RBSinTo Posted January 27, 2022 Share Posted January 27, 2022 My 2001 j-45 which I bought used from the second owner came with a repaired broken headstock. I've owned the guitar for a couple of years and the repair has been secure and stable, and has caused no problems. However I have a gut feeling that using a capo, especially in the very lowest frets might be putting additional strain on the repair, and wondered if my fears are justified or not. If anyone have any thoughts or insight, I'd appreciate hearing from them. Please and thanks, RBSinTo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted January 27, 2022 Share Posted January 27, 2022 Not any more, I would deduce, than playing barre chords, especially if you use it close to or directly on top of the fret. Is the crack or break in a position that's sensitive to string pull directly, or is it more parallel to the neck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted January 27, 2022 Share Posted January 27, 2022 2 hours ago, RBSinTo said: My 2001 j-45 which I bought used from the second owner came with a repaired broken headstock. I've owned the guitar for a couple of years and the repair has been secure and stable, and has caused no problems. However I have a gut feeling that using a capo, especially in the very lowest frets might be putting additional strain on the repair, and wondered if my fears are justified or not. If anyone have any thoughts or insight, I'd appreciate hearing from them. Please and thanks, RBSinTo Robert I can't see why or how a capo would affect a properly fixed head break. It is said if done right it should be stronger than before the break. When capoing do you notice anything unusual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinder Posted January 27, 2022 Share Posted January 27, 2022 You have nothing to worry about. A capo, properly applied, puts any sort of neck repair under no more strain than everyday playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted January 27, 2022 Author Share Posted January 27, 2022 (edited) Thanks guys for the replies. jedzep, The crackline runs through the headstock face side through the two tuner peg holes closest to the neck, and along the opposite side a little closer to the neck Chief, The repair was reasonably well done, (not invisable, but only noticeable when you look for it), and I haven't seen or heard any problems when using a capo. I only asked the question because it occurred to me when I put a capo on yesterday. RBSinTo Edited January 27, 2022 by RBSinTo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuestionMark Posted January 27, 2022 Share Posted January 27, 2022 One of my Gibsons has had a repaired headstock for 16 years. Be assured a capo should have no effect on a repaired headstock. Also, as a prior poster pointed out, the repaired spot is now probably stronger because of the repair. I know when the headstock repair in that guitar of mine was completed, the authorized Gibson repairman made the statement to me that the repaired spot is now stronger than it was before the headstock breakage, because of the repair. Capo away! QM aka “Jazzman” Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted January 28, 2022 Author Share Posted January 28, 2022 4 hours ago, QuestionMark said: One of my Gibsons has had a repaired headstock for 16 years. Be assured a capo should have no effect on a repaired headstock. Also, as a prior poster pointed out, the repaired spot is now probably stronger because of the repair. I know when the headstock repair in that guitar of mine was completed, the authorized Gibson repairman made the statement to me that the repaired spot is now stronger than it was before the headstock breakage, because of the repair. Capo away! QM aka “Jazzman” Jeff QM., Thank you. Your comments put my mind at ease. I won't worry about it any more, and will just continue to enjoy playing this guitar. RBSinTo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyd Posted January 28, 2022 Share Posted January 28, 2022 My 1974 J-50 developed a big crack where the neck joins the headstock, by 1980 is was basically un-playable. A couple years later I had it fixed by a little local shop, the repair wasn't pretty but it has held up through all kinds of abuse and playing for about 40 years with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard McCoy Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 I'd love to see that repair to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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