Chris Thomas's Page

Ya, truss rods would be tricky for sure. I love the Martin Brothers. I've got a big book of their wares. I think they were the best potters of all time. Looks like the steamer is the answer. Real "steam punk"....

Hey Chris, nice looking Git! Looks like you've got the reso ready to mount. Nice well for it. Looks like a nice body for it too. I've got a commission that want's a cheap one too. I guess our time is worthless. I'm still going to do it and see how cheap i can go... :^) .... Dave

The steamer should do a job on it. It may pucker up plywood if this guit is made of same. I thought of one more idea. To hand saw a scart shape at the neck top to cut all the bad splintered wood. Even this off with a belt sander then glue on a headstock onto the angled cut. I think i'd try the steamer. Experiment on your victim. Your pallet knives will do their thing... Good luck and i gotta hear the details.... Dave

Hey Chris, ya that's a bad break on the neck there. Not shattered though. Looks like a clean break at the nut so the fret board is ok. You might be able to "scarf" join a new headpiece onto the old neck. Doesn't look like there's a truss rod there to worry about. If you had a band saw to make the cuts it could be done. Getting a glued on neck off isn't easy. I've not done it myself. I've coaxed loose necks off with just a thin knife but one that is still tight will give you fits. Heat and moisture will take one off but will also take the body apart where the heat and water meet. I'd say, cut off the neck flush with the body and think of the body as a cigar box. Just make a new neck and fit it in. You could also use the body parts as wood parts to build with. Just heat until things start to come apart and work things apart with a knife. If you can pop the back off or the top it will open up the possibilities. Looks like a nice body to play with.... Dave

Hey Chris, you have a good weekend too. I did enjoy your photos. And i spent an hour or more following links about the Kora. Wonderful uplifting music... Thanks, Dave

Thanks for the request of friends. I'd be happy to be a friend.

thanks a lot for the friend request and really kind comments !!

cheers; 

Calim