How much to repair a cracked headstock?

Chapbass · #1 06-14-2011, 09:36 PM

Hey all,

First off, my apologies for not having pictures of this, I'm on a business trip right now and I just thought of asking you guys your thoughts on this :P. I'll have some pictures when I get back on friday.

So, about a year ago I got my Conklin GTBD-7 out from storage (I hadn't been playing as much due to college getting in the way) and sure enough, theres a big crack through the headstock. It goes from the top of the headstock pretty much right through the low B string tuning peg.

I know Cort makes the Groove Tools line, and I actually live near Northbrook IL which is where I believe they make them. I called them some time ago and they said to bring it in, but for one reason or another I haven't gotten to it yet. I think part of me is scared to see what the cost might be. Anyone have any idea how difficult/costly it is to repair something like that?

The crack is all the way through (depth wise).

Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

darkstorm · #2 06-14-2011, 10:35 PM

If those had mfg lifetime warranty, it may be a free fix or replacement by Conklin.

Chapbass · #3 06-14-2011, 10:43 PM

Holy crap do those have lifetime warranties? I honestly don't know. I actually bought mine from Bill Dickens himself (used to take lessons from him). I wonder if I could get in contact with him and see if he could help me out. Its been about 8 years, but who knows.

**JxBass** · #4 06-15-2011, 04:40 AM

If Cort is local and they said to bring it in, why not? It can't hurt to get a repair estimate, you may be pleasantly surprised (or not) but you won't know until you give it a try.

Also, for reasons like this I think it's always a good idea to find a local luthier you can trust. I use one locally from time to time and he's done excellent work on a number of my basses, one of which was a pretty high end bass. Each time I receive his bill I feel that he has "undercharged" me, and at least twice I have insisted he take a bit more than he's asked for.

mongo2 · #5 06-15-2011, 05:53 AM

I repaired a guitar headstock that was busted in a similar fashion but it had cracked completely off through the 3 tuner holes on one side. The fact that it was completely off and in one piece helped. I glued it up with superglue and clamped it then dressed and polished the headstock so the glue and existing finish matched.

Chapbass · #6 06-15-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

If Cort is local and they said to bring it in, why not? It can't hurt to get a repair estimate, you may be pleasantly surprised (or not) but you won't know until you give it a try.

Also, for reasons like this I think it's always a good idea to find a local luthier you can trust. I use one locally from time to time and he's done excellent work on a number of my basses, one of which was a pretty high end bass. Each time I receive his bill I feel that he has "undercharged" me, and at least twice I have insisted he take a bit more than he's asked for.

Good point jxbass about the local luthier. I really need to find one that I like. Anyone have any recommendations on one in Chicagoland?

I suppose I'll save up some coin and go take it in. Still have my Cirrus 4 and my Tacoma Thunderchief, so I'm not totally screwed, but I could use an extended range bass...

slaphappychappy · #7 06-16-2011, 12:03 AM

i love cort. bang for buck imo.

groooooove · #8 06-16-2011, 12:18 AM

if you can get glue in there and clamp it, doesent sound too bad. pics would help though.

Chapbass · #9 06-16-2011, 08:31 AM

Yeah, I'll get some pics up when I get back from NYC tomorrow night.

Been out here since sunday, having bass withdrawal :O.

john grey · #10 06-16-2011, 09:25 AM

Without a picture we are spinning our wheels here.

IF you have a production element crack (by that I mean that the construction of the neck failed to hold it's lamination) then you have a VERY legit case for product-line failure/fault and the company may honor a repair/replace with no problems what so ever!

Without knowing this - I WOULD UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT A REPAIR AS THAT WOULD RUIN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COMPANY TO FOLLOW UP ITSELF. Once you start gluing things you have take repair responsibility away from the company in general. In specifics, starting a repair blurs the of cause of failure in examination.

Chapbass · #11 06-19-2011, 10:08 AM

Okay I'm finally home after a cancelled flight then another delayed one

.

Let me know if you want me to take something else specific.

Chapbass · #12 06-20-2011, 08:22 PM

Hey everyone, just a shameless bump now that theres pics. Any thoughts?

JAUQO III-X · #13 06-28-2011, 10:54 PM

From looking at the pics, that really is not to bad of a job that can be made to look new again. And still be structurally sound.

Chapbass · #14 06-29-2011, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

From looking at the pics, that really is not to bad of a job that can be made to look new again. And still be structurally sound.

You think so? Awesome!

Thanks for the input Jauqo. Never realized you were in the Chicago area as well, gonna have to stalk you a bit and see if I can make it to see you live.

Thanks again!

JAUQO III-X · #15 06-29-2011, 08:31 AM

Yes Chapbass I have seen worse. And once the repair was done you could not tell that it was a repair.

And yes I am in Chicago.

Come on out and hang July 29th. I will be performing at a club called the birds nest(2500 North Southport Ave) with my band.

SC Bassboy · #16 06-29-2011, 08:43 AM

That actually looks like as easy fix. Thin viscosity super glue and some clamping/rubber bands would fix that right up. You could do it yourself for less than $10.00.

STEWMAC.COM : Super Glue

Chapbass · #17 06-29-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC Bassboy

That actually looks like as easy fix. Thin viscosity super glue and some clamping/rubber bands would fix that right up. You could do it yourself for less than $10.00.

STEWMAC.COM : Super Glue

You're probably right, but I honestly don't trust myself to fix something like this. If it was a $199 fender squire, thatd be one thing, but I'd rather make sure this is done right.

Computer equipment, networking gear, servers...those are my forte...Woodworking, thats something else :P.

Chapbass · #18 06-29-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Yes Chapbass I have seen worse. And once the repair was done you could not tell that it was a repair.

And yes I am in Chicago.

Come on out and hang July 29th. I will be performing at a club called the birds nest(2500 North Southport Ave) with my band.

Sounds good, I'll put it on my calendar, hopefully I can make it out.

JAUQO III-X · #19 06-29-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chapbass

Sounds good, I'll put it on my calendar, hopefully I can make it out.

It should be a good hang.

Pilgrim · #20 06-29-2011, 02:34 PM

To do it just right, it's worth spending $100 with a repair type who knows what he's doing. Clamps, cauls shaped to cradle the headstock and the correct glue are called for.