Post by CTGull on Oct 6, 2020 6:18:33 GMT -5
Vintage Yamaha FG Repair Services Available
Experience:
As of 3/2024 I have completed (71) vintage Yamaha FG neck resets (models with the truss rod cover on headstock), including (38) for customers. Models include FG-45, 45-1, 75, 75-1, 75-1BK, 110, 110E, 110-1SBK, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200, 230, 251, 260, 335, 336SB, 345, 360, 375S, 500 and 1500. And a 1981 SJ-180. I have also done partial & full refrets, pickguard resticking, custom hardwood bridge doctor installs, bridge plate patch, split bridge repairs, bridge replacement (to Yamaha measured specs or custom), nut & saddle replacement, tuner replacement, and truss rod replacement.
I also offer some replacement parts: nuts, saddles, FG-300 and FG-350W saddle inserts, and truss rod nuts.
I have also done neck resets on other acoustic guitars: (9) Seagull (bolt-on, pre-2006) acoustic guitar neck resets (and other repairs), and (18) vintage Harmony neck resets, including H162, H165, H1203, H1230, H1260 & H1270.
I offer free pickup and delivery within 20 miles (per Google maps) of central Connecticut, for complex repairs (see below).
Be aware shipping a guitar is very expensive, the average is about $100 each way PLUS the cost of the box and packing. You would be responsible for cost of repair of damage from improper packing. I suggest using FEDEX, UPS and USPS are optional.
Turnaround for neck resets is approx. 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how busy I am. Bridge replacement and refrets 2 to 4 weeks. Other services 1 to 2 weeks. Times can change depending on work load.
Before accepting a job, I will request pictures of areas for examination to determine what is required.
***The IRS has a new tax rule requiring popular payment apps (PayPal, Venmo, etc.) to report user’s transactions if they exceed $600 for the year. I have already received notice from PayPal that they will be reporting my “income” to the IRS. This, plus the PayPal fees, will cost me 16% of what I have been sent in 2023. Therefore, I will have to increase my prices for PayPal/Venmo payments. ***This will also apply to guitar shipping charges, I suggest you buy the prepaid return label before shipping.
Email YamahaVintageFG@gmail.com with any questions.
Complex repairs:
Standard 6 string vintage Yamaha FG Neck reset (1966 to 1974, Green thru Tan labels) is $300 (cash), $350 (PayPal). A neck reset included a custom made bone nut & saddle, D’Addario EJ16 strings, and a full setup. Levelling the “14th fret hump” (12th thru 16th frets) is included. Additional fret levelling, or fret replacement, would be an additional cost. A cracked or broken heel would be an additional $50 due to the difficulty of removing it, this would include re-attaching the heel with epoxy and (2) hardwood dowels. There is a risk of the heel becoming deformed due to the amount of additional steam required. The cost does not cover fixing it.
Standard 6 string Yamaha FG 1975 to 1981 (Black thru White labels, truss rod adjustment in the headstock) neck reset is $350 (cash) & $400 (PayPal) due to the use of epoxy in the neck joint, and the difficulty of cutting thru (and the probability of damage to) the large lacquer radius in the corners between the heel and guitar body. It also includes a custom made bone nut & saddle, D’Addario EJ16 strings, and a full setup. Levelling the “14th fret hump” (12th thru 16th frets) is included. Additional fret levelling, or fret replacement, would be an additional cost. A cracked or broken heel (where the epoxy usually is) would be an additional $50 due to the difficulty of removing it, this would include re-attaching the heel with epoxy and (2) hardwood dowels. There is a risk of the heel becoming deformed due to the amount of steam required. The cost does not cover fixing it.
Standard 12 string vintage Yamaha FG neck reset (1968 to 1974, Red thru Tan labels) is $350 (cash) & $400 (PayPal). It also includes a custom made bone nut & saddle, and a full setup. Levelling the “14th fret hump” (12th thru 16th frets) is included. Additional fret levelling, or fret replacement, would be an additional cost. A cracked or broken heel would be an additional $50 due to the difficulty of removing it, this would include re-attaching the heel with epoxy and (2) hardwood dowels. There is a risk of the heel becoming deformed due to the amount of additional steam required. The cost does not cover fixing it.
Truss Rod Replacement (1966 to 1975, Green thru Tan labels) is $450 (cash) & $500 (PayPal). 1975 to 1981 (Black thru White labels, truss rod adjustment in the headstock) is $500 (cash) & $550 (PayPal). The neck needs to be removed to push the truss rod out thru the heel end. Then a neck reset is done (included). See notes for neck resets above. I have a very limited supply of vintage FG truss rods taken from scrapped necks. Email for availability.
Partial refret (standard nickel silver) are $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal) for the first fret and $10 (cash) & $12 (PayPal) each (unbound neck) additional fret. Bound necks are $15 (cash) & $17 (PayPal) per each additional fret.
Full refret (standard nickel silver) is $250 (cash) & $290 (PayPal) for an unbound neck, $300 (cash) & $350 (PayPal) for a bound neck. A full refret includes sanding the fretboard level to your radius of choice. Fixing divots in the fretboard would be an additional charge, and not recommended.
Fret level & recrown is $100 (cash) & $115 (PayPal).
6 string Indian rosewood bridge replacement (to measured Yamaha specs, or up to 2.12” E to E string spacing) is $200 (cash) & $230 (PayPal), including a new bone saddle. $175 (cash) & $200 (PayPal) when done with a neck reset. Other woods available at an additional cost. This includes a maple bridge plate patch, fill the existing pin holes with epoxy, and redrill & taper ream the new holes thru the new bridge. Repair of the existing bridge plate (if the existing holes break out of the edge of the plate) would be an additional cost.
12 string Indian rosewood bridge replacement (to measured Yamaha specs) is $225 (cash) & $260 (PayPal), including a new bone saddle. $200 (cash) & $230 (PayPal) with a neck reset. Other woods available at an additional cost. This includes a maple bridge plate patch, fill the existing pin holes with epoxy, and redrill & taper ream the new holes thru the new bridge. Repair of the existing bridge plate (if the existing holes break out of the edge of the plate) would be an additional cost.
OPTIONS FOR SHIPPING YOUR REPAIRED GUITAR BACK TO YOU: Since I don’t want to lose 16% on the money you send for shipping (IRS tax & PayPal fees). I'd like to give you 2 options. Either pay 15% over the quoted shipping cost, or buy the prepaid return label before shipping (recommended). I suggest using FEDEX, UPS and USPS are optional.
Simple Repairs:
Custom hardwood bridge doctor is $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal), installed. This includes your choice of a black or pearl dot covering the screw hole. A bridge doctor does very little for high action. For 40-50 year old guitars, a bad neck angle is typically the problem, only fixed by a neck reset. I do recommend installing them in 12 string guitars to keep the bridge level, increasing the already low break angle of the rear strings.
Split bridge repair (thru the pin holes, but split is less than ½” away from the outer pin holes) is $25 (cash) & $30 (PayPal). If it is split too far the bridge would need to be replaced. If it is completely split thru the pin holes it is possible to remove the bridge, glue the 2 halves together, and reglue it to the top for $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal), but there is no guarantee it will not split again. A split thru the saddle slot is not repairable, the bridge must be replaced. Again, it is possible to remove, glue the 2 halves together, and glue it back to the top for $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal) (Yamaha bridges never come off cleanly), but there is no guarantee it will not split again.
Bridge plate patch (inside the guitar, under the bridge) is $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal). This includes a 1/16” thick maple patch made to fit over the existing bridge plate. Epoxy will be dropped into the bridge pin holes (to fill the defects in the existing bridge plate) and the holes will be redrilled and reamed to fit your bridge pins.
Sand the top of the bridge (and bottom of the saddle) to lower the action is $25 (cash) & $30 (PayPal). This not recommended, unless you just want the guitar playable.
Pick Guard Restick (using a thin adhesive sheet, not glue) is $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal). This includes scraping off the old glue & applying 3 layers of shellac to the bare wood top (if required).
Custom bone saddle installed for $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal). Available to ship for $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. (See PARTS section below for more detail.) Slotting the saddle (to widen the narrow Yamaha bridge string spacing) is available for an additional $10. Specify the E to E string spacing required, 2.06”, 2.09” & 2.13” available. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 6 string nut installed for $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal). Available to ship for $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. (See PARTS section below for more detail) Specify the E to E string spacing required. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 12 string nut installed for $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal). Available to ship for $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. (See PARTS section below for more detail) Specify the E to E and octave string spacing required. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Parts:
Custom bone saddle $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. Specify the guitar model, the width (average or oversize), and the overall height of the saddle required (if known). I offer them in 2 thicknesses – Average Width (.114”/.116”), and Slightly Oversize (.118”/.120”) for you to sand to fit your slot. 7/16” is the standard height, but I can sand the height to any dimension for no additional cost. Slotting the saddle (to widen the narrow Yamaha bridge string spacing) is available for an additional $10. Specify the E to E string spacing required, 2.06”, 2.09” & 2.13” available. A perfect fit in your bridge is not guaranteed, I make them to fit similar vintage FG bridges that I have, or I can make it to any thickness you specify. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 6 string nut $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. Specify the guitar model and the E to E string spacing required. 1.38” to 1.50” available in .02” increments. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 12 string nut $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. Specify the guitar model.
Custom Saddle insert for 1968 to 1974 FG-300, and 1977 to 1980 FG-350W $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. Carbon fiber reinforced black nylon body with a one piece bone insert. Available as adjustable (using the existing adjustment screws), or fixed (sitting on the guitar top).
Truss rod nut $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. 1966 to 1976, models with the truss rod cover on the headstock only. You must specify the model to be sure you get the right one, they changed them with the new models in 1977. I only have a few of these left, there will be no more due to the cost of having them made.
Truss rod wrench (1966 to 1977, Green thru Black labels) I no longer stock these due to the huge increase in cost. You're better off buying the 8mm wrench from All Parts. White label (1977 to 1981) and up have an internal hex and use a 5mm Allen wrench.
Back bowing block $25 (cash) & $30 (PayPal) plus $10 for shipping to the US only, other by quote. yamahavintagefg.boards.net/thread/14/properly-adjust-truss-rod
***There are 2 options for the string spacing for nuts and saddle. INCREMENTAL and CONSTANT STRING GAP. Constant String Gap puts the larger strings farther apart (equal space between the edges of the strings). See this link for more info. yamahavintagefg.boards.net/thread/244/string-spacing-calculator
Only 1 shipping charge up to 3 items, except the Back Bowing Block.
Email YamahaVintageFG@gmail.com with any questions.
Experience:
As of 3/2024 I have completed (71) vintage Yamaha FG neck resets (models with the truss rod cover on headstock), including (38) for customers. Models include FG-45, 45-1, 75, 75-1, 75-1BK, 110, 110E, 110-1SBK, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200, 230, 251, 260, 335, 336SB, 345, 360, 375S, 500 and 1500. And a 1981 SJ-180. I have also done partial & full refrets, pickguard resticking, custom hardwood bridge doctor installs, bridge plate patch, split bridge repairs, bridge replacement (to Yamaha measured specs or custom), nut & saddle replacement, tuner replacement, and truss rod replacement.
I also offer some replacement parts: nuts, saddles, FG-300 and FG-350W saddle inserts, and truss rod nuts.
I have also done neck resets on other acoustic guitars: (9) Seagull (bolt-on, pre-2006) acoustic guitar neck resets (and other repairs), and (18) vintage Harmony neck resets, including H162, H165, H1203, H1230, H1260 & H1270.
I offer free pickup and delivery within 20 miles (per Google maps) of central Connecticut, for complex repairs (see below).
Be aware shipping a guitar is very expensive, the average is about $100 each way PLUS the cost of the box and packing. You would be responsible for cost of repair of damage from improper packing. I suggest using FEDEX, UPS and USPS are optional.
Turnaround for neck resets is approx. 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how busy I am. Bridge replacement and refrets 2 to 4 weeks. Other services 1 to 2 weeks. Times can change depending on work load.
Before accepting a job, I will request pictures of areas for examination to determine what is required.
***The IRS has a new tax rule requiring popular payment apps (PayPal, Venmo, etc.) to report user’s transactions if they exceed $600 for the year. I have already received notice from PayPal that they will be reporting my “income” to the IRS. This, plus the PayPal fees, will cost me 16% of what I have been sent in 2023. Therefore, I will have to increase my prices for PayPal/Venmo payments. ***This will also apply to guitar shipping charges, I suggest you buy the prepaid return label before shipping.
Email YamahaVintageFG@gmail.com with any questions.
Complex repairs:
Standard 6 string vintage Yamaha FG Neck reset (1966 to 1974, Green thru Tan labels) is $300 (cash), $350 (PayPal). A neck reset included a custom made bone nut & saddle, D’Addario EJ16 strings, and a full setup. Levelling the “14th fret hump” (12th thru 16th frets) is included. Additional fret levelling, or fret replacement, would be an additional cost. A cracked or broken heel would be an additional $50 due to the difficulty of removing it, this would include re-attaching the heel with epoxy and (2) hardwood dowels. There is a risk of the heel becoming deformed due to the amount of additional steam required. The cost does not cover fixing it.
Standard 6 string Yamaha FG 1975 to 1981 (Black thru White labels, truss rod adjustment in the headstock) neck reset is $350 (cash) & $400 (PayPal) due to the use of epoxy in the neck joint, and the difficulty of cutting thru (and the probability of damage to) the large lacquer radius in the corners between the heel and guitar body. It also includes a custom made bone nut & saddle, D’Addario EJ16 strings, and a full setup. Levelling the “14th fret hump” (12th thru 16th frets) is included. Additional fret levelling, or fret replacement, would be an additional cost. A cracked or broken heel (where the epoxy usually is) would be an additional $50 due to the difficulty of removing it, this would include re-attaching the heel with epoxy and (2) hardwood dowels. There is a risk of the heel becoming deformed due to the amount of steam required. The cost does not cover fixing it.
Standard 12 string vintage Yamaha FG neck reset (1968 to 1974, Red thru Tan labels) is $350 (cash) & $400 (PayPal). It also includes a custom made bone nut & saddle, and a full setup. Levelling the “14th fret hump” (12th thru 16th frets) is included. Additional fret levelling, or fret replacement, would be an additional cost. A cracked or broken heel would be an additional $50 due to the difficulty of removing it, this would include re-attaching the heel with epoxy and (2) hardwood dowels. There is a risk of the heel becoming deformed due to the amount of additional steam required. The cost does not cover fixing it.
Truss Rod Replacement (1966 to 1975, Green thru Tan labels) is $450 (cash) & $500 (PayPal). 1975 to 1981 (Black thru White labels, truss rod adjustment in the headstock) is $500 (cash) & $550 (PayPal). The neck needs to be removed to push the truss rod out thru the heel end. Then a neck reset is done (included). See notes for neck resets above. I have a very limited supply of vintage FG truss rods taken from scrapped necks. Email for availability.
Partial refret (standard nickel silver) are $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal) for the first fret and $10 (cash) & $12 (PayPal) each (unbound neck) additional fret. Bound necks are $15 (cash) & $17 (PayPal) per each additional fret.
Full refret (standard nickel silver) is $250 (cash) & $290 (PayPal) for an unbound neck, $300 (cash) & $350 (PayPal) for a bound neck. A full refret includes sanding the fretboard level to your radius of choice. Fixing divots in the fretboard would be an additional charge, and not recommended.
Fret level & recrown is $100 (cash) & $115 (PayPal).
6 string Indian rosewood bridge replacement (to measured Yamaha specs, or up to 2.12” E to E string spacing) is $200 (cash) & $230 (PayPal), including a new bone saddle. $175 (cash) & $200 (PayPal) when done with a neck reset. Other woods available at an additional cost. This includes a maple bridge plate patch, fill the existing pin holes with epoxy, and redrill & taper ream the new holes thru the new bridge. Repair of the existing bridge plate (if the existing holes break out of the edge of the plate) would be an additional cost.
12 string Indian rosewood bridge replacement (to measured Yamaha specs) is $225 (cash) & $260 (PayPal), including a new bone saddle. $200 (cash) & $230 (PayPal) with a neck reset. Other woods available at an additional cost. This includes a maple bridge plate patch, fill the existing pin holes with epoxy, and redrill & taper ream the new holes thru the new bridge. Repair of the existing bridge plate (if the existing holes break out of the edge of the plate) would be an additional cost.
OPTIONS FOR SHIPPING YOUR REPAIRED GUITAR BACK TO YOU: Since I don’t want to lose 16% on the money you send for shipping (IRS tax & PayPal fees). I'd like to give you 2 options. Either pay 15% over the quoted shipping cost, or buy the prepaid return label before shipping (recommended). I suggest using FEDEX, UPS and USPS are optional.
Simple Repairs:
Custom hardwood bridge doctor is $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal), installed. This includes your choice of a black or pearl dot covering the screw hole. A bridge doctor does very little for high action. For 40-50 year old guitars, a bad neck angle is typically the problem, only fixed by a neck reset. I do recommend installing them in 12 string guitars to keep the bridge level, increasing the already low break angle of the rear strings.
Split bridge repair (thru the pin holes, but split is less than ½” away from the outer pin holes) is $25 (cash) & $30 (PayPal). If it is split too far the bridge would need to be replaced. If it is completely split thru the pin holes it is possible to remove the bridge, glue the 2 halves together, and reglue it to the top for $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal), but there is no guarantee it will not split again. A split thru the saddle slot is not repairable, the bridge must be replaced. Again, it is possible to remove, glue the 2 halves together, and glue it back to the top for $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal) (Yamaha bridges never come off cleanly), but there is no guarantee it will not split again.
Bridge plate patch (inside the guitar, under the bridge) is $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal). This includes a 1/16” thick maple patch made to fit over the existing bridge plate. Epoxy will be dropped into the bridge pin holes (to fill the defects in the existing bridge plate) and the holes will be redrilled and reamed to fit your bridge pins.
Sand the top of the bridge (and bottom of the saddle) to lower the action is $25 (cash) & $30 (PayPal). This not recommended, unless you just want the guitar playable.
Pick Guard Restick (using a thin adhesive sheet, not glue) is $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal). This includes scraping off the old glue & applying 3 layers of shellac to the bare wood top (if required).
Custom bone saddle installed for $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal). Available to ship for $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. (See PARTS section below for more detail.) Slotting the saddle (to widen the narrow Yamaha bridge string spacing) is available for an additional $10. Specify the E to E string spacing required, 2.06”, 2.09” & 2.13” available. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 6 string nut installed for $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal). Available to ship for $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. (See PARTS section below for more detail) Specify the E to E string spacing required. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 12 string nut installed for $50 (cash) & $60 (PayPal). Available to ship for $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. (See PARTS section below for more detail) Specify the E to E and octave string spacing required. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Parts:
Custom bone saddle $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. Specify the guitar model, the width (average or oversize), and the overall height of the saddle required (if known). I offer them in 2 thicknesses – Average Width (.114”/.116”), and Slightly Oversize (.118”/.120”) for you to sand to fit your slot. 7/16” is the standard height, but I can sand the height to any dimension for no additional cost. Slotting the saddle (to widen the narrow Yamaha bridge string spacing) is available for an additional $10. Specify the E to E string spacing required, 2.06”, 2.09” & 2.13” available. A perfect fit in your bridge is not guaranteed, I make them to fit similar vintage FG bridges that I have, or I can make it to any thickness you specify. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 6 string nut $30 (cash) & $35 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. Specify the guitar model and the E to E string spacing required. 1.38” to 1.50” available in .02” increments. ***See the note at the end of the Parts section for more info on options for string spacing.
Custom bone 12 string nut $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. Specify the guitar model.
Custom Saddle insert for 1968 to 1974 FG-300, and 1977 to 1980 FG-350W $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 for shipping to the US only, others by quote. Carbon fiber reinforced black nylon body with a one piece bone insert. Available as adjustable (using the existing adjustment screws), or fixed (sitting on the guitar top).
Truss rod nut $40 (cash) & $45 (PayPal) plus $7 including shipping to the US only, others by quote. 1966 to 1976, models with the truss rod cover on the headstock only. You must specify the model to be sure you get the right one, they changed them with the new models in 1977. I only have a few of these left, there will be no more due to the cost of having them made.
Truss rod wrench (1966 to 1977, Green thru Black labels) I no longer stock these due to the huge increase in cost. You're better off buying the 8mm wrench from All Parts. White label (1977 to 1981) and up have an internal hex and use a 5mm Allen wrench.
Back bowing block $25 (cash) & $30 (PayPal) plus $10 for shipping to the US only, other by quote. yamahavintagefg.boards.net/thread/14/properly-adjust-truss-rod
***There are 2 options for the string spacing for nuts and saddle. INCREMENTAL and CONSTANT STRING GAP. Constant String Gap puts the larger strings farther apart (equal space between the edges of the strings). See this link for more info. yamahavintagefg.boards.net/thread/244/string-spacing-calculator
Only 1 shipping charge up to 3 items, except the Back Bowing Block.
Email YamahaVintageFG@gmail.com with any questions.
