The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

I have a complete cardinal CS 350, but the body is cracked on both sides of the neck pocket. It has been reglued and is stable, but still looking for a decent body.

Have one made. I have the spec for the flattop CS body, and it is not a difficult build. That said, acquiring second-hand is definitely cheaper. Do you have a painted headcap?

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"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use" - Søren Kierkegaard
"It looks just like a Telefunken U47" - Frank Zappa

If the repair was done well and with a good quality glue, the resulting joint should be stronger than the original wood.
I'd keep it original and just refinish the immediate area if it''s a bit rough looking. No real need to replace it.

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"A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
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I'm currently rebuilding one in the same condition.
I don't mind battle scars but I've now decided to hide them under a metallic paint.

Will you send it to me when its done?

So how does it feel to be on the other end of that exchange

Funny you ask, I was actually considering sending it to you. . .

Well,
the repair is strong is strong. If it was a solid color I would be good with some paint matching but it is the transparent red finish and there really isnt a good way to make the cracks go away. The damage is basically the "floor" of the neck pocket bent towards the backside of the guitar til it cracked on both sides. I think it must have happened early in this guitars life since there is virtually no fret wear at all. I slightly opened the cracks, blew out the debris and glued/clamped it. There is still a difference in surface elevation, but it holds tuning tension with no problem.
Here's a link to the pics for fun:
http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii119/ccemsa17/ARIA%20PRO%20II%20CS-350%20Cardinal/
If I ever do a custom shop guitar (other than my Carvin) I am gonna send them the neck from this to duplicate!

If anybody has a body let me know

I understand your concern jc, I have a Vantage Avenger AV325 with exactly the same trans red finish...and it's stunning too!

But, considering the location the crack isn't readily noticeable. And really, with a little bit of "artistic" application you could convert the cracks into "grain". In other words, rather than trying to make the damage disappear (difficult) consider incorporating it as part of the dark stained grain pattern.

_________________
"A little song, a little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
Guitars: https://legend.barryeames.com
Music/Pix/Videos: https://getback.barryeames.com

Thanks for posting pics , I thought this guitar was gonna be a disaster but really its not too bad at all . Barry is right , a little creativity with some colors and a dab of clear and it will blend right in .

If mine had looked that good when I got it, I'd have slapped in a little touch up paint and forgot about it.
On the front by the neck are the only places I'd be concerned with. Get some red on that exposed wood and she'd look like a 10 yr old guitar.
Like I said, I don't mind battle scars but those aren't "normal wear" areas.
I'd leave the other dings as they are.
Of course, these are just my opinions.