Making the Visible Invisible - Repairing a Japanese Fender Headstock

Japanese Fender Stratocaster with an shattered headstock/neck break gets repaired with tips on how to make the visible repair invisible.

Common Questions Asked in the comments
Why didn't you just replace the neck?
Leo Fender originally designed the Telecaster & Stratocaster to have easily replaceable parts. If the neck is damaged, replace it with a new neck. What he could never have envisioned was the modern vintage market & the "Originality" factor associated with an instruments worth. the more original the instrument, the more its worth in years to come. There was also a sentimental factor involved.

Did you consider a Kintsugi type repair?
No, but it would be cool.

How did this happen!?
This guitar fell forward onto its headstock & the high E tuner seems to have taken the main impact (You can see by the washer being completely pushed in). The crack follows the base of the tuner washers up to around the 4th fret.

Why not use carpenters glue instead of epoxy?
I wanted/needed the 20 min open time of the slow cure epoxy. Clamping it all at once was a tricky thing, as the neck area wanted to pop out when I clamped the headstock area but I made it work with a custom caul that applied pressure right where I needed it to push the troublesome part of the neck in.

Why not use tubing to clamp the round neck surface?
I've used tubing before on clean neck breaks, but this neck needed very localized clamping pressure in a specific spot with the help of a custom caul (also see answer above).

What year was this guitar made?
Guitar Serial number is O 015281. In 1997, Fender transitioned to a serial number decal that included the words “Crafted in Japan” above the serial number. Making this guitar being made between 1997-2000. https://support.fender.com/en-us/know...

Did you refinish the neck?
Yes, no, Sort of. I never removed any original finish, just sprayed over it (is that technically refinishing?). I first sprayed the repaired headstock/neck areas with a few coats until I could level it nicely, then I put two finishing coats over the entire neck to blend it all. (after sanding the entire neck to P800). I didn't use this (see link) product at the time as I didn't know about it yet, but it would be a good choice and what I would use now (or my $600 DeVilbiss spray gun)- https://amzn.to/3Tfst5w

If you are interested in learning this kinda high end repair and restoration lutherie work- I recommend The Looth Group at https://loothgroup.com/

Products Used/Mentioned (in rough order of use)
West Systems Epoxy (with slow hardener)- https://amzn.to/48MlJSv
Glu Boost Fill n Finish- https://stewmac.sjv.io/rQrKzd
Glu Boost Accelerator (you need it)- https://stewmac.sjv.io/PyEQrM

Fingerboard Leveler (0864)- https://stewmac.sjv.io/yR56bB

Mohawk Blendal colors (individual)- https://amzn.to/43i2Rty
Mohawk Blendal colors (12 colors kit)- https://amzn.to/4a6BPaq
Mohawk Fil-Stik (12 pack- very handy for instrument repair)- https://amzn.to/3PaaX1y
Mohawk Blendal Full color range- https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/prod...

Mixol Pigments- https://amzn.to/3T2jHaQ
Mixol Pigments (Stewmac)- https://stewmac.sjv.io/XYqeRo
Mixol Pigments Large Bottle (Stewmac)- https://stewmac.sjv.io/QyLL9a
Shellac- https://stewmac.sjv.io/jr007M
Detailing paint brushes- https://amzn.to/48T5hzH
Paint tray- https://amzn.to/4a0HnDs

Nitro Aerosol Can (Gloss and Satin)- https://stewmac.sjv.io/AWeeNK
Ultra-Flo Clear Lacquer, Clear Gloss Finish, ‎M102-0450- https://amzn.to/3TwYiZ9

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I created an extensive categorized list of lutherie Products I use and recommend for various aspects of the trade- check them out here- https://www.amazon.com/shop/beauhanna...

Stew Mac: stewmac.sjv.io/GjAMbk

Helpful Lists of products I use & recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/beauhanna...

⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 The Damage
1:42 The Glue up
2:27 The Clean up
6:42 The Color
9:01 The Explanation
13:21 The Result

Songs used
Flora and Fauna- by Aerian (https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/u...)
Alko- by Calm Shores (https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/M...)
Sending (Lo Fi Version) - by Hanna Lindgren (https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/s...)
Play & Create- By Mike Parr/ Frida Winsth- (https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/7...)

I never promote products I don't personally use & recommend.
This video is not sponsored and may contain product affiliate links which means if you buy something Beau will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

#fender #beauhannam #stratocaster

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