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Mike Forrester: Guitar Repair Pics

59 Les Paul R.I. Headstock Repair

Yet ANOTHER broken Les Paul headstock.....this one belongs to an early '59 Reissue
Yet ANOTHER broken Les Paul headstock.....this one belongs to an early '59 Reissue
This headstock was broken completely through, and held on only by the front veneer
This headstock was broken completely through, and held on only by the front veneer
I used West Systems 2-part marine epoxy on this repair, which will result in a brutally strong joint with awesome tone transfer
I used West Systems 2-part marine epoxy on this repair, which will result in a brutally strong joint with awesome tone transfer
The clamps have been removed, and the excess epoxy has been sanded smooth
The clamps have been removed, and the excess epoxy has been sanded smooth
After a bit of airbrushed cherry touch-up, coats of clear lacquer are built up one thin layer at a time
After a bit of airbrushed cherry touch-up, coats of clear lacquer are built up one thin layer at a time
After the lacquer has cured thoroughly, I wet sand up to 12000 grit, and hand polish to a factory-appearing gloss
After the lacquer has cured thoroughly, I wet sand up to 12000 grit, and hand polish to a factory-appearing gloss
The repair is complete, and the crack is all but invisible to the naked eye
The repair is complete, and the crack is all but invisible to the naked eye
You can see the uninterrupted mahogany woodgrain in this photo
You can see the uninterrupted mahogany woodgrain in this photo
This finished product, tuners and strings installed, and ready to ship back to the anxiously awaiting customer!
This finished product, tuners and strings installed, and ready to ship back to the anxiously awaiting customer!