Official Luthiers Forum!

So I have this very very very active two year old who always runs into things. Two days ago he ran into the table corner(not sharp I thought) and it pierced his cheek 1/4" all the way through(ouch!).

Well today he tried to climb onto a chair next to where I was seating. His attempt to clmib on to the chair failed and back into me and my guitar's headstock. Well my wife inspected the boys head while I inspected my guitar. No, not to see if my guitar was damaged but to see where on the headstock he hit and if any pieces were missing. Sure enough high E string left over/hang over on tunner was not there. All other 5 strings had 1/4" sticking out and up but the thinnest string didn't have any haging out! Now I don't recall if it was always short(in the tunner hole) or if it went missing...perhaps on back of his head.

I inspected his head and there is small bump and in the center of the bump was a tiny hole...like safety wire hole I get on my fingers.

Now as a parent who is perhaps over reacting or maybe not, I wanted to ask you guys if this is worth taking him to emergency room or is it no big deal? The boy is perfectly fine in terms of his attitude. He seems to have very high tolerence for pain and I never realized when he hurts himself since he never cries.

Thanks, David

When in doubt have it checked out. Kid's ahhh. Mine got a splinter in his eye ,that was a memorable 4th of july.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

How long was the piece that broke off? Chances are it went under the skin and along the skull. BUT babies skulls are very soft and still forming. Unless you can feel it laying on top of the skull, I'd make a trip to the ER. Better safe than sorry.

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Aoibeann

If you can't find the wire, take him to hospital. Honestly, you will feel better for it, and don't be ashamed, accidents do actually happen!!! Us parents have all been through this, and have had the same doubts...sometimes a telephone consultation can be a decider.

Even though he might not feel any pain (WHAT?! It HURTS!!! ), if there is a guitar wire in his head, it's quite likely to become infected. Have you checked inside the tuner holes for any loose wire that could have snapped and lodged in?

I'm interested in the fact your son doesn't feel much pain. Is he a preemie?

All the best, and please tell us how you get on!

Gosh, this brings back memories of those days when they first learn to walk....

Take him in.... better safe than sorry.

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

I agree that better safe than sorry, have it checked.

Having said that tho', if it takes wire cutters to cut a string, how could a head cut one? Just wondering...and maybe the string end got pushed back through the hole in the tuning peg a bet, making it appear shorter than it was. Could happen if it wasn't wrapped/overlaid correctly when strung up.

dave

If you have to ask then you're not sure so take him in. Never gamble with this kind of stuff. And get that rascal a football helmet.
Let us know what happens.

Doctor...but boys will be boys. Better get some extra insurance on that kid!

As a Father of 5, been through it all ... take him in - you will feel better, and it is much better to spend a few hrs in the ER than worry.

Glenn

Thanks guys!

Probably the only place worst to visit than INS or DMV is ER in my opinion. We had to wait 3 hours to meet with the Doctor for 10 min. Last time we had to visit it was 8 hours to meet for 20 minutes...

Anyhow, my son's head is free of guitar string. yay!

Again, thanks for all the inputs.

What they all said.. plus... There is a rare condition where some children really DON't feel pain. Don't ignore intuition even if it's far fetched. Check it out.

Best of luck.

You could wave a rare earth magnet around his head. If it sticks somewhere, well, there you go.

I second the helmet. And get used to the ER... looks like you are in for a rough ride with that youngster! I have one that got to know the docs too well.

Mike