Martin D35 Topcracks
This Martin D35 required some top crack repairs and had some top damage from that time the bridge decided to part ways with Ol' Flattop. Click the gallery photos to read a little bit about each step!
01
glued up front view
Here we've glued up a couple of cracks on the bass side of the top, and splinted the common pickguard crack. Everything has been sanded and is ready for some touchup.
02
Pickguard crack
On older Martins, the shrinking of a pick guard hard-glued directly to the wood top commonly results in top cracks at this location. Often they're pulled open far enough that they won't close up with humidification and need to be splinted like this one.
03
Top cracks sanded
When you go to prep a glued-up crack for touchup, your flat sanding block will tell you exactly how level you were able to get that crack glued. The more level it is, the less work it will be to touch it up. Cracks that have been left unrepaired for a long time are almost always more challenging to get straight and touch up.
04
bridge damage
Sometimes a lifting bridge will take some finish and wood fibers along with it. That happened here, creating the need for some touchup along with the bridge reglue.
05
top cracks finished close up
The color touchup and topcoat are done on the top cracks and they're not conspicuous.
06
splint finished
The splinted pick guard crack is usually a more difficult one to hide with touchup. However, it's pretty easy to hide with a new pick guard!
07
new guard
Once the new pick guard is on and the guitar is strung up, that pick guard crack repair really fades into the background.
08
top cracks finished
Here's another view of the to crack repairs. Existing playing wear and discoloration of the top mean the slightly darkened grain lines of the glued cracks don't really stand out unless you're looking for them.
09
sound hole view
10
complete long view
It's always good to step back a few feet to understand how things look in the context most everyone will see them.
11
complete upright
OK, done. Ready for some music.
Next step
Yours could be next on the bench.
Drop off at Elston Avenue Monday through Saturday, noon to 6pm. No appointment needed. Or send photos for an estimate first.