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Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=21907		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Matthew Jenkins [ Sun Apr 12, 2009 4:58 am ]
Post subject:  Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
Hi guys

I have a pich pocket on the top of my latest build.

I wasn't that bothered at first, however, yesterday I steamed out a tiny dent in the top near the pitch streak and I noticed that there was sap in the pocket.

Would somebody please tell me the best way to deal with this before I start the finish sanding.

Many thanks

Mat
Author:  Mike Collins [ Sun Apr 12, 2009 6:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
Mat;
will the bridge cover it?

Even if it does not you have to live with it.
I just had 3 show up in a spruce top when sanding.

It's a beauty mark we all have to live with.
they do NOT hurt the sound of the guitar.

Mike [:Y:]
Author:  Matthew Jenkins [ Sun Apr 12, 2009 6:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
Thanks Mike

No the bridge won't cover it but I like the fact my guitar now has a 'beauty spot' - cool :D
Author:  Laurent Brondel [ Sun Apr 12, 2009 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
The way to avoid this happening again is to look at the plates (before joining) through a strong light (like a 100w hallogen) in the dark. All the pitch pockets hidden under the surface will show, it is just a matter of circling them with a pencil and orientate the pattern to avoid them.
Happens all the time, though.
Since you will be using Rockhard, which is a pretty dark and opaque varnish these days, it will not stick out like this "in the white".
Author:  Alexandru Marian [ Sun Apr 12, 2009 2:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
The bad news is that there seems to be a whole lot more sap in there and sanding further will reveal it at 12:00. So somehow try to avoid the spot completely when preparing for finish.
Author:  Bruce Dickey [ Sun Apr 12, 2009 4:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
Sunburst it or Black finish like Hesh's Taz Guitar?

Candeling, first time I saw that done was in a chicken house where they were looking for fertilized embryos.

Good luck with the fix, bd.
Author:  MRS [ Sun Apr 12, 2009 6:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
You could try a hot air gun at a safe enough temp to try and bring it all to the top or set it. This would help harden it where it's not oozing anymore. Then after that seal it with dewaxed shellac sanding sealer. Some bake their top for an hour or so at about 200 degrees to set the sap prior to building. To late for that though.
Author:  npalen [ Tue Apr 14, 2009 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
Guys, would a drop of CA seal it?
Author:  muthrs [ Tue Apr 14, 2009 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
I agree with Mike. It's a beauty mark. I think we get too hung up on these things. Nothing in this world is perfect, nor should it be. Wood is natural and these imperfections create variety and character. I believe a great musician once said that he is defined by his limitations. If he was perfect, he might as well have a computer do it.
Author:  npalen [ Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
I wish everyone thought that way, Randy!
Words to live by.
Author:  muthrs [ Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pitch pocket on Engelmann top - help please
Of course, I will always ask the customer if it is acceptable to him/her before proceeding. Usually it is. But I don't feel a small pitch pocket will damage my reputation. Same with small pin knots.
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