Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello all,
Newbie here again with another question for ya. So I thought I knew how I was going to fix up this poor, mangled body but after reading some different techniques, I'm not 100% sure how I would like to move forward. How would you fix this up? There are smaller dings all over and then a crack running along the bottom.
It appears to be a lost cause to salvage it enough to stain so she's gonna get a paint job. The wood is basswood.
Anyway I look forward to reading your ideas.
Thanks!

Well, I'd fill the crack with CA...
As for the dents, steam them out as best you can, then fill and level with your choice of materials.
My worry is whether all the repairs would print through the final finish - even on a solid color.
Suggest a flattened (or matte) finish to hide any problems.
A shiny finish would highlight any missed dents.
Good luck!

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Thanks, Chris
Any recommendation on the Cyanoacrylate you would use (brand and viscosity)? What filler would you use to level?
That was what I was originally thinking....just patch and seal...but then I notice some folks would cut out pieces and insert replacement wood. That crack is long as hell though so I don't know how that would work.
Thanks again!

I would fill the dents and ding with epoxy like System3"s SB112. the dents will not print if done properly.

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Thanks.
Ahh. I wish I saw this before I got antsy and ordered stuff.
So I ordered some thin CA and some Durham's putty. That crack is kinda tight as is but I guess I'll separate it to insert the CA the best that I can.
Do you think that system3's epoxy would be way better than the Durham's?
I steam ironed out some of the dings with different levels of success.
I have to admit I'm loving working on this project.

I read this book around ten years ago: http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Books/Guitar_Finishing_Step-By-Step.html and got a great deal out of it. More specifically IIRC Dan and Don take us through refinishing a Fender style body even using........ drum roll please....... BONDO.......

Thin super glue will wick into the crack on its own, no need to try and open it further. I've used plenty of Durhams putty over the years but would not recommend it for your application. Using an epoxy filler is the way to go. Either product recommended by Brian and Hesh will work well.

The Padma, were he still here, would advocate the use of bondo too.

_________________
I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

+1 Epoxy filler and or Bondo

_________________
Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
The Zootman
1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

Durhams putty is good stuff. Similar to bondo but more simple to mix and level.

I was going to vote bondo as well on the dents.. It's an electric and I am assuming you are going to put a thick colorful paint job on it.... If you have a fairly light hand with the sanding - you may well be able to get away with drywall mud...

Thanks

To each his own, but here is my relaxed approach to projects like yours:
I'm not trying to make the guitar look like it is brand new at the music store. I'm taking a guitar which has been to hundreds of parties, plus been drastically abused. My goal is to make it look like a good old guitar that has been taken reasonable care of and only slightly abused. If I can disguise the repairs of the truly frightening accidents I'll be happy. I'm getting the guitar ready to go to a hundred more parties.
Look at photos of a Stradivarious violin. They are beautiful, and the wear and distress looks exactly right.

I hate bondo!!! just my 2 cents....

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/