Virtualized Nightmare

Hey woodworking fedi, how do I repair these in a way that does not cause trouble later on?

Currently they do not go all the way through but give it another 10 or 50 years and they likely will as the wood continues to shrink. So what do I need to do to make this thing usable now and repairable later?

Feb 20 at 11:20amWeb
Show threadAlfred Chow - Maker of ThingsFeb 20

@skye
I know what I would do if it was furniture, but as an instrument I think a Luthier, or other musical instrument maker/repairer might be best placed to advise.

#Luthier #Luthien

Show threadA cool crab wearing shadesFeb 20

@Maker_of_Things

@skye

definitely get an opinion from a luthier, what i might do to repair a chair or cabinet with cracks like that might not be appropriate on an instrument and i'd hate to give bad advice

Show threadAlfred Chow - Maker of ThingsFeb 20
@neckspike @skye
Good idea, if possible. The Luthier's advice might be free and helpful.
Show threadLizFeb 20
@skye soundboard cracks are often fixed by use of a "bowtie" cleat glued across the interior side of the crack. The picture doesn't show perfectly, but are these cracks glue line separations rather than splits in the wood? It may be that a fix could be effected by cleaning the joints and re-gluing, but I'd seek professional advice first.
Show threadLot⁴⁹Feb 20
@skye I'm not a #luthier but a guitar player and #woodWorking guy. I'd imagine the original sound of the autoharp depends on having a single-piece back, either by gluing up several pieces (the current back looks like that) or just a single piece of wood. Joints in fine violins are held together with hide glue, which can be removed.
Show threadsurdfishFeb 20

@skye

You can help slow the process by storing the instrument in a space with adequate humidification. There are inexpensive devices for acoustic guitars--I wonder if there's something for these?

Show threadClaudiusFeb 22
@skye I do not have an actual answer, sorry. But I frequently watch this YouTube channel from a guy repairing guitars. Maybe there's something similar there? https://youtube.com/@twoodfrd
twoodfrd

I make and repair stringed instruments in Hamilton Ontario, situated in the magical frost kingdom of Canada. (I don't accept repair requests from the USA- shipping across the border is super expensive and fraught with risk. You should find someone in your state to look after your guitar.) woodfordinstruments.com Hats and shirts: https://www.bonfire.com/store/woodford-instruments/

YouTube