Re-Fixing a Botched Headstock Repair?

[arielk]

Hey all.

I bought a really sweet Schecter Elite 4-String on eBay for $200 a while back. $200 because the original owner (who was selling it) broke off half the headstock...and then did a really terrible job putting it back together (I think he used metal clamps, as memory serves of his eBay posting...?).

So I've had this thing for a while - did some not-great touch-up work myself a while back with paint and apoxy - and I was wondering if anyone here has any ideas on how I could make the thing look decent and not like Frankenbass?

A local luthier told me the only way to "fix" it would be to re-break the headstock and THEN put it back together. When I indicated I'd consider paying him to do that, he relented. So I've been in the dark, wondering, since then.

I should also mention that another guitar repair guy told me to find a good painter, and that the repair would cost more than I paid for the bass.

My dad told me a woodworker worth his salt could probably do it, and I presume it'd be for cheaper than a guitar repairman would charge.

Frankly, if I could be given some directions, I wouldn't mind giving it a shot myself!

Anyway, I uploaded some pics at:

http://img341.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=schecter1.jpg

Incidentally, thanks so much for going through this post

[vbasscustom]

rebreaking and re assembly is really the only way to make it decent again. but do it gently, you dont want to mar everything else all up when breaking it. then, chips of wood,patience, and glue.

[Phlatwounds]

Is the headstock sturdy the way it is right now? I mean it doesn't move from string tension and the bass stays in tune and plays correctly?
If so, I would leave the front of the headstock alone and just lightly sand the cracked areas to get rid of any high spots, then fill in any low spots with a wood putty compound, let dry then resand it smooth. Touch up the area with a close color, even markers may work. Then spray a water based clear coat over it and call it a done deal.
I think if you rebreak it, the guitar may be totally ruined, hopefully the first repair was done with wood glue which is stronger than the wood itself.
Good Luck

[WRXbase]

You could try carving out the bottom 1/4 to 1/2" of the head, following the contour, and replacing it with some stiff wood; purpleheart, possibly.

[arielk]

Hey, thanks so much for the help guys. I think I'll go with Phlatwounds's suggestion...(thanks man). Incidentally, anyone know if I can get a Schecter decal anywhere?