Broken headstock, missing piece..

__HM__ · #1 02-05-2011, 02:29 PM

I got an offer on Craigslist today, to trade my Marshall 1960 cab for a Gibson Explorer from 1991. Its in great shape, except...

Yeah, the headstock has a snap right in the middle. Normally a repair like this would be a snap, even though Im very inexperienced as a luthier. But the problem here is, the chunk of the headstock that broke off is missing. What would you guys recommend I do, if I am to obtain this guitar? If its fixable for cheap, or if I can fix it, its a hell of a deal. Ive wanted an Explorer for years.

Let me know what ya'll think.. I asked the guy for better pics of the headstock. Ill upload those as they come. Thanks!

Blind Dog · #2 02-05-2011, 02:37 PM

Are you sure it is a Gibson? It seems very suspicious that the pice with the Gibson name is broken off and missing... ... and headstocks don't normally break there.

The fix would not be difficult. I would sand down the thickness of the headstock a little and glue on the missing piece and then add a thin veneer front and back to hide the repair.

__HM__ · #3 02-05-2011, 02:52 PM

As I said, its missing the broken piece... lol.

And I will be sure that tis a gibson when I see it in person. It seems very legit though. It comes with a 90s style Gibson case that fits it like a glove. We'll see though.

Musiclogic · #4 02-05-2011, 03:41 PM

The proper way to fix this is to do a lap joint, then either add a headplate and a veneer or double up veneers on both faces. it's quite simple.

bolophonic · #5 02-05-2011, 03:44 PM

I would not call that "great shape." I would call that "totally broken."

__HM__ · #6 02-05-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musiclogic

The proper way to fix this is to do a lap joint, then either add a headplate and a veneer or double up veneers on both faces. it's quite simple.

Thanks man. What do you mean a lap joint? Kind of like an angled neck joint, only in the middle of the headstock?

Stilettoprefer · #7 02-05-2011, 08:17 PM

How did it break????

Musiclogic · #8 02-05-2011, 09:39 PM

No, a lap joint is like 2 steped pieces matched to fit exactly opposite to create a flat equal join. I'll post a pic or link to a pic later tonight. It's a very simple join that can be done with a router a piece of mahogany and some glue.

T-Bird · #9 02-05-2011, 11:45 PM

Hi.

I've done a scarf joint on a damage like that, but any joint with large enough gluing area will do.

Do make sure it's a Gibson though, a broken Epi for a 1960 would not be fun.

The Epi Explorers and Firebirds fit Gibson cases great, so I wouldn't focus on that.

Regards
Sam

Beej · #10 02-06-2011, 04:55 PM

I agree with sam about checking it out. Those things aren't impossible to find. The tuners, shape and nut look legit, but I'd pull the whole thing apart and check it all out before I made a deal...

__HM__ · #11 02-06-2011, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beej

I agree with sam about checking it out. Those things aren't impossible to find. The tuners, shape and nut look legit, but I'd pull the whole thing apart and check it all out before I made a deal...

I would, but the guy said he didn't wanna make a trade. Which, pretty much confirms that it is a Gibson.. lol. Also, Notice the truss rod cover. No fake Gibson, and no Epiphone has the 2 hole truss rod cover that extends partially away from the nut. Most fakes and all epiphones have 3 hole truss covers. Just sayin'.

Musiclogic · #12 02-07-2011, 12:57 AM

lap joint...or half lap at least

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...ed=0CDMQ9QEwAQ

Rickett Customs · #13 02-07-2011, 06:06 AM

Yep, go with a the lap or 1/2 lap, like Jc is referring to (your best bet for an end joint, especially a headstock). There are other joints that will do as well, but would require a bit more experience with joinery.....like a scarf (for example), which would be a little more challenging than just doing a lap, in this scenario.