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Heel-Neck Joint Dilemma
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10137&t=45068		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  KeithR [ Wed Feb 04, 2015 3:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Heel-Neck Joint Dilemma
Hi, all. I hope in this case a picture will speak a thousand words. Essentially I want to close this gap which has opened up over the years in this Epiphone.

Image

I'm wondering if this is a case of shrinkage as the joint doesn't appear to be weak. As a test, I've tried clamping with a block on the heel and one on the fingerboard, squeezing to see if there's any movement or sign of the gap closing up. Not really.

I've got lots of ideas, but not sure what's best, and I don't want to hurt anything. How would you approach this job?

Thanks, Keith
Author:  WudWerkr [ Wed Feb 04, 2015 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heel-Neck Joint Dilemma
If you run a straight edge all the way down the frets to the bridge where does the straight edge meet the bridge? slightly above or does it contact the bridge ?
Author:  KeithR [ Wed Feb 04, 2015 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heel-Neck Joint Dilemma
It hits the bridge... =(
Author:  cphanna [ Thu Feb 05, 2015 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heel-Neck Joint Dilemma
Keith, I'm responding to help keep your thread active until you get some suggestions. From over here, it seems like an obvious glue joint failure to me. I'm guessing that clamping at the heel didn't direct enough clamping pressure to the right place and, thus, the joint didn't close. There might be some glue in there that has "crept" and is now actually holding the joint open. I'm sure it's a very straightforward repair for someone who knows what they're doing. Hang in there and Wud or some of the other folks will come back and help you. I'll be watching. Best of luck!
Author:  WudWerkr [ Thu Feb 05, 2015 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heel-Neck Joint Dilemma
If its hitting the bridge then the neck has pulled upwards causing the issue . Time to remove the neck and re-glue the heel block and then reset the neck . There are differing thoughts on how far above the bridge the straight edge should be , I aim for 1/32" approx to 1/16" all this having been said , I am NOT a pro . However that i believe is the way it should be approached
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