How to repair a broken guitar neck (headstock)

Step 2: Tools and supplies

To make the guitar totally playable again, you only need to glue the headstock back on.  For that you will need:

1. Clamps - I like the clamp type shown.  I think screw clamps encourage people to really crank it down and damage the finish.  You don't need it THAT tight.  Several clamps of different sizes works well - I bought an entire set of these cheap clamps at a $5 table at Harbor Freight or Ace or where ever. 
2. Glue - No magic glue.  White glue is stronger than the wood.  I use the "wood" white glue because it seems to not run all over like the regular white type.  Plus the curing time works for my purposes.
3. Water - for cleanup
4. Paper towels - Lot's O Lot's.
5. Little artist paint brush - you could use a large brush if you wanted.  Size doesn't matter much here.
6. Something to hold the neck up - I have a little tripod thing that I won at a recent demonstration thing.  A full roll of paper towels works very well also.

Comments

[funkmasta1805]

Do NOT use wood glue. If you use wood glue and accidentally mess it up, you're screwed. Use hide glue. It has a stronger hold, and it can still be removed when you want it removed. Hide glue has been used for instrument making for just about as long as it has been around.

[rghoff]

The hide glue is probably more appropriate for things like violins, etc. On those you want the glue to give before the top of your 200 year old instrument cracks. For a contemporary guitar neck, you're probably better off with the wood glue. Plus for the average Joe, most people have more experience with the white glue-types than hide glue.

When I've gone and repaired hand-me-down furniture (that's very old), it's the hide glue that failed first. If the item isn't worth anything and you just want it to hold up forever, then I fix it with wood glue.