Gouges in back of neck?

[abarson]

There's a Hagstrom Concord in a local shop that's in useable condition, but it really needs some major repair. Most glaring are chunks of wood missing from the back of the neck. Before I even consider negotiating with the store owner, I'd like to know if there is a way to fill the gouges so that it looks okay and plays smoothly. I would consider building a new replacement neck, but that would drastically devalue the instrument. Suggestions?

[Pilgrim]

I'm at a loss, depending on the depth of the gouges.

If they're not gouges but dents, you may be able to steam the wood back into position with repeated applications of water and heat.

If there are actual gouges - meaning wood has been removed - I don't know how to fix them unless there is some trick of cutting a uniform size and depth trench and then cutting wood to replace the lost material. That's WAY more tricky than anything I've ever tried...and I'm not sure I'm on the right track anyway.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

If there are actual gouges - meaning wood has been removed - I don't know how to fix them unless there is some trick of cutting a uniform size and depth trench and then cutting wood to replace the lost material.

I've done that a couple of times. I've also used superglue to fill some smaller divots.

[abarson]

These aren't small dents. These are beyond your dog gnawing on it a bit. These are more like you don't want your thumb to disappear into it on a glis, or you might get splinters. Material would definitely need to be added to it just to get it level with the rest of the neck.
The top seam also appears to have some separation, but I think I can sort that out.
That said, this thing still sounds and feels awesome!

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by abarson

These aren't small dents. These are beyond your dog gnawing on it a bit. These are more like you don't want your thumb to disappear into it on a glis, or you might get splinters. Material would definitely need to be added to it just to get it level with the rest of the neck.
The top seam also appears to have some separation, but I think I can sort that out.
That said, this thing still sounds and feels awesome!

I'd clean out/resize the channels and inlay fillers of similar wood.

[abarson]

mongo2
Any tips as to how to do this and make it look seamless? I'm guessing that it would be best to try and match the grain type and orientation of the plug with the neck, but anything else? It's going to be a challenge as the gouges run diagonal across the back of the neck.
Got any photos of your previous work?

[rocker246]

Post a pic it depends on how deep they are

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by abarson

mongo2
Any tips as to how to do this and make it look seamless? I'm guessing that it would be best to try and match the grain type and orientation of the plug with the neck, but anything else? It's going to be a challenge as the gouges run diagonal across the back of the neck.
Got any photos of your previous work?

I suppose you could paint the back of the neck or use a dark transparent finish to hide any seams.

Sorry, I gotz no pix.

How deep are these gouges? Reason I ask is I've been known to shave down an entire neck some to eliminate multiple crossgrain gouges.

Got any pix?

[Tylerrr51]

This is something I've always thought, wouldn't car bondo be a good candidate? It will fill the cuts but will look hideous if you don't paint the neck.

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by abarson

mongo2
Any tips as to how to do this and make it look seamless? I'm guessing that it would be best to try and match the grain type and orientation of the plug with the neck, but anything else? It's going to be a challenge as the gouges run diagonal across the back of the neck.
Got any photos of your previous work?

you should be able to find wood with similar grain.....get the plug as close as possible and a mix of glue/sawdust for the filler