Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side

Subject: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: GUEST,beardedbruce
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:31 AM

I just picked up a Seagull guitar that has one side delaminating. Before I put glue in and squeeze, has anyone repaired that type of problem before?

Any hints/comments/ideas appreciated.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:37 AM

I think Stew-Mac archive their "how to" hints but I have not checked to see if delamination is mentioned.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: GUEST,beardedbruce
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:50 AM

Good idea, but nothing there about fixing delaminations.

http://www.stewmac.com/tradesecrets/archive


Since the inside is still solid, I would rather not take the side off. I can get a brush in under the outer layer, but other than placing it on the good side and stacking sandbags on the glued side to put the pressure evenly I have no idea what this will involve.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: Gurney
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 04:20 PM

Bruce, are you talking about the decorative strip coming away? Sometimes, some guitars have laminated (i.e., like plywood) parts.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: michaelr
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 05:57 PM

Once the glue is in, you can wrap rope or bungee cords around for even pressure.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: gnu
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 06:01 PM

I would send pics to Seagull. I am sure they would pay for a luthier to repair the guitar or send you a replacement... no?

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: gnu
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 07:54 PM

BIG oops! You JUST picked up a damaged Seagull (so, it could have been damaged through neglect). Sorry about my above post being totally inappropriate. Please accept my apology.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:14 PM

I'd have thought that you wanted padded cauls inside and out and some long-reach clamps.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: GUEST,beardedbruce
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 08:03 AM

Thanks, all.

The side of the instrument ( plywood) is what is delaminating. The inside layer is fine- and it does not sound bad...

I would guess it was stored on that side in a wet environment. Probably not worth the cost of getting it fixed, but if I can make it a playable instrument ( concern about durability with the thin layer left) it is worth some effort.

Definitely NOT a flaw in the instrument- I was surprised at how well made it is.

With the tools I have, I think I can reglue the side by

1. Putting in some glue with a long artists brush
2. Placing the instrument on the good side, and putting weights/sandbags on the glued side, to push the layer into the body
3. Touch up the binding where it is loose
4. See if I can refinish the side enough to be able to get rid of it.

Another "Too nice to trash but not good enough to need to keep it" instrument- I have more than enough guitars, at least until a D-35 Martin comes along

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 08:52 AM

One method I was advised to try many years ago was to heat a particular glue
until it was runny enough to seep easily & evenly into cracks in a damaged area of wood.

Then apply hours of pressure.

Problem is I can't now remember which kind of common glue this applied to...???

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: GUEST,beardedbruce
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 09:07 AM

Hide glue, probably.

What I plan to use, anyway.

Subject: RE: Tech: Seagull Guitar delaminating side
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 09:17 AM

Why not send a query to info at seagull guitars.com and see what happens? Repeat what you said about how well made it is.

From what they say at their web site, it may take a while to get an answer, but it will be worth it.