Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi

I have a friend who told me he had accidentally sat on his Martin guitar (which I believe it's one of those mini-guitars where the body looks almost triangular). I have not actually seen the guitar since he said he left it with some luthier friend in Japan who did not do anything to it, however he said he had sat on the thing and the top appears to have caved in. I told him I'd have to see it to make an assessment, but what is your take on a guitar with such damage? I am thinking a retop would be mandatory...

Furthermore, if a retop is mandatory, how much would you charge for this kind of work? Mind you this is a mini guitar, he said he paid around 100 euros for it. I am thinking that I will have to charge more than that for the work...

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

It'd be pretty easy to re-top a Martin "travel" guitar, but when you consider the hours (including re-finishing) it'd probably be a lot cheaper to buy a new one.

Sounds like one of their Mexican made Backpacker models. These can be picked up for around $100 to $150 around here. Unless it's of sentimental value, better to sell it as a project guitar and buy another one IMO.

I'd say easier to replace than fix.