uke crack - to fill or not to fill?
d'ovation
Posted 2014-07-05 4:06 PM (#489360)
Subject: uke crack - to fill or not to fill?


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 848

Location: Canada

I bought a cheap solid wood ukulele and discovered a crack in the back. It is smooth at the outside, but visible at the inside and when you hold it against a light source (see pics). I am wondering about filling the inside gap with some glue, but brought it to the local luthier to get an opinion or repair estimate. He said that this was a weakness in the wood texture which was superglued before they even assembled the uke, and would not require and work to be done. But I am concerned that this may be a point of weakness and still consider doing something. So if I put some additional superglue in the crack, is there a risk that the already existing fill could be dissolved or weakened? Or should I try another substance, e.g. I have some regular water soluble carpenters glue around?

Also I think the action is a bit high and I asked for a replacement saddle to work on. But he said his saddles were too thick, so if you can recommend a source to buy a cheap ukulele saddle please let me know. Thanks.



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DanSavage
Posted 2014-07-05 8:37 PM (#489368 - in reply to #489360)
Subject: Re: uke crack - to fill or not to fill?



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2316

Location: Pueblo West, CO
Putting additional superglue into the crack will not dissolve any superglue already there.

For Uke parts, I'd check http://www.ukuleleworld.com/
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Standingovation
Posted 2014-07-06 9:43 AM (#489381 - in reply to #489360)
Subject: Re: uke crack - to fill or not to fill?



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197

Location: Phoenix AZ
I would just glue it from the inside.
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MWoody
Posted 2014-07-08 12:06 AM (#489436 - in reply to #489360)
Subject: Re: uke crack - to fill or not to fill?



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987

Location: Upper Left USA
Wood glue on a veneer to stop and block.
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d'ovation
Posted 2014-07-08 2:45 PM (#489460 - in reply to #489360)
Subject: Re: uke crack - to fill or not to fill?


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 848

Location: Canada
What do you mean with veneer ... like a thin strip of wood that covers the crack? Assume that would require clamping etc ... I don't have a workshop or anything like that ... more like a small kitchen counter as work surface.
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