Gutted - and help please

[BenF]

I am one of those folk who likes to keep things in pristine condition.  Today I was taking my OM-03 out of the case, and was distracted and the lid fell down on the top and put two lovely dents in the top where the brass clips from the case met the guitar.       One of the dents is actually quite deep, and has broken through the finish.  Should I fill this with something to protect it, or just leave it?  I haven't had a satin finished instrument before.

I thought I would be more upset the first time I knocked one of my Larry's but it still sounds awesome, so a small knick out the top isn't gonna stop me enjoying it at all!  I just want to know what to do for the best in terms of protecting the wood!

[Zohn]

I am one of those folk who likes to keep things in pristine condition.  Today I was taking my OM-03 out of the case, and was distracted and the lid fell down on the top and put two lovely dents in the top where the brass clips from the case met the guitar.       One of the dents is actually quite deep, and has broken through the finish.  Should I fill this with something to protect it, or just leave it?  I haven't had a satin finished instrument before.

I thought I would be more upset the first time I knocked one of my Larry's but it still sounds awesome, so a small knick out the top isn't gonna stop me enjoying it at all!  I just want to know what to do for the best in terms of protecting the wood!

Hi Ben
I'm not sure of the extent of the damage, I guess we're talking indented damage right? I would imagine you really only need to seal the surface, but at least smooth it out somewhat too.
Stewmac http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/Repair_tools,_specialized/i-5180.html  has a range of super glues that can be used to fill. JIM HOLLER or some other experts on the forum could perhaps verify whether it is the correct filler to use on the UV-cured Poly-finish?
I would imagine the #20 (medium) would suffice.
There is lots of info on their site on how to do it, and also supplementary info at frets.com. There's also an article on scraping the buildup filler http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/RazorScrape/razorscrape1.html , but unless you're comfortable at doing it yourself, rather let a tech have a look. 

[lyric_girl]

Ben,

I am SO sorry. I read your post in horror. I too have been distracted pulling Holly out of her case. I guess I'm gonna pay more attention now!

Definitely contact Jim Holler. I am sure he can advise you best. Or, maybe contact Larrivee?

Best of luck,

Lynda

[BenF]

thanks folks, the dent is very small, about 2mm x 7mm, it is just deep. If there is filler available, it would be a doddle to fill. The top has a very uneven grain, and the impact has been on a very wide part, hence why I think the wood has been so soft.

[flathead]

 Ben, Here is some reading for you ( see links below ) as a cabinet builder and wood worker, some times you dent wood, if you do it with a hammer head it's called a rose bud. To help hide rose buds us old timers put a little spit on the dent. The liquid will help swell the wood and lift the dent. Look at frank fords steaming out dents advice. Good luck. Oh unlike carpenters glue you dont need to use carpenters spit. Flathead.


http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/SteamOut/steamout1.html

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/HighTechDept/LightSpeed/LightCureFinish/lightcurefinish.html

[BenF]

Ben, Here is some reading for you ( see links below ) as a cabinet builder and wood worker, some times you dent wood, if you do it with a hammer head it's called a rose bud. To help hide rose buds us old timers put a little spit on the dent. The liquid will help swell the wood and lift the dent. Look at frank fords steaming out dents advice. Good luck. Oh unlike carpenters glue you dont need to use carpenters spit. Flathead.


http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/SteamOut/steamout1.html

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/HighTechDept/LightSpeed/LightCureFinish/lightcurefinish.html

Woooaaah!  The dent in the steaming thread looks similar to the one in mine, but a little deeper.  I guess the steaming method may work, but I am not going to attempt that on my own wth my prescious git.  I have to say I would rather live with the dent that approach my guitar with water - I am pretty sure I could do more harm than good.  Thank you though, flatlander, that was an interesting read.  I find the complexities of wood working really interesting.  Looking at the finished result of a guitar, it is often hard to imagine the amount of work that goes into making it.

Ben

[jeremy3220]

I don't think you need anything to protect the wood. The only thing I would worry about is aesthetics, if you spill something on the wood and it gets absorbed. Of course a poorly done repair job may look worse. So I think if the looks bother you then get it professionally fixed soon, if not then don't worry about it.

[Mr_LV19E]

Ben, Here is some reading for you ( see links below ) as a cabinet builder and wood worker, some times you dent wood, if you do it with a hammer head it's called a rose bud. To help hide rose buds us old timers put a little spit on the dent. The liquid will help swell the wood and lift the dent. Look at frank fords steaming out dents advice. Good luck. Oh unlike carpenters glue you dont need to use carpenters spit. Flathead.


http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/SteamOut/steamout1.html

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/HighTechDept/LightSpeed/LightCureFinish/lightcurefinish.html

on the steam method. I used this on a older guitar I have (wet paper towel and soldering iron) and it worked pretty decent. Probably would have worked better if the gash hadn't been over an 1/8" deep, it did lift it though and improved the look.

[GeeNorm]

Ben,

I have similar damage on my Ovation 12-string. The little strap that let the case lid stay open just more than 90 degrees came unstitched. Not long afterwards I became distracted while returning the guitar to the case. The rest is sad history.

One second of distration can erase years of caution. (Free fable to teach your children.)

Thankfully the guitar still sounds and plays wonderfully. If the damage is only cosmetic quote the Beatles, "Let it Be."

Norman

[limnephilidae]

Put a "this machine kills fascists" sticker over the dent.

[BenF]

 

Or cover it in red white and black tape and call it frankenstein! I have got used to the dent now, as I was sure i would.  The main thing is that it sounds great.  Boy does it sound good.