How to Fix a Crack in Your Ukulele
Figure out the cause, so that you can stop it recurring after you fix it., Set a comfortable working area - any table will do., Place your uke on the surface, crack up., Clean the uke., Get your glue, whatever it is., Apply glue to the length of the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Figure out the cause
If it wasn't a mechanical damage and one day you just discovered a crack or a few on the surface of your uke having no idea what happened, it's likely due to a lack of humidity.
If you've got a solid wood ukulele, it requires special treatment, like all solid wood instruments.
Get a uke case (if you don't have one already) and a case humidifier ASAP. -
Step 2: so that you can stop it recurring after you fix it.
Cover your working surface with an old newspaper or something to protect it from accidental drops of glue. , If the crack is on the side, then you'll have to use your knees as such. , Wipe away any dirt, oil, or whatever might have stuck to your uke during its use with a clean, slightly wet piece of cloth.
Wipe again with a clean dry cloth. , Some people use a special wood glue that is widely used for the musical instrument repairs; you can look the brands up online.
Some prefer hide glue, but it's a lot of work to make it.
It comes in dry crystals and you have to actually "cook" it. , Extend it a bit further on both sides.
Make sure it coats the crack well, but don't pour too much. , All the way down the crack and back, and repeat a few times.
That will allow the glue to get into the crack even if it's very small. , Then remove the remaining glue from the surface of the instrument with a wet (and well-wringed out) piece of cloth.
Make sure to wipe the uke well, because the remaining glue might leave slight traces when dried. , Then put it in the case with a humidifier.
It's usually recommended that you don't touch the glued details for 12-18 hours, so just leave it in the case. , -
Step 3: Set a comfortable working area - any table will do.
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Step 4: Place your uke on the surface
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Step 5: crack up.
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Step 6: Clean the uke.
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Step 7: Get your glue
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Step 8: whatever it is.
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Step 9: Apply glue to the length of the crack.
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Step 10: Tap the glue into the crack with your index finger.
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Step 11: Give the glue 10-15 seconds to soak in.
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Step 12: Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
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Step 13: You're a happy owner of a fixed uke!
Detailed Guide
If it wasn't a mechanical damage and one day you just discovered a crack or a few on the surface of your uke having no idea what happened, it's likely due to a lack of humidity.
If you've got a solid wood ukulele, it requires special treatment, like all solid wood instruments.
Get a uke case (if you don't have one already) and a case humidifier ASAP.
Cover your working surface with an old newspaper or something to protect it from accidental drops of glue. , If the crack is on the side, then you'll have to use your knees as such. , Wipe away any dirt, oil, or whatever might have stuck to your uke during its use with a clean, slightly wet piece of cloth.
Wipe again with a clean dry cloth. , Some people use a special wood glue that is widely used for the musical instrument repairs; you can look the brands up online.
Some prefer hide glue, but it's a lot of work to make it.
It comes in dry crystals and you have to actually "cook" it. , Extend it a bit further on both sides.
Make sure it coats the crack well, but don't pour too much. , All the way down the crack and back, and repeat a few times.
That will allow the glue to get into the crack even if it's very small. , Then remove the remaining glue from the surface of the instrument with a wet (and well-wringed out) piece of cloth.
Make sure to wipe the uke well, because the remaining glue might leave slight traces when dried. , Then put it in the case with a humidifier.
It's usually recommended that you don't touch the glued details for 12-18 hours, so just leave it in the case. ,
About the Author
Alexis Collins
Creates helpful guides on practical skills to inspire and educate readers.
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