Fingerboard Crack

Tibar · #1 06-17-2010, 08:05 PM

I discovered a crack on the back of my fingerboard where the neck joins the body (see pic). I never look at this part of instrument, but recently I've been noticing a buzz playing a F note on my G string. Curiously this crack is almost directly under that note. Is this crack repairable? Or will it require a new fingerboard?

Bergerman · #2 06-19-2010, 10:48 AM

Does the crack show from the top side of the fingerboard? I would think about letting some CA glue (thin) wick into the crack (bass laying fingerboard side down). Maybe do this a couple of times and then let some thicker CA fill the rest. Might stop the buzz...

Just a thought...I am sure that the absolute correct fix is to remove the fingerboard and all that...

fdeck · #3 06-19-2010, 11:39 AM

I wonder if the crack goes hand in hand with warpage, and the warpage is what is causing the buzz.

robobass · #4 06-19-2010, 01:58 PM

I think the ebony wasn't properly seasoned and dried before it was made into a fingerboard. Is this by any chance a CCB? I wouldn't do the CA glue, since it's not reversible. You could try to get some thin hide glue into the crack without removing the board. If it doesn't work, you still have a chance of repairing the board after removal.

Andrew McGregor · #5 06-19-2010, 06:44 PM

For that crack to open, one side of the fingerboard has to have come unglued from the neck in that area. It's probably buzzing there, rather than in the crack in the fingerboard.

Unfortunately, it has to come off.

robobass · #6 06-20-2010, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

For that crack to open, one side of the fingerboard has to have come unglued from the neck in that area. It's probably buzzing there, rather than in the crack in the fingerboard.

Unfortunately, it has to come off.

Sounds right. Also, an open FB/neck glue joint will cause warpage (which may itself be the cause of the buzzing). Better to look after it sooner rather than later.

Turnaround · #7 06-20-2010, 01:28 PM

I'd have that attended to right away. It won't get better on it's own, only worse.

Tibar · #8 06-24-2010, 11:29 AM

Brought it to a local luthier. He did following:

* Planed fingerboard
* Filled the crack (I don't know what he used, but will ask him next time I talk to him)
* Raised the action

BTW - This is a CCB (Christopher Model 100). I've had it 7 years with no complaints up until now. Wish me luck.