can a smashed acoustic guitar be fixed?

[_v_]

had a bit of a crazy night and my girlfriends acoustic guitar got smashed, the back part of it has a big hole in it... it was a 21st present from her sister.... can it be fixed? put a new back on it?

[Sexual_Chocolate]

it can be done.

[_v_]

can it really?
I fucken hope so,
it was my fault, in the doghouse...

[test_recordings]

Just go look at how to put one together then work out where to start from... or how what bit fits in where etc

[arktrix45hz]

Just go look at how to put one together then work out where to start from... or how what bit fits in where etc

DO NOT do this. You need to go to a professional time served luthier unless you want her guitar to lose its tone and character.

[_v_]

appreciate the feedback,

it can be fixed though right?

[arktrix45hz]

appreciate the feedback,

it can be fixed though right?

Depends on the damage, the wood its made from, the way its been put together and a whole heap of other stuff I guess.

[_v_]

yeah, makes sense, I think because its just the back part itl be alright,
not as hard to fix if it was the neck or some other part...

[jameshk]

Tape a piece of a4 paper over the hole, then break up with her.

[demonzEEK]

what kind of guitar? might be cheaper to just buy a new one if its a shite model.

[weedlefruit]

yeah, makes sense, I think because its just the back part itl be alright,
not as hard to fix if it was the neck or some other part...

The back part of the main body of the guitar is very important. It effects tone and resonance and is a pretty big influence on the sound, More so than the neck with an acoustic guitar.

The thing to bear in mind is that the actually density and absorbant properties of a wood, its sabine coefficient, plus the shape, thickness of the cut and even the lacquer on it is going to make a difference, so you'll want to keep it as close to the original as you can to have minimal affect on the sound.

But yeah, it is doable but you would want to consult a luthier to find out how much it's going to set you back.

The other thing to bear in mind is how much she plays it and how much she is bothered by the sound? I mean, on the sentimental side of things it would be nice to have restored, but if there isn't too much concern on how it sounds when it's finished I guess it would cost you less you just have it cosmetically repaired whilst maintaining some functionality.

Been through a few guitars myself, Hopefully she doesn't stay too mad though!

[jazzamataz]

Take her to GAK in Brighton? (if you're from the UK.)

http://www.gak.co.uk/

[test_recordings]

Maybe it will make it sound better? It might just sound shit though, the more solid a piece used in construction the better the sustain and body of the tone... even laminated boards sound worse than solid ones

[_v_]

thanks everyone, my mind is a bit more at ease... She dosnt play it very often, but it is sentimental, Im living in Australia atm so ill have a look around... thanks for all the help, much apreciated

[Sexual_Chocolate]

thanks everyone, my mind is a bit more at ease... She dosnt play it very often, but it is sentimental, Im living in Australia atm so ill have a look around... thanks for all the help, much apreciated

just take it into a local guitar/music shop... im sure theyd be able to give you a fair idea of what needs to happen.

[ThomasEll]

We can build it. We have the technology.