'74 Gibson Grabber

M1CK13 · #1 12-11-2010, 10:45 AM

I have a 1974 Gibson Grabber Bass in a blonde finish that needs a laminate job on the neck. It's a two piece bolt on neck which is highly unusual for Gibson, and the only reason it split is because it sat in the back of a trailer for 15 years and the adhesive separated. I was wondering what is the best route to go and get it fixed?

dcr · #2 12-11-2010, 10:46 AM

Pix will help dramatically in the quality of responses that you get.

dcr

darkstorm · #3 12-12-2010, 03:49 PM

Very expensive fix Id wager. Take to to a pro luthier for inspection and estimate. Dif not a do it yourself project.

96tbird · #4 12-14-2010, 11:09 AM

Go to the Gibson website and look at the services tab.. repairs. There are some good pics of their luthiers repairing separated fretboards. It looks easy to do, lots of clamps needed. I think that for longevity reasons. the old glue might need to be removed or roughened up so the new gets a good grip into the wood. The old glue will still be in the pores, but if you get fresh surface wood it should grip well. Possibly folded fine sandpaper slid in the slot which you have spread open slightly would be good. Even to roughen up the old glue surface would be advisable. Old fashioned carpenters waterproof wood glue will work fine.

BigOldHarry · #5 12-14-2010, 11:14 AM

Bolt on? Did Gibson make bolt on Grabbers?

bassbrad · #6 12-14-2010, 11:20 AM

It's not unusual that's how those basses were made. It is not really a DIY job for a novice. If the neck and fingerboard are still straight it should be a straight forward repair, if not it may not be worth doing. Both glued surfaces will need to be cleaned of the old glue, new glue applied and the neck halves clamped together until set at least a week, longer if possible.

aquateen · #7 12-14-2010, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Bolt on? Did Gibson make bolt on Grabbers?

grabbers & g3s were all bolt on. rippers are set neck.

Superdave · #8 12-14-2010, 12:54 PM

+1 to all the picture requests. May let some get a better idea of the damage. But a neck separating like that may require some serious work. Sad to hear of Grabber in that condition, love mine. Good luck man.

M1CK13 · #9 12-19-2010, 09:23 AM

Ok, so a luthier would be the best rout then and I'll post pix of it soon...