[SOLVED!] You Can Now do DIY Acoustic Guitar Crack Repair at Home for Free

When they come across cracks on their guitars, quite a few guitarists promptly search for DIY acoustic guitar crack repair on the Internet. While many approaches exist, it only takes one mistake for guitars to be ruined for good during the repair. You don’t know how to carry out the repair of cracks on your own and could use some help? Then this article is for you

Dryness: The main culprit for cracks on an acoustic guitar

Dryness is, perhaps, the most common culprit for all the cracks which appear on your acoustic guitar. Now, the question which might arise is what are some of the first signs of dryness on your acoustic guitar? Well, to be precise, in order to repair the cracks, you have to identify the most initial symptoms of the same. A washboard like appearance is, perhaps, the first symptoms of dryness on your acoustic guitar.

Although dryness is the common reason for the initiation of cracks on your acoustic guitar, yet, it can be easily prevented if identified at a very early stage. Cracking only occurs when the signs of dryness are completely ignored and no preventive measures are undertaken.

Let us now learn how can dryness lead to such deep cracks on your acoustic guitar. Basically, the top of the guitars is constructed with an arch or a radius. So, as the guitar tends to dry out, this particular radius or arch starts to widen and the washboard-like appearance of the top starts to get prominent.

Apart from this, if the humidity of the environment is very low and the guitar starts to dry, the arch-like structure tends to widen out and starts to acquire a concave shape when the entire structure becomes extremely dry. So, if you find that your guitar is starting to acquire a dip and concave like structure, but, without any signs of cracking, it is time for initiating the humidifying process.

There is a very common pattern for cracking of the acoustic guitars due to dryness. The instruments which are dry will tend to crack at the top end initially, and the instruments which are completely dried out will crack at the seam or sidelines of the equipment.

What are the most common indications of dryness on your acoustic guitar?

Following are some of the most common indications of dryness of an acoustic guitar:

• Washboard like appearance on the top land of the guitar
• A faded action due to the presence of a dropping top land
• Extremely high-pitched fret ends
• Wearing out of the  top or rear radius or arch-like structure

How to DIY Acoustic Guitar Crack Repair at Home by yourself?

To be precise, the initial step in order to repair any kind of cracks on your acoustic guitar is to identify and assess the extent of the crack on your guitar. Most commonly, the problem appears due to the uneven separation of the central seam line because of excessive stress and strain. Hence, in such cases, both the housing of the guitar, which forms the top land of the equipment tends to become loose and consequently, leave a disturbing clearance. Such kind of damages is most commonly found between the bridge of the equipment and the rear end block.

During this step, it is very important for you to assess whether the crack can be repaired by yourself or if you need expert assistance. Hence, if you notice that there is any kind of deep cracking throughout the top land of the surface of the guitar, you should never attempt any kind of DIY acoustic guitar crack repair and should always consult an expert’s advice.

Use the correct adhesive

The adhesive is your best friend when it comes to fixing any kind of cracks on your acoustic guitar. Most of the cracks on any kind of Acoustic Guitar can be rectified with a good quality glue or an adhesive such as Titebond Original Wooden Glue. However, you should be very careful with the timing of the repair since it is very critical as the distance of the crack will tend to become even bigger if it is neglected. Apart from this, any kind of accumulation of oily substances or dirt is not allowed, since it will deplete the effectiveness of the adhesive.

Similarly, you should also avoid any kind of tampering with your fingers on the affected area before carrying out any kind of repair activities. This is because it will lead to the accumulation of unwanted oily substances and will also limit and deplete the overall efficiency of the repair activity.

So, how should we apply the adhesive? In order to apply the adhesive, you will need to slightly open up the damaged portion. Then, once you reach the inner shell, apply a little force towards the outer end. Now, once this is done, you can easily put the glue on the inner shell of the guitar and get your acoustic guitar repaired yourself. Some of the adhesives which are really helpful while repairing acoustic guitars are epoxy glues, such as Gorilla II Part Epoxy Adhesive and wooden adhesives, such as Gorilla Wood glue.

Secure the DIY acoustic guitar crack repair properly

Although applying the adhesive is a very crucial step in the process of repairing your acoustic guitar, yet, securing the entire repair is an equally important activity which needs due attention. If any lapses occur during this process, the cracks may become even worse. 

In order to secure the repair, you will need to use a wooden clamp with the most appropriate size and dimension. Clamp the area where you applied the glue in the previous step and let it rest for some time. In this way, the shell of the guitar will achieve its original structure. 

Apply a proper finishing touch

Applying a finishing touch is an equally important process during the repairing of your guitar as is applying adhesive and securing the adhesive. This step includes stripping and refinishing the entire surface after the application of glue and is done so as to remove any kind of visible marks or spots. 

Tips to reduce the chances of cracks on your acoustic guitar

In order to stop future cracks, you must know the causes and follow a few tips to stop the cracks on your acoustic guitars. Dryness and low humidity are the worst enemies for an acoustic guitar and thus, acoustic guitars stay the best in a humid atmosphere. Apart from this, try to handle the guitar with utmost care so as to apply the least external stresses.