Making the Visible Invisible - Repairing a Japanese Fender Headstock

Japanese Fender Stratocaster with an shattered headstock/neck break gets repaired with tips on how to make the visible repair invisible.
Common Questions Asked in the comments
Why didn't you just replace the neck?
Leo Fender originally designed the Telecaster & Stratocaster to have easily replaceable parts. If the neck is damaged, replace it with a new neck. What he could never have envisioned was the modern vintage market & the "Originality" factor associated with an instruments worth. the more original the instrument, the more its worth in years to come. There was also a sentimental factor involved.
Did you consider a Kintsugi type repair?
No, but it would be cool.
How did this happen!?
This guitar fell forward onto its headstock & the high E tuner seems to have taken the main impact (You can see by the washer being completely pushed in). The crack follows the base of the tuner washers up to around the 4th fret.
Why not use carpenters glue instead of epoxy?
I wanted/needed the 20 min open time of the slow cure epoxy. Clamping it all at once was a tricky thing, as the neck area wanted to pop out when I clamped the headstock area but I made it work with a custom caul that applied pressure right where I needed it to push the troublesome part of the neck in.
Why not use tubing to clamp the round neck surface?
I've used tubing before on clean neck breaks, but this neck needed very localized clamping pressure in a specific spot with the help of a custom caul (also see answer above).
What year was this guitar made?
Guitar Serial number is O 015281. In 1997, Fender transitioned to a serial number decal that included the words “Crafted in Japan” above the serial number. Making this guitar being made between 1997-2000. support.fender.com/en-us/know...
Did you refinish the neck?
Yes, no, Sort of. I never removed any original finish, just sprayed over it (is that technically refinishing?). I first sprayed the repaired headstock/neck areas with a few coats until I could level it nicely, then I put two finishing coats over the entire neck to blend it all. (after sanding the entire neck to P800). I didn't use this (see link) product at the time as I didn't know about it yet, but it would be a good choice and what I would use now (or my $600 DeVilbiss spray gun)- amzn.to/3Tfst5w
If you are interested in learning this kinda high end repair and restoration lutherie work- I recommend The Looth Group at loothgroup.com/
Products Used/Mentioned (in rough order of use)
West Systems Epoxy (with slow hardener)- amzn.to/48MlJSv
Glu Boost Fill n Finish- stewmac.sjv.io/rQrKzd
Glu Boost Accelerator (you need it)- stewmac.sjv.io/PyEQrM
Fingerboard Leveler (0864)- stewmac.sjv.io/yR56bB
Mohawk Blendal colors (individual)- amzn.to/43i2Rty
Mohawk Blendal colors (12 colors kit)- amzn.to/4a6BPaq
Mohawk Fil-Stik (12 pack- very handy for instrument repair)- amzn.to/3PaaX1y
Mohawk Blendal Full color range- www.mohawk-finishing.com/prod...
Mixol Pigments- amzn.to/3T2jHaQ
Mixol Pigments (Stewmac)- stewmac.sjv.io/XYqeRo
Mixol Pigments Large Bottle (Stewmac)- stewmac.sjv.io/QyLL9a
Shellac- stewmac.sjv.io/jr007M
Detailing paint brushes- amzn.to/48T5hzH
Paint tray- amzn.to/4a0HnDs
Nitro Aerosol Can (Gloss and Satin)- stewmac.sjv.io/AWeeNK
Ultra-Flo Clear Lacquer, Clear Gloss Finish, ‎M102-0450- amzn.to/3TwYiZ9
*If you enjoyed this video please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and COMMENT which helps me make more content.
If this video helped you, consider saying thanks with a super thanks (just like giving a tip)*
I created an extensive categorized list of lutherie Products I use and recommend for various aspects of the trade- check them out here- www.amazon.com/shop/beauhanna...
Stew Mac: stewmac.sjv.io/GjAMbk
Helpful Lists of products I use & recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/beauhanna...
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 The Damage
1:42 The Glue up
2:27 The Clean up
6:42 The Color
9:01 The Explanation
13:21 The Result
Songs used
Flora and Fauna- by Aerian (www.epidemicsound.com/track/u...)
Alko- by Calm Shores (www.epidemicsound.com/track/M...)
Sending (Lo Fi Version) - by Hanna Lindgren (www.epidemicsound.com/track/s...)
Play & Create- By Mike Parr/ Frida Winsth- (www.epidemicsound.com/track/7...)
I never promote products I don't personally use & recommend.
This video is not sponsored and may contain product affiliate links which means if you buy something Beau will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#fender #beauhannam #stratocaster
WEBSITE: beauhannamguitars.com
FACEBOOK / beauhannamguitarsanduk...
INSTAGRAM: / beauhannamguitars

[@joncampbell3641]

Just a fantastic repair - I never would have believed it! You are a craftsman sir !

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks heaps :)

[@Sammywhat]

This may actually be the first Fender headstock break I've ever seen in the wild! Great work as always, sir!!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much- This is the first Fender electric headstock ive seen (and ive not seen another since)

[@trevorus]

I had one like this. A Fender Stratocaster Deluxe in the emerald green fell off the display wall into an amp, then pitched over into the floor. It was fully broken through. Very sad!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

@@trevorus it’s always painful hearing about such things!

[@Sammywhat]

@@trevorus OH! 😭

[@evilutionltd]

Fenders are the Nokia of the guitar world so I can only assume this fell out of a plane.

[@christopherrehrig8130]

It's one thing to repair the crack and make it stable... The way you made it disappear was incredible.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you 😊

[@theeardrafter]

as a retired woodworker and Strat player (Weekend warrior), I'm saying hats Off sir! The color matching especially....Not as many maple repairs as the Mahogany. I've seen MANY LP headstock repairs. and hardly no Strat headstocks... Hey this was VERY well done. Thanks for sharing this.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much/ and you’re right in that compared to rosewood or mahogany, maple repairs are super difficult to hide!

[@reymondgopog426]

If not told, no one will know there was a big crack at the headstock. Great job!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Shhhhh 🤫 ! I haven’t told anyone! Hahah thanks so much

[@alandust2188]

Thanks for taking us along on the repair AND especially the updated product list!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

My pleasure :)

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Magical repair and concealment job! I'm sure the owner was well pleased.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks, and he was- I had footage of him seeing it for the first time but decided to not include it.

[@daddymidwest4111]

@@BeauHannamGuitars Yeah… I’m sure it was an, “Ugly Cry.” 😉

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

hahahah

[@gp205]

Well done. Many guitar repair people wouldn't take the time to conceal the damage like you have with the pigments and whatnot. That's really what separates this repair from the rest!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- it’s an extra thing to do, and not necessary… but I wanted to see if I could do it on maple! 🍁

[@keithhampton9700]

Most would reneck. Looks great!🤘🤠🤘

[@davidkatona7485]

Beautiful workmanship and craft. I learned so much from watching your repairs. Thanks for sharing your experience and talents. You are truly gifted.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you. It’s my pleasure

[@rjlchristie]

A job well done. I've always held that instruments can also wear their battle scars and history with pride.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- yes. Seeing a crack is not a bad thing.

[@Sparrowhawk1962]

That repair is incredible. My hat is off to you sir 👏👏👏

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you so much

[@saymama5614]

Very good and clear video on neck repair. It's nice that you also told us about the glues, colors, etc. used in the repair.👍👍

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks :)

[@MikeStecher]

Great craftmanship. Almost invisible, indeed!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@jeffphipps6104]

That was one fantastic repair and concealment work of art Beau! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your process with explanations! Great job on the video work as well!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much Jeff :)

[@markrussell2932]

Thanks Beau, always learning and I love the humility you display sharing your knowledge.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you, and it’s my pleasure :)

[@rubbadubdub6543]

Fantastic job - very professional. I love 70’s style strats.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@sgblues4238]

This is why Leo made necks replaceable. Not everyone is a repair genius.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- yep Leo designed his guitars to just swap out broken parts but he couldn’t have foreseen the vintage market and the loss of value to a guitar when it isn’t original.

[@daddymidwest4111]

You CRUSHED it, man! Well done!!!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@bldallas]

Really great job. I’m always amazed at skilled craftsmen like yourself who can take a shattered area on a guitar, repair it structurally then - and this is the hard part - make your repairs virtually disappear. Truly amazing work. Thanks for sharing.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much. Looking back at to footage 2 years later, i'm surprised myself! hahhah

[@AndyTateMEMPHIS]

Hi,I just watched and was amazed..the music,mastery,knowledge and vibe were wonderful ! I've played guitar for 62 years now and you spoke the truth about always more to learn ! Having 33 stringed instruments,your words were perfect.. peace my Brother..

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you Andy. Can anyone have enough guitars?!?!?🎸 hahahhah

[@KBorham]

Bravo on your repair, color matching, production quality and, and, as you are well know for, the music selection!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you :) - I try!

[@KenIn_NH]

Very nice work! Really appreciate the feedback for improvements over the time lapse. So important to keep learning! Thank you!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much :)

[@user-ho7jr3kk9c]

Magical repair Fantastic job,very well done

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you :)

[@jean-pierremarinalonzo3204]

Marvellosso, very tricky job!
Love the way you play 🤩

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@eringabbybennett]

Amazing work! Very impressive!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much :)

[@TIPLER13]

Beautiful work

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you :)

[@proguitarsetups137]

Wonderful work!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you

[@peterjames2580]

Wonderful job! The post comments were very helpful. Thanks again for the class.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

My pleasure

[@brianbeavers4659]

Outstanding, LOOKS WONDERFUL 👍

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you! :)

[@Fnortner01]

Well that turned out really well. Very nice job.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@ScottPC]

Holy moly thats the best hidden repair ive ever seen.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@stewsim]

Wowza…stellar job patching that back together…!!!
I’ve been in “the business” 36 years now, and it’s hard for me to see the scars…love how you kinda made the cracks look like grain…!!!
Great work Sir…!!!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much- it took me 3 tries but i got there :)

[@Rygo-wk3jm]

That’s really impressive work!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@davidcharles-williams8575]

Outstanding job dude!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much :)

[@gabedestellano]

Incredible work, my friend... Stunning.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks heaps :)

[@gavendelrio9193]

Wow excellent repair!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much

[@ChuckEzell]

Impressive - really nice job Beau

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks Chuck

[@prestonjoy8092]

Very Impressive work, thank you for the video, it was well worth a watch or two!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much

[@ChrisFranklyn]

What a fantastic job! I liked the "What I would do differently" section too. Cheers.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊- I’m glad I put that “Future beau” section in

[@steveg.3022]

Very cool! Nice job. Really nice. Appreciate your attention to detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you and my pleasure

[@Jthecake]

amazing repair

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@paxukulele]

Wow, great job repairing and hiding the crack!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@markv.5962]

Amazing work!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much

[@alphasportstv]

Wow that's amazing work...congrats

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@jrumiano]

Nice work, well done! 👍

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks :)

[@viggogrendahl1]

Congrats for your awesome work and beautiful soundtrack.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much :)

[@scottyhughes9179]

excellent touchup work....

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you :)

[@etherjazz]

Beautiful job!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you

[@maw4neu]

Great work . . . awesome job

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you :)

[@ZitherBeast]

That is both scary and amazingly good work on that repair. Just WOW! That was really fun to watch. Awesome job BH Guitars. Damn!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much :)

[@martyf663]

Really nice job!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@davidkeeley8473]

Wow, That's a horrible neck break. I've seen a lot of breaks but this one takes the cake! You did an amazing job on hiding a maple neck repair. Great tutorial, great list of products and solutions. Keep on CRAPING my friend! Thanks for sharing.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahahhah- thanks David

[@mikesalmo]

Incredible work. The way the wood split like a log was brutal. Also kind of a cool reminder that it is wood with grain and living history. But so hard to get to join back up.
Thank you for sharing all the details and then what you’ve learned since then. It makes it even better to see someone who knows what they’re doing learn. I’m picking up restoration as a hobby as an adult, blending my loves of woodworking and music. I don’t know why I enjoy spending hours on tiny details, but it’s almost meditative to me. With some moments of extreme frustration, but that’s also good because it means I’m learning and challenging myself.
Kind of wish I watched this yesterday before I started doing touch up on a crack with acrylic 😂. But I wouldn’t have wanted to wait on the pigment. Next time, I’ll definitely try pigmented shellac. Even all things being equal, I like using shellac so much more than paint.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much- I too find this mediative, and when it goes wrong it’s the opposite of that! Hahah I used acrylic artist paint for this and it works well but does dry pretty fast. If it works it works! All the best in your new hobby. Check out the looth group (I think it’s $5 a month?) for a lot of restoration info in the Lutherie world.

[@stephenthegimp3256]

the dramatic intro !! I had to stand and salute !!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahhaha- that music!

[@ShortFuseFighting]

Nothing sadder in this world than a broken instrument. I didn't even know this kind of damage COULD be repaired

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

True. Seeing a busted guitar always makes me want to fix it. The paint touch up was an extra unnecessary step (just the glue up gets the guitar going again) but it looks nicer

[@lightbulb1952]

Great job! TBT, if that disaster had happened to me, I would have forked over the $$$ for a new Fender neck. Lots of them everywhere on the Net. There is a point of what would be the cost of a new neck versus the cost of repair. All that said, you did a beautiful job! Kudos to you!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@jpmillman1]

As a starting Luthier I love to learn from the pro's, it doesn't get more pro than this. Thank you! Instantly subbed

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much- we are all starting out at something at any time so just keep with it :)

[@keef69]

Well done !

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you :)

[@user-pk4kb8bx9g]

Mr Miracle.
Great save. 👍

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@garybrady9531]

With the hassles of making the video and editing it I'd like to thank you a great job

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you so much- Its always nice to hear from someone that realizes how much work goes into a video!

[@houndjr3983]

Looks great!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 🙏

[@biomortal]

Amazing job!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you!

[@franklinslamo]

Nice repair.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you :) 🙏

[@johannesdoe5158]

Great job 🙌

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@jipes]

A stunning result !

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊- I like the music kicking in for the big reveal!

[@squirelova1815]

The sad but hopeful music is perfect for this. I'm all for Rescuing Bullet truss rod nuts!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you!!!!!! I enjoyed adding the music for this video- it’s a little different in style

[@bldallas]

Great work! Very well done.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks heaps

[@MrJohnclem]

What an absolute master at work brilliant job. Many thanks 🙏 ❤️❤️

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@ep8029]

Excellent result. Well done.
Next time I do a Pete Townsend on my Strat, I'll know who to call.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahah thanks

[@billysmether6237]

Wow beautiful job!!! Thanks for video!!!!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you- my pleasure

[@IIImobiusIII]

Fabulous! The next time my heart gets broken, I will know there is hope.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahahhaha- thanks

[@lonegroover]

Brilliant. Bravo.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@jfmax2000]

Oh God !!! That Breaks My Heart Just to See That Damage 😢😢💔 And Absolutely Amazing Job Sir.. You are a Magician ☺☺😎👊💯

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@herbanar]

amazing job!!!!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@iminvisible0]

Absolutely masterful job, you took that to another level of attention.
It's funny, when I saw the thumbnail and title with the work Japanese in it, my first thought immediately went to kintsuge. Then I read your description before I watched the vid and had to laugh. If a repair allows for it, maybe you should do it. I'm apparently not the only person wanting to see a master craftsman do this 😀

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you. It honestly didn’t occur to me at the time (and the customer probably wouldn’t have been into it, although he was (probably still is) Japanese. May I’ll get to do it next time :)

[@fragslap5229]

Appreciate in particular the "products used" list.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks and my pleasure

[@joevaughan5719]

Excellent!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@mrman846]

Subscribed, That's incredible talent and work, WoW! Thank you Sir for sharing this 👍

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks so much for the sub and the kind words.

[@cmguitar50]

Excellent work! So true about learning - keeps one young :-)

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@andyt5559]

That ls 1 fantastic repair! WELL DONE!😮

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks heaps :)

[@Afurthyclays]

"We can rebuild him.... We have the technology!" ❤️

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahhaha

[@Afurthyclays]

@@BeauHannamGuitars Amazing job! I love seeing successful repairs like this.
If it's strong & the owner is satisfied, then mission accomplished!
(Runs away with Steve Austin sound effects)

[@davidkastin4240]

Incredible repair. The neck was heart wrenching to see with cracks and breaks. I love Strats. The neck are made very well, I've dropped a couple and no damage happened. Makes you wonder how it got broken. Mad girlfriend?

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks. Apparently it fell forward onto concrete

[@tinaseiffert1759]

great and difficult work to create this restauration.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks

[@rTwoJ]

🤯 Best repair I’ve seen

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks 😊

[@garybrady9531]

Your determination proved top notch the repair is almost invisible or is that my mind playing tricks great video thanks for mentioning the tints and where they are available

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you and my pleasure :)

[@leesbassment6393]

Excellent job!! Even knowing where the breaks were, they were almost impossible to see.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- I did a pretty good job on the face and back. Near the nut could have been better. From memory, from 3 feet away you couldn’t see anything.

[@rusgib3648]

Fantastic! You are a sorcerer.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahaha- thank you 🧙

[@MichaelThomasOflaherty]

that was an abused looking fender stratocaster but you managed to restore it amazing

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks :)

[@riniones]

impressive work!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Gerry2210]

Great repair, very similar to how Ted, don’t know his surname, would approach it, though I never saw him having to repair a damaged Strat neck. Great video.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- yer you don’t see many fender headstock break videos

[@PatrikFilmMaker]

The music of a film ending 😭😭😭😭❤

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

I was so glad I found that song :)

[@chinaski2020]

Terrific job and I’m sure the client was stoked with it.
I reckon if that was mine I’d want to show the scars.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks- the owner was very happy. It’s not a necessary thing to do but it makes it look nicer

[@nigelcarter6734]

Excellent repair. I’ve been doing guitar work many years and while I’ve fixed well over 100 broken headstocks, it’s a rare customer that will pay any extra to make it close to invisible. It’s always possible, but as Pros our time is money and most, including professional myscicians, just want it fixed and stable.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Very true

[@calvinevans6347]

Hey Hannam, the ending killed me!!! I died laughing!!! You reminded me of my younger brother in that, while playing the guitar, he has a look and the attitude of not giving a dayum about how someone feels about what or how he's playing!!! Good sh!t man!!! Continue to rock-on like my brother does!!!

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahahha- I’ll have to re watch it I recorded this so long ago I forget! Hahah

[@fomi4131]

Great work.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thansk heaps

[@theloothgroup]

Nice job Beau !

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks Group of Looths!- I should have mentioned ya’ll in this video as you told me about the blendal! I’ll add something in the description.

[@rodnyg7952]

that came out fine in the end. From what anyone can actually see here online, it appears to be good detail and finish work

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thanks.

[@in2itionalex]

Fantastic!!! 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Thabks

[@anthonystuart0708]

I master well done. I really enjoyed that.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

😊

[@NickGranville]

Top effort to who ever it was that managed to break a Strat headstock, esp 70's style one.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Hahahha- apparently it fell forward onto its face.