Used guitar repair

[vin0114]

Hi all, I'm new to your website from wet and windy UK and came across it when searching for a remedy to prevent tuner creaking.

I purchased this used guitar recently and was amazed at the ignorance and abuse the previous owner had reeked on this once expensive and beautiful classical Alhambra instrument. The stringing the previous user had employed both to the nut and saddle were unbelievable and possibly caused the lifting of the saddle. The stringing was replaced without problem except for very loud creaking and cracking when tuning which after a search brought me to your forum. I have never seen so much string on wood and string against string at the nut and the saddle stringing was something to behold. I made my own jig and re-sat the saddle and replaced the badly fitted melamine nut and saddle with bone. I've sorted the creaking with 'chapstick' for the moment and now this guitar has a georgeous sound almost as nice as my 9P .
Best regards
Vin
[img]https://www.flickr.com/photos/191659532 ... ublic//img]
[img]https://www.flickr.com/photos/191659532 ... ublic/[img]
[img][https://www.flickr.com/photos/191659532 ... public/img]


https://www.flickr.com/photos/191659532 ... ed-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/191659532 ... ed-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/191659532 ... ed-public/

[Dave M]

Vin Hi. I too am in the currently rather damp UK.

I take it from your photos that you have replaced the knotted string ends with the more normal loop over the tie block...

I do notice though that the saddle is a very poor fit in it's slot. This really should be a close fit. Also check that the bottom of the saddle, and it's slot are flat and are making good contact.

Fitting of a saddle is one of those jobs that just needs lots of testing. Sand a bit, check the fit repeat!

Pleased that the guitar is sounding good. It could be that it might be even better!

Nut slots are normally lubricated with things like graphite - a lead pencil. Though there are some branded products out there. If there is still a tendency to stick you should check the slots. The front edge needs to be clean but with just the sharpness taken off. The slot should slope at pretty much the head angle, and the rear end of the slot should be opened out a little.

Sorry if I'm telling you what you already know but this stuff is quite often neglected.

Cheers Dave

[vin0114]

Thanks Dave
I replaced the melamine nut and saddle with bone and was very careful to ensure they fitted perfectly in the slots. I did check the tuner rollers and the drilled holes for adequate depth and clearance and pencil wrapped sanded as advised. I will retreat with graphite if the creaking problem comes back but close inspection of the tuner cogs shows a lot of wear that may require future replacement. To repair the lifting saddle I made my own jig that worked a treat. I have found the internet incredible especially from guys like you posting valuable information on how to carry out these repairs, thank you. The intonation is now much improved and I can now get on with learning and playing this georgeous instrument.

Best wishes to all and keep well.

vin