Official Luthiers Forum!

I have just acquired a modified 66 D-28. The fretboard has been cut at the 14th fret and while the guitar is having a neck reset I'm wondering if I should have the board replaced?

This guitar has had the braces scalloped, an oversized bridge plate glued in, the neck block appears to have been broken then glued together, there is a small piece of binding missing near the neck heel, and a shaved rosewood bridge. The zipper center strip also seems to have a crack running down through it from the neck block to the tail block. Has anyone seen that happen before? I think this guitar was either hit or dropped pretty hard which is why the neck block and center strip have cracked. I think the fretboard was cut at the 14th fret when the neck block was being glued back together.

Despite its issues this D-28 sounds amazing which is why I have it. This is no collectors piece, its a great sounding players guitar so I'm not worried about modifying it further. Other than the fretboard being cut trough at the 14th fret it is in good shape. I'm just wondering if a new fingerboard is a welcome addition or more trouble than its worth.

I would trust the luthier you took it to. You may most likely get many conflicting answer to your questions. It was not uncommon to saw off the fretboard extension to steam out necks in the old days. We don't do that anymore and since you didn't seem to have any issues with it prior it may be fine.
No one here will have it on their hands for an inspection so all you will get are guesses . As a luthier , if the guitar was sound and the current condition is not showing signs of distress or trouble I wouldn't change it . But again I am not looking at it.

_________________
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

That alone is IMO insufficient reason for replacing a board.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

John and Howard thanks for your quick replies! I think I'll stick with the original board.