Cracks in top layer of laminates

Rvl · #1 03-08-2009, 10:58 PM

My bass has a crack in the top layer of the plywood top
Bass is probably late 50's or very early 60's laminate top/back and sides

Should it be repaired?
My thinking is to fill it with a little glue and leave it

Thanks

Robert VanLane

**Matthew Tucker** · #2 03-09-2009, 04:45 AM

unless the veneer is lifting at the crack, i'd just leave it. Putting glue in there won't really make it look any better.

If it IS lifting, you could try to wick some superglue into the crack.

Bassmickeyd · #3 03-09-2009, 04:54 AM

Don't use soup-er glue. Go to a good repair guy and get his opinion. A repair on that won't cost much but fixing a cheap bad repair will cost you a lot more in the long run.

**Matthew Tucker** · #4 03-09-2009, 05:35 PM

. Its VERY rare for a surface crack on a ply top to go all the way through and be structurally dangerous! So IMO going to a luthier just for that SURFACE crack on a 60's ply bass, in that condition, might be a bit of an over-reaction

The reason I suggested superglue IF the veneer is lifting is that being a very thin glue, it will wick into the crack and stabilise the area, and if done carefully will be virtually invisible.

Robert could use hide glue, but probably isn't set up to do this. And PVA, epoxy or any other glue will just make a mess.

Of course, on the next luthier visit for other reasons, he could get the crack looked at.

Rvl · #5 03-10-2009, 05:19 PM

Thanks I might slip a little glue in there to hold it
Problem is there is no luthier within driving distance and shipping is $160 return

Thanks

Robert VanLane