My Best Baby Is Sick.

[Zaphod B]

I picked up my 1963 Martin D-28 last night after not having played it in a couple of months. Immediately when I started tuning using 12th fret harmonics, I head a horrible rattle from the sound board.

It sounds like there's a loose brace under the soundboard, which tapping on it seems to confirm, below and to the left of the sound hole when viewing the guitar straight on.

Ah well. Now I have to find a good acoustic instrument luthier. The last shop I used has long since gone out of business.

This does not sound cheap. I'll let y'all know what I find out.)

 

[Zaphod B]

I had a look on Martin's web site, and there is a Martin-certified service shop less than 10 minutes from my house. I'll take it over there on Friday and see what they have to say.

 

[Zaphod B]

Waaaaah.

 

[Anfontan]

Easy there Zaphod-baby will get all better! I'm sure if they can't do it they'll send it back to Martin and it'll be like new again.

 

[Zaphod B]

Easy there Zaphod-baby will get all better! I'm sure if they can't do it they'll send it back to Martin and it'll be like new again.

Yeah, there's always that option, too. I'd rather not ship it if it's not absolutely necessary.


Waaaaaaaa!

 

[Track Rat]

They usually don't ship to Nazerath unless the repair bill will be more than a couple of hundred dollars. Just glueing a brace will probably be done locally.

 

[Zaphod B]

They usually don't ship to Nazerath unless the repair bill will be more than a couple of hundred dollars. Just glueing a brace will probably be done locally.

That's what I'm thinking, too.

 

[ggunn]

They usually don't ship to Nazerath unless the repair bill will be more than a couple of hundred dollars. Just glueing a brace will probably be done locally.

Yeah, just slop some epoxy around the separated brace. I'm sure Light won't object... ;^)

 

[Zaphod B]

Hahaha, you're right about that.

Whatever is necessary, I want it done right. I've owned this guitar since 1967 or '68 and am very attached to it.

I don't know if this kind of problem requires major surgery or not. I don't know if you can do it through the soundhole. Never had to deal with a structural issue like this before.

 

[Horsedoc]

Reglueing a loose brace is usually no big deal and not expensive. Don't know if you're the original owner, but if you are (and can prove it), the repair would be free. If you haven't had it gone over (neck, frets, bridge and braces), now would be a good time. They all need work eventually. Had my old warhorse '65 D-28 worked over a few years back and the difference was amazing. Just make sure you go to an authorized and reputable Martin repairman.

 

[Zaphod B]

Reglueing a loose brace is usually no big deal and not expensive. Don't know if you're the original owner, but if you are (and can prove it), the repair would be free. If you haven't had it gone over (neck, frets, bridge and braces), now would be a good time. They all need work eventually. Had my old warhorse '65 D-28 worked over a few years back and the difference was amazing. Just make sure you go to an authorized and reputable Martin repairman.

Thanks Horsedoc. No, I am not the original owner - I'm the second. I still have the "case candy" from the first owner but no receipt.

It does need some going over - the frets are original and, as you can imagine, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd frets are quite worn. So a complete fret job is certainly warranted but it's playable as is.

 

[Horsedoc]

Thanks Horsedoc. No, I am not the original owner - I'm the second. I still have the "case candy" from the first owner but no receipt.

It does need some going over - the frets are original and, as you can imagine, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd frets are quite worn. So a complete fret job is certainly warranted but it's playable as is.

Too bad. Martin used to be pretty lenient about warranty work. I bought my D-28 new in '65, but didn't have any proof when I had the work done in the mid '90's. They just had you send in a notarized statement saying you were the original owner, and they registered it and sent you an owner's certificate. Not any more. Now you must have absolutely solid proof of purchase, or no dice.

 

[Zaphod B]

Now you must have absolutely solid proof of purchase, or no dice.

I guess I can't blame them. That's the reason I keep the receipts for the guitars that I have purchased new - I figured any compant would want proof of original ownership.