If you are a guitar fanatic, you probably take care of your guitar just as you would for your baby. However, it is common to drop the guitar by mistake or through carelessness in handling. This may cause the guitar to break or crack at various parts.
The headstock is usually the most affected area when a guitar falls. It is the component that connects and holds the strings.
Yes, you can fix a broken headstock on the guitar depending on the severity of the damage to the headstock. It may seem to be a technical task at first. However, it is easy to mend a guitar headstock. Sometimes, the damage is so severe that you must replace the entire headstock. In most cases, a strong adhesive glue works, and the guitar is back to functioning in no time.
Fixing a broken headstock is quite budget-friendly; however, buying a new headstock and replacing it entirely cost you more.
Now that you are a bit relieved that a broken headstock can be fixed, let’s dive into how you can tell if you need to fix or replace your guitar’s headstock. The article also includes the simplest way how you can fix it yourself.
How Do You Tell if the Guitar or the Headstock Is Broken?
A broken guitar headstock is quite visible. Either it has a crack on it, the damage can be small or big, or the headstock has split into two or more pieces. It may be scrapped off from the sides or smashed into multiple parts.
In case of a cracked headstock, you may be able to fix and get it working perfectly fine. However, the crushed headstock must be replaced. You will then have to buy a new one and get it repaired on your guitar.
How to Fix a Broken Headset on Guitar?
Follow the instructions to fix the broken guitar’s headstock:
- Firstly, before you begin repairing a broken headstock on your guitar, simply undo all the strings connected to the headstock. This will provide you more room and freedom to work on the headstock without the strings coming in between.
- Secondly, you will also need to remove the tool heads. This requires some tools which you can easily find in your garage.
- Thirdly, locate all the cracks you can find on the headstock of your guitar. You will have to remove them or open them wide so you can use the glue and ensure it goes all the way in.
- Next, you need to select the glue you will use to fix your broken guitar headstock. We would recommend you to use top-quality glue, specifically a construction adhesive. You can surf the internet to find the best quality glue available.
- After that, apply the glue to the areas where you see cracks. Ensure that you wear gloves, so it does not stick to your hands.
- Before the glue is on the pieces, try out a quick test fit to know that the pieces fit together. Look for any raised areas where there may be any wood splinters remaining. You will have to brush that off so that the headstock fixes to the guitar body like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
- The application should be as light as possible since you do not want clumps disturbing the shape of the guitar.
- Before sticking the pieces together tightly, wait for about 10 minutes so that glue is tacky.
- Lastly, join the pieces together, or hold them tight between your hands or fingers and keep them still for a couple of minutes.
Precaution
Leave the headstock only if the pieces fit together. Let it dry for a day or two, as per the instructions on the glue.
You can now put back the string, tune the guitar and begin playing the music you love.
My Recommended: 3 Best Glues for Guitar Repair
Does a Broken Headstock Affect the Sound of the Guitar?
The headstock is the guitar unit that holds all the strings in one place. This usually lies on the guitar’s narrow end, where the knobs are located. The tune of the guitar depends on how tight or loose the strings are, and the headstock somewhat has a role to play in it.
Depending on where it has cracked, a broken headstock may lower the sustain and reduce the resonance in the guitar. Once you have completely repaired it and fixed the crack’s gap, the guitar will function perfectly. You won’t notice differences in the guitar’s tune, sound, resonance, and sustain.
However, the repaired headstock will significantly decline the guitar’s resale value.
How Much Does a Guitar Headstock Cost?
A guitar headstock may cost you around $275 to $700. As you have a wide price range, you can choose a headstock that fits well into your budget and on your guitar.
If you can crack a deal lesser than this amount, you’re in for a treat. However, make sure to check the compatibility of the headstock with your guitar as well as the quality.
Repairing a guitar headstock can cost you up to $400 if you seek professional help; however, fixing it at home with the above-mentioned way is not going to cost you anywhere above $40. (0% reduction in the total cost is quite an attractive deal.
Conclusion
Fixing a guitar’s broken headstock is not a difficult task at all. All you need is a nice quality glue, concentration, and self-confidence that you can do it by yourself.
Replacing the guitar’s headstock or getting it fixed by professionals is expensive and costs you almost 90% more than doing it yourself at home. Therefore, the most budget-friendly option is doing it by yourself.
All you need to do is glue the pieces together with accuracy and precision, and your guitar will function just as a brand new piece. There is no compromise on the sound quality, which we assure you of.
However, the guitar’s aesthetics will be compromised after you see the glue in the cracks.
