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All,

I have a Takamine F-389 similar to the one in the picture. It's all mahogany (back/sides/top). The top is *very* thin, which among other things has contributed to some issues that I am thinking about addressing via a re-top.

I've never attempted such a feat but and keenly interested in giving it a shot. Not much to lose as the guitar isn't valuable or playable. It seems like a good candidate for some experience at difficult repairs.

I'm curious if anyone knows (with some certainty) what kind of neck joint this guitar would have? It would be nice to know before I dig in and start steaming.



Thanks in advance. =)

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Jim Hansen

I can guarantee you that it isn't a hide-glued dovetail. Could be a 5 dowel butt, or, god help you, an epoxied dovetail. In any case, look up the impossible neck reset, on Frets.com. It's not as awful as it first appears.

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https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13

Thanks Jeffery,

After digging around in the deepest darkest corners of the Internet, I've found enough accounts of neck work on similar guitars and have come to the conclusion that taking the neck off of this guitar is not in the cards.

I'm only slighly bummed. I was really looking forward to teaching myself to re-top it. I guess I'll have to find another victim.

This Takamine's major problem is that the bridge is rolled forward creating a serious belly bulge (much like it's owner). There are no loose braces, and the bridge plate is intact. I think I'll just try a Bridge Doctor and see if that will settle it down some (or at least extend it's life).

Now I'm off to the used guitar stores to find a re-top candidate (i've got myself determined to try one now).

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Jim Hansen

You could still re-top the guitar.. you'd just have to remove ( and perhaps replace) the fingerboard.

Hmm... Thanks Jack. That is definitely something to ponder.

My reservation would be that the current fretboard and frets are in excellent condition. Also, I suspect that the same adhesive that was used on the neck joint was probably used on the fretboard (likely epoxy). I realize this isn't a deal breaker, but it sure would take all of the fun out of it.

I think I'll see how the bridge doctor works, and go from there.

_________________
Jim Hansen