This instrument has a unique story. The client who owns this had just purchased it recently and brought it in in perfect condition for us to inspect and make any suggestions as to any improvement that could be made. It was a beautiful example of an instrument that had obviously been taken well care of all its years of ownership, and has that sound to it that Martin still to this day is trying to emulate. He took it out of the shop in satisfaction of his purchase, only to call an hour later... While in a diner nearby, the instrument had been tipped over in its case - the headstock had been snapped!!
Huge bummer, to say the least!
There are a number of different methods that can be used to repair a broken headstock dependent on how big the crack is, or how connected or completely disconnected the broken piece still is to the rest of the body. Clamping methods and glues used will be decided by these conditions. Ideally, the best glue to use for this operation is Aliphatic Resin, a.k.a. Wood Glue - it creates a bond down to the molecular level with the wood when used and clamped properly, so it is very unlikely that if the instrument comes to another shock, it probably is not going to snap in the same place as before if it breaks again.
This one worked out perfectly...
Clamping is no simple business. Pressure must be applied in exactly the right way and direction for the crack to go back together seamlessly. If the process is rushed or not done properly, there is a good chance that the two surfaces will not be flush, which means the only way to level the crack is by sanding through the finish, and sometimes even some of the wood! This makes any type of touch-up finish repair almost impossible to do well without it being noticably obvious. If one can manage to keep the finish intact, then it is a simple job of drop-filling the crack area.
This one turned out quite well, very flush, which made the touch-up as care-free as it can be.
This turned out the best that it possibly could. The lacquer touch-up successfully bonded the finish back together and leveled perfectly to return that beautiful mirrored luster. The crack itself is not completely invisible when looking for it through the finish depending on how the light hits it (looking at the side views you can just make out the outline of the crack where it followed all the way up to the headcap veneer), however this is about as good as it gets without a complete refinishing job which is loads more expensive, and will take away from the "original" value of this wonderful relic even further.
It is now back together and back in the hands of its loving keeper, in beautiful condition once again, with just a slight scar to add to its history, and a keeping reminder to be consciously careful of where you place your instrument!
