harmony repair?

jellybean · Mar 23, 2010

I have an old Harmony uke that has some very slight hairline "cracks" on the upper soundboard and on the back...so, so tiny...should I be concerned and do anything to stabilize them? I just got the uke from someone else...and now have it humidified.

Thanks for the advice..J.

RevWill · Mar 23, 2010

If they aren't affecting the sound I wouldn't do anything to them.

Pete Howlett often recommends putting a small piece of gummed packaging tape (the kind that is made of paper with a moisture-activated adhesive) behind small cracks. But again, I think I would only do that if it were rattling or otherwise changing the tone.

E-Lo Roberts · Mar 23, 2010

IMHO, If you can get some hide glue into the cracks it could keep them from expanding, thereby, stopping any further splitting. I say "hide glue" because you can work it into the area and let it dry, but later, if you plan to clean out the area, you could apply a warm to hot, soft cloth to the small amount of hide glue used and this will soften the hide glue up allowing you to remove it once again with a small amount of effort. Just a thought...e.lo..

DaveNB · Mar 23, 2010

I bought a Harmony uke a couple of years ago with a crack in the upper bout. It had one cleat and I left it at that, but I wish I hadn't. This winter the crack opened up and lengthened considerably. I have added two more cleats, and that seems to have the situation under control.

jellybean · Mar 26, 2010

thanks for the advice everyone...I'm off to get some hide glue...at what point is it necessary to use a cleat?...i.e. with a hiarline crack on the surface, will the glue be enough?

and do I need clamps of any sort? I appreciate the tips..J.

E-Lo Roberts · Mar 26, 2010

jellybean, don't ask me. I never heard of a cleat fix before. But that's because I don't know everything....yet! hahaha.... good luck, e.lo.
PS. no need to buy the original hide glue where you have to heat up a pot to make the glue, just get some in a bottle Titebond Liquid Hide Glue.
Here's the amazon.com link to it.

http://www.amazon.com/Franklin-International-Titebond-8-Ounces-5013/dp/B0002YXE7K

fahrner · Mar 26, 2010

jellybean said:
I have an old Harmony uke that has some very slight hairline "cracks" on the upper soundboard and on the back...so, so tiny...should I be concerned and do anything to stabilize them? I just got the uke from someone else...and now have it humidified.

Thanks for the advice..J.

The way you describe these tiny, hairline cracks; I wonder if they are not just cracks in the finish?

harmony repair?

jellybean

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RevWill

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E-Lo Roberts

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DaveNB

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jellybean

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E-Lo Roberts

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fahrner

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