I done screwed up (see photos). Was replacing sound screens with new sound rings, and didn't realize the old screens were glued in. When pulling up with dental floss, the screen came off and took a piece of laminate with it.
Tried to fit it in like a jigsaw puzzle piece, but it's showing the boundaries of the chipped piece in a lighter color than the butterscotch "wood" color that surrounds it.
For now, I have the tension of the new tone ring holding it in. Haven't glued the chipped piece back in, as I wanted to check to see if I have any better options.
Think wood filler our touch-up stain would make this better or worse?
Thanks for any ideas.
Edited by - JC Dobro on 03/16/2025 12:05:16
If you have a very small C clamp, you might be able to press it into place with the clamp while the glue dries. I would fill in any surface defects with either clear lacquer or super glue. Build it just over level, sand lightly with up to 1000 grit if you have the resources, and polish. You're not likely to match color with any stain but, in my opinion, if you can make the surface level and shiny it would go a long way towards hiding the damage. Of course, you could spring for a professional repair but I wouldn't think the value of the Wechter (if that's what you have) warrants that.
Thanks! Yes, it’s a W/S and it’s my travel/campfire axe, so don’t want to get spendy on repairs. Will definitely consider your tips. Agree that getting it level and a bit shinier would help a ton. Appreciated.
How did screens end up in the Ickes model in the first place? His W/S signature model was rings only…
Edited by - Lounge Primate on 03/16/2025 22:14:45
quote:
Originally posted by Lounge PrimateHow did screens end up in the Ickes model in the first place? His W/S signature model was rings only…
I bought the shell (husk) from an auction site and had a luthier install all the components. So it's basically a custom built W/S Ickes. The screens are what I sent him, along with everything else, from my personal inventory.
Edited by - JC Dobro on 03/17/2025 04:06:28
Just a little war-wound - gives it character and vibe.
I've read about several similar injuries over the years. Maybe we should come up with rings with extended flanges or just a 'goof plate' to install between the stock ring and reso face.
As Jamie wrote above, in the process of screen removal he discovered that the rings were glued in. Not something you'd normally think of when you buy a used guitar, "husk" or otherwise and you're doing a little work on it. .
It's one of those dumb things we've come across occasionally in the reso world over the years, which also includes gluing - or even nailing down - the resonator cone.
When I saw badger reply I thought "Philip will have the solution from his life as a professional cabinet maker" - but I wasn't expecting it to be a "goof plate." 
Well, this one was my fault. Either the holes were slightly too big, or the screens were slightly too small (for some reason). You can see a tiny shim in the photo, and I’m 99% sure he told me there was a dab of glue being used to secure it. Either way, I obviously forgot.
All that said, any other thoughts on the chip repair? Appreciate prior comments…
Edited by - JC Dobro on 03/17/2025 13:55:38
What docslyd said.
Thanks guys!
Edited by - JC Dobro on 03/18/2025 07:39:34
If after attempting repair you don’t like it, you could cover it creatively in several ways.
One would be a simple round escutcheon “goof plate” like badger mentioned. Thin flat ring that had an inner diameter of the sound hole and an outer diameter to just cover the goof. Perhaps made out of the stuff they make pick guards with. Obviously do both holes to match.
Or perhaps some tear drops under both rings covering the damage, as if the rings were eyes.
I’d be inclined to leave it as is on that guitar. Consider it road rash and be proud!
quote:
Originally posted by BrianMacIf after attempting repair you don’t like it, you could cover it creatively in several ways.
One would be a simple round escutcheon “goof plate” like badger mentioned. Thin flat ring that had an inner diameter of the sound hole and an outer diameter to just cover the goof. Perhaps made out of the stuff they make pick guards with. Obviously do both holes to match.
Or perhaps some tear drops under both rings covering the damage, as if the rings were eyes.
I’d be inclined to leave it as is on that guitar. Consider it road rash and be proud!
Thanks Brian! Clever suggestions...appreciated.
