Repair a spruce top.

If you have a string instrument of any kind that needs fixing, a mistake you made in building a new instrument that you need to "disappear," or a question about the ethics of altering an older instrument, ask here. Please note that it will be much easier for us to help you decide on the best repair method if you post some pictures of the problem.
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Michael Baresi
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Location: Mesa Arizona
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Repair a spruce top.

Post by Michael Baresi »

I've got this spruce top harmony and someone gouged out some wood when removing a bridge.
Its not too deep. I'm guessing 1/32 or so. I've heard of people that put a spruce patch on damage like this. Does anyone know about that or have other ideas?
If I don't fill it there will be a small gap under the edge of the bridge in that area.
IMG_20190305_160303482[1].jpg
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Barry Daniels
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Location: The Woodlands, Texas

Re: Repair a spruce top.

Post by Barry Daniels »

Yep, inlay a small patch of spruce.
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Clay Schaeffer
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Re: Repair a spruce top.

Post by Clay Schaeffer »

It would probably be more trouble than it is worth, but on someone's website (Frank Ford's?) I saw where they raised the existing gouged wood to the level of the surrounding top wood and placed a reinforcing patch on the inside of the top. It made a repair that could not be seen from the outside of the instrument.
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