How to Fix a Guitar Crack Caused by Humidity Damage

In this video, Dan demonstrates how to fix a crack in a boutique acoustic guitar caused by intense sun and humidity damage -- including a nifty trick for perfectly locating a cleat to hold the crack closed.

Products used in this week's video:

Digital Humidity & Temperature Gauge

Titebond Liquid Hide Glue

Low Tack Protective Tape

Cam Clamp

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Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[guitarbluz]

Dan is the "Bob Ross" of lutherie. His delivery has such a calming cadence to it which always gives me confidence when making guitar repairs. Nobody has taught me more than Dan. Thanks, Dan & StewMac!

[alanlevesque]

After all these years Dan is still the best there is.

[Jasontheguitarist]

I did this DIY a few years ago to an old Alvarez acoustic with the same type of crack. I used two strong magnets, one directly on top of the crack, and one stuck to the cleat with two sided tape. The magnets naturally find each other and stick together to act as a clamp while the glue dries. It worked pretty well.

[gregmartin]

Dan is a national treasure. his experience and relaxed teaching style is unsurpassed and he is a genuine and humble individual.

[bobdeeguitar]

A hygrometer is a must! I have a (poorly made) Seagull Pepino guitar. I believe the wood was not seasoned well enough. But in the winter my apt gets brutally dry and even with a damp sponge in a plastic bag with holes in it (inside the sound hole) the guitar still cracked. My luthier fixed it (along with a saddle fix to fix the poorly set intonation). The humidity thing is real, though. Especially in winter. I put damp sponges in a plastic bag with holes in it in all my guitar cases in the winter--and I never leave them out on the stand. Dan is a treasure, for sure.

[carguy]

Dan is the Best, he is a national treasure

[AlexCBrandon]

I wish I could explain it. So many StewMac videos all with great information, knowledgeable luthiers and hardworking folk. But I keep coming back to watch Dan even though he's trying to share the spotlight.

[nicandknacksandseans]

The wood on the side of that guitar is insane.

[darwinsaye]

Very cool. I was wondering what a cleat was when I read the video description, then when I saw what it was, I chuckled because I fixed a crack in an old arch top I once had by using a popsicle stick as a cleat.

[armerius]

My all times Hero, reminds me so much of my Dad, who used to work on instruments just for fun. He passed away 4 years ago.

[VovvenGromit]

Helpful tips. I just happened upon a classic Levin guitar, made in Sweden. Nylon strings, beautiful tone, so easy to play. It did come with the bridge torn off, since some nut job had put high tension steel strings on it. I got the bridge succesfully glued back on, and it sounds wonderful. The body does have a few cracks, so I will have to address that. This video was most helpful. I did some research, and found the serial number chart for Levin guitars. It turns out mine is a 1954 model! A good 20 years older than I initially thought. Definitely worth restoring.

[rgvarela]

I have learned a lot from watching these videos and from reading Dan's books, but something I've notice about every guitar dyi YouTuber gets wrong is that not everywhere in the USA has the same weather pattern. My winters are wet and humid while our summers are hot and very dry. Right now outside humidity is 23% while inside is 37%. Your best tool have is a hydrometer to closely monitor the moisture in the air, so you'll know if you need to humidify your guitar or run a dehumidifier.

[jthonn]

I have been watching your videos for years and it never gets old. I have learned so much from you sir.

[ricolivamusic]

I inherited a tiple and a balalaika from the guitar teacher I had in high school. They both had cracks in the tops and were unsellable, so his sister told me to keep them. I took them to a repair shop who said it would be hundreds if not upwards of a thousand dollars to fix them. They are not high-end instruments, so I think I'm going to use this video as a guide and try to fix them myself. Thanks for making the video!

[Nyrlyat]

I feel like I am watching the guitar world's Bob Ross watching this video.

[JetEdz]

I can watch StewMac videos all day! Thanks Dan!!!

[Breakbeats.]

Never knew how important a luthiers are. Now that I own a guitar I know exactly how important they are!

[TwistedStrummer]

Dan is the man! Love watching this guy work his magic.

[SS-gxtg]

That magnet film trick is amazing. What a helpful video!

[Drsef]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing. What kind of music shop would place a boutique guitar in a sunny window? Sounds like the sort of place to steer clear of.