOT a valuable guitar ?

[foreright]

Jediworrier said:

Hey op just got off the phone to the chap.

A few things he said....

I wouldn't attempt to dismantle a 50yr old guitar.

I'll bet the bridge has pulled up.

If it's worth less than 12k it's not really valuable.

Could try adjusting the truss rod but probably not a good idea.

Try de-stringing it and put it in a dehumidified area (he did say good luck with that one)

And last but not least, if it plays well just enjoy it.

Cost.... ooooh!


btw, he did ask why it was valuable, make/ owner?

Wow don’t know where to start with that... a truss is designed to be used to set the neck relief - your mate is suggesting it’s dangerous to use it???

Anyway, it’s relatively common to see this kind of thing on acoustics - especially if they are not mollycoddled and even more so on 12 string instruments. It is more normal for the bridge to rotate forwards and sldistort the soundboard that way but I’ve seen instruments where the neck bends forward like this.

In reality you need to get a luthier to actually look at the instrument and they’ll be able to make comments based on what is in front of them rather than over the phone.

What I would agree with is that dismantling an instrument like this / altering it could change the tone - mind you if it plays better it might be worth it.

Good luck finding someone who can help!

[rsbmw]

Ask your question on thefretboard, someone over there will know where to go

[oddball1313]

I’d speak to Rob Williams - has a fantastic reputation an isn’t too far from you.

https://robwilliamsguitars.co.uk/

[Jediworrier]

foreright said:

Wow don’t know where to start with that... a truss is designed to be used to set the neck relief - your mate is suggesting it’s dangerous to use it???

Anyway, it’s relatively common to see this kind of thing on acoustics - especially if they are not mollycoddled and even more so on 12 string instruments. It is more normal for the bridge to rotate forwards and sldistort the soundboard that way but I’ve seen instruments where the neck bends forward like this.

In reality you need to get a luthier to actually look at the instrument and they’ll be able to make comments based on what is in front of them rather than over the phone.

What I would agree with is that dismantling an instrument like this / altering it could change the tone - mind you if it plays better it might be worth it.

Good luck finding someone who can help!

To be fair i know nothing about guitars and was only passing on remnants of conversation. Once he started mentioning lifting the soundboard? (the whole front?) and old wood propertys etc with costs at an eye watering sum I was a bit lost.

[Jediworrier]

My £48 cheap ass 12 (ok 11atm) repaired/ set up by mate, sounds awesome.


Good luck again op.