MIMF

thanks, I intend to tint the clear coats to do the back of the head. Also, the tuning machines cover a lot of the ugly on the back. Plus the rest of the guitar has it's share of dents dings etc.

I'd probably still do a back strap just for structural reasons. The front plate doesn't add nearly as much to the structural integrity as the back plate does when you look at the torque induced by the strings to the headstock. I could draw up a free body diagram :p (engineering geek here)

27 years as an aerospace engineering/structures guy...not necessary, but it can't hurt. Already overkill for the small loads applied. I've done a couple of these that were in 7-8 pieces, and as long as there is adequate long grain area, not an issue. As long as the break does not run through the neck/peg head join/transition, not much of an issue with this type of break.

ready for clear coats. The back will get a lightly tinted spray.

so far, so good.

Something about this kind of repair is intensely satisfying to see. In the interests of not getting all philosophical, I'll just thank you for posting and congratulate you on a good job.

Hey, thanks so much for the kind words, I should have it all back together soon. But since it has been "down so long", I've been playing my 48 SJ, so this will probably go back in the case after a test spin! Thanks again.

well, here tis

Greg,

Just let the grass go!!

CV

I'm happy for you that it's back in shape.