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FedEx cracked my headstock...

3toes

3toes

Aug 30, 2006
2,398
942
Denver, Colorado
www.facebook.com
#1
I know this isn't the most uncommon of injuries for a bass, but I need some help in terms of how to handle this.

Long story short, I have a '78 Ibanez lawsuit P that was shipped to me, headstock is cracked but not separated. It's definitely on it's way to being completely torn off, and I can tell that if I put the strings to full tension, it would definitely come off completely.

The question is, should it be completely broken off and THEN re-glued, or should I (or a luthier) try to spread the crack a little bit and get some glue in there?

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#4
HeavyRockBasser said:
Return it or take it to a luthier. A luthier could decide how much to separate it, prior to gluing. And, you aren't going to fix that yourself with a bottle of Elmer's.

Unless you're absolutely in love with it, return it, and let the seller deal with FedEx.
Click to expand...

Actually its not a very difficult repair that could be done by ones self with a bottle of Elmer's wood glue.
 
#7
Looks to me like a job for Titebond inserted throughout the crack using a syringe, a good clamping job with well padded clamps, and you can live happily ever after.

I'd do a test clamping first to make sure the split will close fully under pressure, then inject the glue (thinned slightly if needed), clamp and let it sit for 24 hours. I generally let such things sit longer than needed before releasing clamps.

Or take it to a pro. The repair will be inexpensive and should be well done, since it's not difficult.
 
#8
Ah, it'll be just fine. However, I would hold off on any restoration until the FedEx investigation has been completed. They need to / want to see the stuff in its current state...broken! I'm kinda curious as to whether they'll cover the repair or "total" it. If totaled, are you allowed to keep the bass or is it surrendered to FedEx as part of remuneration?

Riis
 
#9
:( I hope Fedex do something about, in my experience they always blame you for any damage they caused. They have damaged two basses and I have never seen a penny from them. Last time costed me $ 500 to fix what they broke.
 
#10
Cracked head stocks usually occur in tilt back designs. This kind of damage is uncommon in Fender style head stocks. That is one of the strengths of the design. (Pun intended)

While the protocol for repair is straight forward, it should not be trivialized. Not only is a bottle of Titebond called for, but a good workspace, excellent lighting, several strong clamps with properly shaped cauls. As a matter of fact, it will probably take two or three times as long to create the cauls as to perform the repair. This is to say nothing of having the knowledge and experience to know how the crack should feel when opened and closed by clamping pressure. Or knowing just how much glue should be applied. This is not a job for a shade tree luthier.

There is some question as to the advisability of this repair. The bass side of the head stock is showing the crack across short grain. That is an almost impossible repair. An image of the front of the head stock would be of great help.

Concerning FedEx's investigation and liability, they will want to see the piece in the same condition as it arrived, along with the packaging. If they "total it out" they will take custody of the instrument. Establishing the value of a law suit guitar should lead to some interesting conversations with their loss department. In the meantime, leave it alone until they complete their investigation.
 
#11
202dy said:
Concerning FedEx's investigation and liability, they will want to see the piece in the same condition as it arrived, along with the packaging. If they "total it out" they will take custody of the instrument. Establishing the value of a law suit guitar should lead to some interesting conversations with their loss department. In the meantime, leave it alone until they complete their investigation.
Click to expand...

The more homework you do, the better. Original MSRP would be perfect but not realistic in terms of replacement value. You may want to comb through completed E-bay listings and such for corroborating documentation. This will, to some extent, grease the skids and hasten the process....provided they admit they're at fault. It was shipped in a case, correct?

Riis
 
#12
Riis is right. Data rules. The Vintage Guitar Price Guide, Blue Book of Guitar Values, eBay completed sales, and surveys of online dealer asking prices should all be collected. The given is that the shipping company will be using something like the Orion Blue Book and referencing wholesale pricing. It will be a bit of a struggle but persistence pays off. Remain calm and present the data.
 
#13
+1 to take it to a real luthier

you could fix it yourself. i could, and so could half the people responding here..

but i've seen repairs like this come undone after a year or so. if its done right it will actually be "good as new." if its done but a not so real luthier, when it starts separating again, then you've got a problem that might not be fixable.
 
#15
3toes said:
If anyone knows of a good luthier in or around Charleston SC, please let me know!

A little more backstory: This is a bass that I regrettably sold about 3 years ago and is coming back to me... So returning it isn't really an option. And yeah, I'm starting a claim with FedEx.
Click to expand...

It looks like the finish next to the crack has some abrasion- how well was it packed? If the box was badly damaged when this happened, it clearly wasn't packed well enough.

People need to think about "what could possibly happen" when packing instruments. Being long and thin, a neck is a sitting duck.
 

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