Sometimes A Soundboard Just Doesn’t Want To Be Part Of A Guitar Anymore

 

5. Remove the original top

Photo 10 click to enlarge

Carefully remove the new top by prying loose with a spatula. Reset the trimmer back to the depth used in step 3 and complete the removal of any additional top that remains attached to the kerfing, heel block or end blocks. (Photos 10 & 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 11 click to enlarge

Score around the braces where they are secured to the kerfing. Gently pry the braces loose and remove the top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Kerfing, Block Prep

Photo 12 click to enlarge

Remove glue from brace mortises with a small chisel. Use a hard rubber block or equivalent to brace the vulnerable side wood. Clean the kerfing face and heel block with sandpaper stuck to a small hardwood block. (Photo 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 13 click to enlarge

The face of the end block that extends past the kerfing can be angled to prevent pinching during clamping. (Photo 13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 14 click to enlarge

Vacuum out any debris and now’s a great time to glue any back/side cracks and also remove any glue residue. (Photo 14) Drop the new top in place and check the fit. Look for any areas that may prevent the top from sitting flush.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Bracing

Photo 15 click to enlarge

Lay the new top face down on the bench, placing the original top over it so that the braces are facing upwards and the soundhole and center seams are aligned. (Photo 15)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 16 click to enlarge

Mark the brace locations onto the new top in pencil. (Photo 16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 17 click to enlarge

Brace the new top. Trim the brace edges about a 1/16” from the soundboard edge and chisel down their height so they fit the mortises. Dry fit the new top in place checking to make sure it sits on the kerfing and isn’t getting hung up on any structures. (Photo 17)

 

 

 

 

 

Keep fitting until the top fits down evenly all along the sides.

8. Gluing on the Replacement Top

Photo 18 click to enlarge

Apply a bead of glue to the kerfing, neck and heel block. Spread glue into the corner where the binding meets the kerfing. (Photo 18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 19 click to enlarge

Do not over glue! Wipe away glue from the edge of the kerfing and neck block; this will prevent glue drips. Install the top and apply masking tape to the body first, laying it over the edge on onto the top. (Photo 19)

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 20 click to enlarge

Keep tension on the tape at all times. Continue taping along the sides leaving no more than a ½” gap between pieces. Use quick clamps and wood blocks over heel block. (Photo 20) Let set 24 hours

 

 

 

 

 

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The New England Luthiers is an association of professionals and amateurs brought together by a common love of making stringed instruments