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crack repair question

M

madmachinist

Dec 28, 2008
248
6
#1
ok , it's not a bass (1930's Martin -A flatback mandolin) , but it has a 3" hairline crack in the lower -mid left of the rosewood
back . i don't want it to spread and become a split .

it is a roundhole instrument , so i could possibly glue in a patch
from the rear if i had to access it .

my thoughts are :

a) vee it out , superglue the crack and fill it...

b) keyhole it on the ends with a small hole
fill the crack and leave it alone

c) patch on the inside and fill the gap on the outside with
shellac

some stock photos of (not my) instrument:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
#2
First, here is a great resource where you are likely to find more info than a forum that mostly covers solid body electric instruments:

Invalid Link Removed

Second a 1930's Martin is way too good of an instrument to be learning repairs on.

Third evaluating a crack and the best way to repair it involves looking at it, preferably in person but good pictures are a huge help.

Finally, hairline cracks are not unusual in the winter. It may heal itself if you get a room humidifier.
 
#4
The proper way to fix a crack like that is a glued in thin piece of rosewood (usually called a cleat), which can be done through the sound hole. I would take it to a good luthier to have the work done.
 
#6
+1 to no guessing or OTJ training here, you get one shot to get it right.

+1 also to talkbass being an odd place to even ask about it! the fact that you asked it here frankly makes me even more inclined to second the "let a pro do it" advice.
 
#8
"+1 also to talkbass being an odd place to even ask about it! the fact that you asked it here frankly makes me even more inclined to second the "let a pro do it" advice."

Hey, don't be so quick to say this is the wrong place.

There are a LOT of VERY SMART people on this forum.

I have been thinking of asking for medical, investment, and legal advice here.
 
#9
P Town said:
I have been thinking of asking for medical, investment, and legal advice here.
Click to expand...

Please keep in mind that any such advice is worth exactly what it cost you. ;)

What stands out to me is that this is indeed a repair you only get one shot at. I would either do one helluva lot more homework than posting on an Internet forum, or take it to a pro.
 

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