head stock(small crack)

FenderBinder · #1 09-08-2007, 10:10 PM

ok I have a used yamaha 5 string. On the the B string tuner. Where the I guess would be bottom of it where it screws in is cracked comming kinda close to the neck. What is the apoxy and glue I would need to fix this? Also what kinda clamp do I need to clamp it with? Also if you live in the mtro ATL area and you know what the avergae price range for this repair is please let me know.

KeithPas · #2 09-08-2007, 10:17 PM

Post a pic and you will get some responses.

FenderBinder · #3 09-08-2007, 10:21 PM

not the best quailty of pcitures cuz i dont own digital camera except on my cell.

KeithPas · #4 09-08-2007, 10:39 PM

Over tightening the screws that fasten the tuners can do that. I don't think I would mess with it. It is hard to tell from the pics but I have had a few basses do this and nothing else ever happened.

FenderBinder · #5 09-08-2007, 10:47 PM

yea im not gonna do that. I know the picture kinda sucks but anyone who knows what Im talkin about will know what it looks like. who ever owned it before me did this. I got it real cheap becuz of this crack. I gig with this bass becuz I dont want to mess up my nice fenders thru the wear and tear of playing in hick town bars for quick cash. This crack needs to fixed either way cuz it would be a waste of very fine bass if it were to get damaged further.

SDB Guitars · #6 09-09-2007, 04:46 AM

Is it possible that the crack is just in the finish?

If the crack is deep, the only way to get glue in there would be to inject it using a needle/syringe. You would need to use pretty thin superglue, and you won't be able to do this unless the crack is either wide enough to allow the glue to flow (it doesn't look to be, from the picture), or you'd have to ocmplete the break and then re-glue it (DEFINITELY not recommended...).

Basshole · #7 09-09-2007, 05:16 AM

As SDB stated, use a thin superglue. I'll share a trick taught to me by a famous luthier: Put the cyanoacrylate in the freezer first. It keeps it thin, and increases handling time.

Allow the glue to "wick" into the crack via capillary action (if you can slightly spread the crack, it will help draw in the glue). Clamp it with a squeeze clamp, like the kind you can get at the home center, but I would recommend removing all the hardware first, to make the gluing and clamping easier.

SDB Guitars · #8 09-09-2007, 05:56 AM

indeed... after that, level any squeeze out with a small bit of wet (soapy water) 320 grit sandpaper on a pink eraser (makes a great little sanding block) then polish with micro-mesh (if ya got 'em), or work your way up with 400, 600, 800 and 1200 grit sandpapers, then auto finish polishing compound (hurray for AutoZone!)

FenderBinder · #9 09-09-2007, 08:53 AM

its not a crack in the finish its actually cracked. the crack is big enuff for a syringe needle. This uh cyanoacrylate? Where can I buy this? How long should I leave it clamped for?

Basshole · #10 09-09-2007, 11:15 AM

Cyanoacrylate adhesive is commonly known as "crazy" or "super" glue. In my experience, the Loctite brand is best. The clamp I would recommend is the quick-grip style, as they have padded jaws. I'd leave it clamped overnight, even though it's supposed to be "instant" glue.