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Damaged Classical, Opinions please
http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=6382		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Bruce Dickey [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 12:51 am ]
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Here we have a severe blow the the butt of a classical guitar. The damage followed a fan strut up the solid red cedar top right under the edge of the bridge and beyond.

The question: Is it worth fixing? Here are some pics and details. It was purchased used for $400 from a classical teacher in SC. What will it be worth fixed?

The top is red cedar, back and sides appear to be indian rosewood plywood (I say plywood because the inner wood appears coarse grained, while the outer is more fine grained) The neck is sandwiched three piece vertically, which I've not seen before. Inside there is no Spanish foot. The tuners appear average, nothing special. Here are the pics:





Author:  Michael McBroom [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 1:00 am ]
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Matsuoka is one of Japan's most highly respected luthiers.

It would appear that this guitar is a student model, but given the fact that it is a Matsuoka, I'd say it's well worth fixing. As to its value after the repair, well first of all, I'm sure you would do an exemplary job in that department, and I would think that it would still be at least what this fellow paid for it.

Best,

Michael
Michael McBroom38834.4177777778
Author:  Bruce Dickey [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 1:23 am ]
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After removing the strings and feeling inside, I'm going to say this is the thinnest guitar top ever. It appears normal thickness at the soundhole, but down south where the crack is, geezzz it's thin.
Author:  John Elshaw [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 2:21 am ]
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Bruce,

IMHO, I don't think this guitar is worth fixing, especially if it is paper thin like you said. While Matsuoka was recognized as a fine builder in the 70's, I don't think this is one of the guitars he built. After he quit building, he sold the rights to his name to a production line that pumped out guitars. I believe it might have been Aria that made his guitars. One thing I am fairly sure of is that Matsuoka never used laminated sides. Did you look inside with a mirror for any other signature? Also, since you mention it's not a spanish heel, I suspect it is production line.

I think the owner might want to consider looking around for a new guitar. If this is a production line guitar, I have heard they are similar in quality and value to a Yamaha guitar.

John
Author:  Bruce Dickey [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 6:09 am ]
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Thanks Michael and John,

The owner was ready to switch to a steel string anyway. Of course, any value the guitar had is pretty much lost in the damage, even if subsequently repaired.

I'll probably cleat it and hide glue it, and leave the finish alone and restring it for sale. Just not worth much more than that. IF its cheap and Japanese, what is the likely finish? IF it's lacquer I can easily hit it with a top coat and buff out? Ideas on that? tia, bd
Author:  John Elshaw [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 7:11 am ]
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I'm not sure about the finish Bruce, but I saw a repair on a broken guitar similar to that. It had the cleats in the back, but then, the top had a channel routed right down the middle of the crack, going only half-way through the top (about 1/4 inch wide). Once the channel was routed, a piece of matching cedar was glued in the channel, sanded, and finished. It was a really nice looking fix, and you would be hard pressed to notice if you didn't know it was there.

I'm not sure if this is an option for you considering how thin the top is around the crack.

Good luck!

JohnJohn Elshaw38834.6751157407
Author:  Pwoolson [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:02 am ]
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Bruce, you can put a dot of Quala-restore on it to see if it melts the finish. If that's the case, it's an easy finish repair.
You can do the same with nitro. Just put a dot someplace and see if it burns in.
Author:  CarltonM [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:43 am ]
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[QUOTE=John Elshaw] While Matsuoka was recognized as a fine builder in the 70's, I don't think this is one of the guitars he built. After he quit building, he sold the rights to his name to a production line that pumped out guitars.[/QUOTE]
I bought a new Matsuoka in the mid-70's, and it was a real beauty. Solid wood, expertly built, great sound, and I had to sell it to pay the rent. But then, my classical-playing skills never matched the guitar anyway. As someone interested in building, though, I wish I still had it!

The construction was traditional all the way, including a Spanish heel, so it does look like this guitar is post-Matsuoka.
Author:  stan thomison [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:00 pm ]
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Bruce don't know if worth fixing in sense you may have been thinking. That said, if it is yours (not remember if someone else's senior moment here) worth working on as a learning project in repair. Even if not yours guy may let you go with it.
Author:  Bruce Dickey [ Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:06 pm ]
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Thanks everyone, now, how in the heck will a guy clamp this up solid? I don't have a clue? Jacks?
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Fri Apr 28, 2006 2:22 am ]
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How about tuner clamps.
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