Guitar Repair Blog

Loose Tuning Machine Bushings

2011-08-07T12:32:00.000-04:00

How do I keep the small bushing (ferrule) that fits around the tuner's post from falling off? You may have already noticed that some tuning machine bushings screw to the tuner while others simply press into the holes in the peghead. Well, they're suppose to anyway. Unfortunately loose press fit tuning machine bushings can fall off easily when the strings are removed. With any luck it will hit

Neck Resets - Glue Nightmares

2011-08-01T08:58:00.001-04:00

Gluing Necks on Acoustic Guitars Today I am addressing guitar necks that use dovetail joints. Sliding a Martin D-18, dovetailed neck out of the neck block after steaming. What Holds the Neck On? While glue obviously keeps the neck from coming off, dovetailed joints are designed to slide together, wedge and "lock". When a dovetailed joint is not shaped or fit properly the glue is being

1960 Fender Jazzmaster Guitar Repair

2011-07-28T08:27:00.023-04:00

Are You Nuts? Someone got a bit too creative here, can you spot the problem? What seems to be the problem with this Jazzmaster? First ...Do No Harm ... It's not at all surprising to see something like this on an inexpensive guitar, but when modifications are made that can effect the value of a collectible or vintage instrument you have to stop and ask if they are absolutely necessary. I

Drilling Holes w/o Chipping Paint

2011-07-20T08:44:00.001-04:00

Most electric guitar replacement bodies come without pre-drilled holes for mounting the pickguard, tremolo cover and other trim. Unfortunately when you encounter a finish that wants to chip easily the simple task of drilling a few holes may require more caution. We can also encounter a problem when an electric guitar body is re-finished and the holes fill with paint. A new Fender Stratocaster

Gibson LG-0 Plastic Bridge

2011-07-15T23:27:00.000-04:00

I have to laugh whenever I read the words "special bridge", but that's what Gibson called their hollow, bolt on, plastic bridges which were used from the early to mid-1960's on their Gibson LG-0 small body guitars. They were special alright. lol Plastic Gibson bridge replaced with handmade ebony bridge These bridges were not glued to the top, instead, 4 screws pass thru the bridge plate and

Loose Strap Buttons on Input Jacks

2011-06-23T23:27:00.000-04:00

Most acoustic guitar pickups use a long input jack. The strap button screws directly to the input jack but often comes loose with repeated removal and re-installation of the strap.

String Creaks When Tuning

2011-06-12T19:15:00.000-04:00

Complaint : When tuning my guitar I hear a creaking noise, like a pinging sound whenever I turn the tuning key. This sound is usually caused when the string itself is encountering friction. As an instrument is being tuned the string is being pulled ever so lightly over the nut and saddle, any resistance at these points can cause a distinct creaking sound. Take a good look at : The nut slot The

Finding Loose Guitar Braces

2011-05-27T22:21:00.000-04:00

Signs of a loose brace: Vibration sound Squeak when light pressure is placed on top or back Non-symeterical arching on top or back (lump to one side) Excessive top bellying Top Rotation (severe belly behind bridge with a dip in front of the bridge) No need to point this loose brace out to you. A quick peek inside was all it took to find the buzzing culprit on this guitar. But not

Tying Nylon Guitar Strings to Tieblock

2011-05-01T18:09:00.000-04:00

This video shows how I tie the strings to the bridge on nylon string and classical guitar tie block bridges.