How to top swap

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simso
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How to top swap

Post by simso » Tue Nov 21, 2017 10:58 am

NOT FINISHED

So first almost finished its currently being painted, but thought as it was a big walk through (5 pages) people may be interested in this one, should have the paint work finished by end of next week.

No link exists except for here.

http://www.mirwa.com.au/HTS_Acoustic_top_swap.html

Steve
Steve
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Do your own repairs - http://www.mirwa.com.au/How_to_Series.html

vandenboom
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Re: How to top swap

Post by vandenboom » Tue Nov 21, 2017 7:50 pm

Thnx again Steve. Couple of comments & question .
Initially i expected u to just break the old top out. To then see the many benefits of a non-destructive approach was enlightening. To even use the old braces !!! I suppose u re-used old bridge as well.

I noticed u cut the binding rebate with hand held trimmer. Do u just do that on tops as they are pretty flat or do u freehand on backs as well relying on experience & judgement to keep the tool vertical?
Thnx agsin for sharing.
Frank

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Tue Nov 21, 2017 8:11 pm

Flat top guitars, I freehand route the binding channels, older guitars, curved tops, curved backs I use a jig.

Link to jig

http://www.mirwa.com.au/HTS_Remove_Binding.html

Steve
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Do your own repairs - http://www.mirwa.com.au/How_to_Series.html

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TallDad71
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Re: How to top swap

Post by TallDad71 » Wed Nov 22, 2017 6:09 am

I’m in need of replacing a top on a sassafras OM that plays like a Banjo. This has really helped, and as always it’s the little suggestions. In my case the cutting of the fretboard at 14th fret is something I never would have thought about.

Thanks Steve.
Alan
Peregrine Guitars

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Wed Nov 22, 2017 10:47 am

TallDad71 wrote:
Wed Nov 22, 2017 6:09 am
In my case the cutting of the fretboard at 14th fret is something I never would have thought about.
Only cut here if you have a supportive neck block, if the neck block has a grip length of an inch or under then do not cut at the 14th, as you loose the side strength to keep the neck straight with the body, slight jossle / impact and so forth and the neck can pivot side ways and crack your sides, in this scenario the fretboards strength is required.

Steve
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TallDad71
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Re: How to top swap

Post by TallDad71 » Thu Nov 23, 2017 2:05 am

The neck block is only 35mm deep so cutting at 14th fret would be tricky. What if I were to beef up the neck block with an extension piece to mirror the missing fret board? I reckon I could glue it together with a decent enough dovetail joint to give it the stability it required.
Alan
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lamanoditrento
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Re: How to top swap

Post by lamanoditrento » Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:24 am

Great tute Steve. They are becoming quite a deep body of work branching off to a dozen other tutes for every step. Well done
Trent

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Thu Nov 23, 2017 10:48 am

Thanks folks,

This all pretty well started when I started working by myself, no one to pass what I know or do onto, I have since taken on another apprentice, but she is more woodwind and brasswind repairs rather than guitars. I still teach a few people from Music stores on the occasional basis, but its nice to share.

To try and keep the size of the walk throughs down, I internally link to a more in depth one if I have already done it, imagine the top swap if I showed every single step and tried to explain each step exactly it would be thirty pages long :)

Thats a short neck block, if you were to beef it up (extend the tongue section back around 75 mm, you would be sweat) obviously when the top was off.

Steve
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Andos
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Re: How to top swap

Post by Andos » Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:14 pm

Keep em coming Steve.
I've picked up a lot from your walk-throughs
And the discussions that often follow give a great insight on how others deal with similar issues.

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kiwigeo
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Re: How to top swap

Post by kiwigeo » Fri Nov 24, 2017 6:18 pm

simso wrote:
Thu Nov 23, 2017 10:48 am
To try and keep the size of the walk throughs down, I internally link to a more in depth one if I have already done it, imagine the top swap if I showed every single step and tried to explain each step exactly it would be thirty pages long :)
That's thirty pages I'd read :)
Martin

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Sat Nov 25, 2017 12:08 pm

This one has taken a while to finish as we are at the start of our christmas madness repair schedule for schools.

Just had a new Ultrasonic cleaner fitted to handle this years christmas chaos, this machine is big enough to take a tuba

Car parts need cleaning anyone
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Steve
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blackalex1952
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Re: How to top swap

Post by blackalex1952 » Sat Nov 25, 2017 5:40 pm

Hey Steve, I know this is a luthiers forum, but are you posting brass and woodwind repair tutes anywhere on line?-Ross
"Everything I say on the topic is based solely upon inexperience and assumption!"

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Sat Nov 25, 2017 6:24 pm

No mate, eventually I might, have been asked by a few repairers to do some as well

What are you interested in doing

Steve
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Do your own repairs - http://www.mirwa.com.au/How_to_Series.html

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Tue Nov 28, 2017 2:02 pm

blackalex1952 wrote:
Sat Nov 25, 2017 5:40 pm
Hey Steve, I know this is a luthiers forum, but are you posting brass and woodwind repair tutes anywhere on line?-Ross
There is good money in repairng Woodwind and Brasswind, its hard work but pays well.

This photo I took this morning of a Contra Bass Clarinet being Mechanically rebuilt, its costing them 2200 dollars, its the pink one.

Steve
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Steve
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blackalex1952
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Re: How to top swap

Post by blackalex1952 » Tue Nov 28, 2017 2:07 pm

I love seeing pix of your workshop Steve! Green with envy this end! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: -Ross
"Everything I say on the topic is based solely upon inexperience and assumption!"

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:23 pm

This tutorial is all finished, back to the customer.

http://www.mirwa.com.au/HTS_Acoustic_top_swap.html
Steve
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Do your own repairs - http://www.mirwa.com.au/How_to_Series.html

blackalex1952
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Re: How to top swap

Post by blackalex1952 » Fri Dec 01, 2017 6:03 pm

I looks in your tute that the binding once the top is off is still there. After the top is glued on you jump to routing flush then cut a new binding ledge...when do you remove the binding? I assume that you do this when removing the top, it would be better for beginners if this was a little clearer.
Also, is Titebong good for sealing joints? :lol:
Ross
"Everything I say on the topic is based solely upon inexperience and assumption!"

simso
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Re: How to top swap

Post by simso » Fri Dec 01, 2017 6:26 pm

I dont remove the old binding during removal, When I route the edge for cleaning the new top I dont route flush, I actually route deep enough to trim the old binding away

I will see if I have some additional photos that I can insert, I only put a few up, but take many

Tite bong is good for all ailments

(Amended now)

Steve
Steve
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Do your own repairs - http://www.mirwa.com.au/How_to_Series.html

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