Epoxied Neck Joints
Any new ideas of how to deal with a Japanese 1980s guitar with an epoxied neck joint? specifically a Lowden from the S. Yairi guitar makers
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Any new ideas of how to deal with a Japanese 1980s guitar with an epoxied neck joint? specifically a Lowden from the S. Yairi guitar makers
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The only thing I know about Lowden’s is that they are nearly impossible to remove with traditional methods. In fact, I’ve heard that they cut them off at the factory. The reason being, there is no gap in the dovetail between the end of the neck and the mortise of the neck block. I had one with the neck already broken off and can confirm this construction. Maybe with 4-5 carefully placed heat sticks you might get an Ireland made one apart. As far as the construction in Japan, I have no idea. But! The guys at Strange Guitarworks told me about another luthier who steamed off epoxied necks with pineapple juice. They tried it also with success. I have no idea until I try it myself. There is a chemical in pineapple juice (not citric acid) that is widely used in the tenderization and breakdown of meats in the food industry. This is according to a college’s wife who is a Food Scientist and said this might make sense.
Most epoxies will fail with enough heat, but don’t try to take apart a Takamine Sante Fe model, don’t ask me how I know…
Thanks for this. Very useful
As Dave says, you can give the heat a try before the cut. I humbly submit this as an option. You can get six probes in and add water to holes as heating with dropper. https://dev.loothgroup.com/post-type-videos/neck-removal-with-soldering-pencil-version-3/