Awesome fix. I've seen bow tie fixes but never diamond/square but it makes great sense. My highest compliment: I'd buy it because it's been pre-repaired unlike a new one.
I am new to this whole guitar thing and am in awe of your skills. Never knew things like this could be done. Totally enjoyed watching and thank you for sharing!
Excellent repair, and an unusual, yet strong, alternative to long splines. The bonus is that it really matches the grain and neck shape unobtrusively. Well done !
I just bought a 74 Gibson SG Standard with a Heaestock repair. Was kinda messy so i did it again, also to restore the valute that was missing. Did the same routing you did. But i did send it to a good friend to get that Spot repainted in the right colour. It was cherry red back then, now it a Mix of Red and brown. Looks really cool
The Gibson wood grains at the headstock bend is like 40-45 degrees making it weak at that area. Fender headstocks are straight with straight grains and therefore don’t break as easily.
I heard somewhere that Gibson will offer a discount to anyone who will accept delivery of a new guitar with the headstock already broken. You can use the savings to take it to be repaired at a shop of your choice, and it will then be better than new. I think it's a great idea.
That guitar had an incredible fingerboard. The wood almost looked like the what you could find a Lp custom. I have 2 standards and 1 tribute, and none of them have fingerboards that look that good. This video also highlights why I don't leave my LPs on stands when I am not playing them. I have 3 dogs who like to wrestle and play with each other...and all it would take is for one of them to bump a guitar stand and someone might be making one of these videos about one of my guitars. Due to their fragility, I do not mind when Gibson use maple for LP necks. I don't have any evidence, but I do think that maple necks are more resistent to falls and just toughter in general . You rarely see videos like these being made with Norlin era LPs or current day Tributes.
I would probably assume the amount of head stocks that break are very low percentage however, I’m wondering if Gibson could invest in some sort of a technology to strengthen that section of the neck, like possibly impregnating the wood with epoxy just in the headstock area.
Nice fix, Derek. I have a couple of these headstock repairs sitting waiting to be done. Was there a reason for not putting the logo under the clear coat?
I am curious as to why you went directly above the truss rod and not a slat to either side? I am wondering if spot spraying the repair rather than stripping the whole neck would have made a better repair.
I was just wondering is there anything Gibson could change in the production of these to prevent breaks? Like an internal metal strap hidden like the truss rod? Just seems so fragile on an expensive piece of gear.
Great save ,and at first it's barely noticeable . A sold color on the neck ,like black and you would not notice it at all . Just let everyone know that you had fixed it . 🎸😎
It's good to see ya bud! You have done one "hell" of a job Derek on that repair.....I've said it before I'll say it again you are very much my favorite luthier hands down.......I know there are some good ones out there like Dan from Stew Mac-- but, Big D I love your style sir.....best wishes to you and your family stay safe and healthy ok!
Nice . Question ? Self locking joints / blind dovetail joints . Any reasons why not in use ? Much better than butt joints . Or possibly splines/ lemon splines would improve first build . ( Broken necks are like . Pete and Repeat sitting on a fence . Pete fell off . Who's left ? Repeat ! Got nail Pete down 🤣🤣🤣)
Okay D, this one left me with a lot of questions. I'm nowhere near as experienced as you, so here goes - 1) Why did you not rout the block you added to the neck joint in a more "centered" position? To me it just seems offset a touch. Was there some reasoning behind the chosen position and shape? 2) Why not mask off the neck binding when you started sanding the neck finish off?
yes it was slightly off. Thats because there is a crack that extended further on one side. the binding was done terribly on this guitar. tons of scratches this was a major improvement.
Another great video, thanks. Given the frequency of the Gibson headstock break, I think I’ve seen repair videos by a half dozen or so YT luthiers. Everyone has a slightly different variant on the process and approach. Keeps it both informative and entertaining, for sure.
Bought a acoustic guitar with the headstock split a part. The problem is that the split is almost perfect, like they sawed it in a vertical line, I tried to glue with contact glue (best glue the construct shop worker recommended me), a week later, splited again. Dunno how to repair, especially because the singular way the two parts are separated. Pls someone can help me???
Just because of the way my brain works it would drive me nuts that this little diamond was set off to the side and not centered with the neck for aesthetics.
Awesome….First I’ve seen with a square block rather than longer, thinner type. Someone smarter than me can maybe explain the difference and what’s more effective
This is so common, how did such a vulnerability be allowed to stay to this day? Cool repair and nice vid. But then there's soo much experience out there on how to fix this.
Gibson did try with volutes and maple necks. The maple necked Gibsons from the NorLin era have held up very well. What made them go back? It’s 100% the fault of the Burst and the customers. Tradition, in other words.
yea they needed a les paul modern that fixes all these issues, going back to the volute. or reinforce with maple strips before they place the headstock plate on.
@@bigdguitars The could also just place the adjustment end of the truss rod at the body end of the neck, thus eliminating that void behind the nut. It's not the lack of a volute causing the breaks, it's that absence of wood in general.
@@ryanfulldark2775 Sure, but even the most careful people can have an accident. When was the last time you heard of a Strat or Tele headstock breaking off because the guitar fell over? Not saying it can't happen, nor that it never has, but Gibson Les Pauls and SGs are notorious for this happening.
My Epiphone Les Paul headstock broke the other day :-( is there any point on having it repaired? I am thinking the cost to repair it would cost more than what the guitar is worth ($1,000.00 Canadian). Cheers
I get why a Gibson's value decreases after a headstock is broken, but I don't get why it goes down so drastically. If fixed correctly, it's as strong and as accurate as it was new. The guitar retains the tone, tuning stability & quality it did before the break. There should be a way to rate the repair, like a certification, that if met, can help it retain more of its deserved value. I must be bad with money, 'cause I'd pay 80-90% of a guitar's value otherwise if the neck is fixed with the care shown in this video. It seems like they lose 75% of their value upon headstock break. I'd personally prefer the neck glue melted & entire neck removed & replaced, but I guess bolt-on exists for a reason.
I have never seen such a clean headstock repair, but also never saw someone refinish the the whole damn neck doing it. Great work.
Nice work. Plus that glue joint is stronger than the wood itself.
I fixed my Gibson headstock by switching to PRS.
What kind of price tag comes with this great work.?
now that's a proper headstock repair. thanks for sharing and very well done 👏
What a creative way to repair a broken headstock!
Congrats!
Awesome fix. I've seen bow tie fixes but never diamond/square but it makes great sense. My highest compliment: I'd buy it because it's been pre-repaired unlike a new one.
This the only one acceptable way to repair broken Gibson headstock. Thanks man!
I am new to this whole guitar thing and am in awe of your skills. Never knew things like this could be done. Totally enjoyed watching and thank you for sharing!
Excellent repair, and an unusual, yet strong, alternative to long splines. The bonus is that it really matches the grain and neck shape unobtrusively. Well done !
You could make a living on just fixing Gibson headstocks I bet. I do enjoy watching the really messed up ones.
From trash to greatness.
Outstanding.
I watch all your videos.
Every project better than the last.
Thank you so much 😀
I just bought a 74 Gibson SG Standard with a Heaestock repair. Was kinda messy so i did it again, also to restore the valute that was missing. Did the same routing you did. But i did send it to a good friend to get that Spot repainted in the right colour. It was cherry red back then, now it a Mix of Red and brown. Looks really cool
Nice repair Derek you make it look so easy!Cheers!
Never heard of les Paul's having problems with headstock breaks. Must be a one off.
It's a well known Les Paul problem. There are like 100+ headstock repair videos on UA-cam.
ah ah ah is this a joke? lolz
The Gibson wood grains at the headstock bend is like 40-45 degrees making it weak at that area. Fender headstocks are straight with straight grains and therefore don’t break as easily.
@@crotonik Whoosh
Bwaah haaaa, you a funny guy! I know luthiers that live off of Gibson neck breaks.
that's not a nasty one...that's a clean one.
Beautiful work. I really wish I was crafty and handy like this.
I heard somewhere that Gibson will offer a discount to anyone who will accept delivery of a new guitar with the headstock already broken. You can use the savings to take it to be repaired at a shop of your choice, and it will then be better than new. I think it's a great idea.
I wonder if Graphtec needs to come up with an entire gibson headstock replacement l
Your repair videos are some of my favorites
That guitar had an incredible fingerboard. The wood almost looked like the what you could find a Lp custom. I have 2 standards and 1 tribute, and none of them have fingerboards that look that good. This video also highlights why I don't leave my LPs on stands when I am not playing them. I have 3 dogs who like to wrestle and play with each other...and all it would take is for one of them to bump a guitar stand and someone might be making one of these videos about one of my guitars. Due to their fragility, I do not mind when Gibson use maple for LP necks. I don't have any evidence, but I do think that maple necks are more resistent to falls and just toughter in general . You rarely see videos like these being made with Norlin era LPs or current day Tributes.
Friend, you're my new hero.
I would probably assume the amount of head stocks that break are very low percentage however, I’m wondering if Gibson could invest in some sort of a technology to strengthen that section of the neck, like possibly impregnating the wood with epoxy just in the headstock area.
Nice fix. As for the "diamond" shaped wood piece, in the furniture making business it is called a "dutchman."
For the top headstock: Crimson has a black superglue. Penetrates further into the wood then a wood filler. As usual : NICE JOB! R,
Excellent job, major repetitive problem with Les Pauls
Love watching those repairs. What a result too!
When I first saw that block inlay bullshit I was like, oh hell no!
But I must admit, that came out pretty damn good. Thanks for sharing...
Good job ..I need mine fixed do you take in work for the public
Looks amazing! You fantastic craftsmanship!
Nice fix, Derek. I have a couple of these headstock repairs sitting waiting to be done. Was there a reason for not putting the logo under the clear coat?
Do you document these jobs also, or just amps?
Yes! He forgot 🤐
Terrific work -great to see-thanks
I am curious as to why you went directly above the truss rod and not a slat to either side? I am wondering if spot spraying the repair rather than stripping the whole neck would have made a better repair.
Awesome work as always. Great Job
Very nicely done.
Thank you! Cheers!
@@bigdguitars you’re welcome.
I love P90s on a Les Paul. Good choice to keep them. Your work is impeccable. How do I contact you for a setup on my Les Paul
That's a great job, well done!
hello good job l take note of the video surtout for the polishing l am finishing a GIBSON les paul model christophe FRANCE
Thats amazing work
I was just wondering is there anything Gibson could change in the production of these to prevent breaks? Like an internal metal strap hidden like the truss rod? Just seems so fragile on an expensive piece of gear.
Great work! I like the tri-star TN hat!!
excellent work
Really involved work! Nice job!
From Leo: You Sir are an artist
Great job 👍👍
Cool job mate. If I were based in the US you'd be the guy who would fix my guitars! cheers
It looks like that big buffer wheel could cause a new break.
Stellar work as always, Derek!
Great save ,and at first it's barely noticeable . A sold color on the neck ,like black and you would not notice it at all . Just let everyone know that you had fixed it . 🎸😎
Out of curiosity/learning, how is this diamond block better vs two strips of mahogany running thru neck and headstock? Just preference?
Nice work
It's good to see ya bud! You have done one "hell" of a job Derek on that repair.....I've said it before I'll say it again you are very much my favorite luthier hands down.......I know there are some good ones out there like Dan from Stew Mac-- but, Big D I love your style sir.....best wishes to you and your family stay safe and healthy ok!
Very good job dude .
Cool vid. I’m glad I’m not the only one who smooshes the wood filler in with my fingers. 😄
Another awesome repair!🎸
Awesome! That's the one you recently refinished in mean green?
Nice .
Question ? Self locking joints / blind dovetail joints . Any reasons why not in use ?
Much better than butt joints .
Or possibly splines/ lemon splines would improve first build .
( Broken necks are like . Pete and Repeat sitting on a fence . Pete fell off . Who's left ? Repeat ! Got nail Pete down 🤣🤣🤣)
I think the wooden patch piece is called a biscuit or cleat.
biscuit yes!
Okay D, this one left me with a lot of questions. I'm nowhere near as experienced as you, so here goes -
1) Why did you not rout the block you added to the neck joint in a more "centered" position? To me it just seems offset a touch. Was there some reasoning behind the chosen position and shape?
2) Why not mask off the neck binding when you started sanding the neck finish off?
yes it was slightly off. Thats because there is a crack that extended further on one side. the binding was done terribly on this guitar. tons of scratches this was a major improvement.
If i ever buy one of those, I would have a Luthier put in the hard wood spints in right out of the box.
Superb work.
I have no experience with repairing head stocks, but looks like a nice job to me.
Great Work!
that freboard is gorgeous what is that?
Great job!
Guitar repair shops love Gibson.
Damn dude you are right up there with Dan Erlewine! Excellent repair job!
Friskit, frisqet, phriscet? I’ve never actually heard of that thing, however you spell it. Pretty cool idea.
Brisket, nice.
Frisket 👍
Comes as either a masking liquid or sheets of adhesive plastic film
@@DavyHulme I learn something new everyday. Thank you!
Lol that's actually an easy one. The tough one are the ones with multiple break points and jagged fragmented edges.
Great fix
Another great video, thanks. Given the frequency of the Gibson headstock break, I think I’ve seen repair videos by a half dozen or so YT luthiers. Everyone has a slightly different variant on the process and approach. Keeps it both informative and entertaining, for sure.
Bought a acoustic guitar with the headstock split a part. The problem is that the split is almost perfect, like they sawed it in a vertical line, I tried to glue with contact glue (best glue the construct shop worker recommended me), a week later, splited again. Dunno how to repair, especially because the singular way the two parts are separated. Pls someone can help me???
Masterful repair, Derek. Really well done.
sticker will last?
awesome job
thanks!
Super job
Just because of the way my brain works it would drive me nuts that this little diamond was set off to the side and not centered with the neck for aesthetics.
Awesome….First I’ve seen with a square block rather than longer, thinner type. Someone smarter than me can maybe explain the difference and what’s more effective
This is so common, how did such a vulnerability be allowed to stay to this day?
Cool repair and nice vid. But then there's soo much experience out there on how to fix this.
Gibson did try with volutes and maple necks. The maple necked Gibsons from the NorLin era have held up very well. What made them go back? It’s 100% the fault of the Burst and the customers. Tradition, in other words.
yea they needed a les paul modern that fixes all these issues, going back to the volute. or reinforce with maple strips before they place the headstock plate on.
@@bigdguitars The could also just place the adjustment end of the truss rod at the body end of the neck, thus eliminating that void behind the nut. It's not the lack of a volute causing the breaks, it's that absence of wood in general.
If you take care of your Gibson there is never a need to worry about this. Any guitar can crack if treated carelessly.
@@ryanfulldark2775 Sure, but even the most careful people can have an accident. When was the last time you heard of a Strat or Tele headstock breaking off because the guitar fell over? Not saying it can't happen, nor that it never has, but Gibson Les Pauls and SGs are notorious for this happening.
Class work man !
Thank you for the video!
Awesome job D
Now it's a real Gibson!
You should provide the EBay link.
My Epiphone Les Paul headstock broke the other day :-( is there any point on having it repaired? I am thinking the cost to repair it would cost more than what the guitar is worth ($1,000.00 Canadian).
Cheers
Nice guitar
No it's not perfect bro you did not use enough glu. That glue should be oozing out of the joint I don't know if the bond is going to hold up over time
Nice job !!
Superb!
Good job, but it doesn't look like you are wearing any protection from all the harmful dust and spray vapor
Looks great
Sound better after repair.
So good!
yours is more complicated!
@@bigdguitars if it looks half as good as this tho I’m gonna be thrilled!
Looks like an ebony board?
Можно было бы сделать волют,для надёжности,а так получился отличный ремонт 👍
I think 2 longer parallel stripes would would better.
it didn't need that. that would have been overkill.
is it really worth it?
That pull chain.
Your hat gets the the way of the camera limiting the view.
I get why a Gibson's value decreases after a headstock is broken, but I don't get why it goes down so drastically. If fixed correctly, it's as strong and as accurate as it was new. The guitar retains the tone, tuning stability & quality it did before the break. There should be a way to rate the repair, like a certification, that if met, can help it retain more of its deserved value.
I must be bad with money, 'cause I'd pay 80-90% of a guitar's value otherwise if the neck is fixed with the care shown in this video. It seems like they lose 75% of their value upon headstock break. I'd personally prefer the neck glue melted & entire neck removed & replaced, but I guess bolt-on exists for a reason.
wow!