Looking for a little insight into two repairs I'd like to make to my 32 year old D35.
First repair is the "Martin Crack" at the pickguard. My thought is to glue a piece of Spruce under the crack to stabilize it and then graft in a slender piece of spruce to the top, or possibly fill it. Not sure which. The crack does not go all the way through the top, and is ~2 1/2" long.
The second repair is to the bridge. It's started to lift away from the top. What is the best way to lift it off without damaging the wood fibers in the top underneath. I've checked the X braces and they seem to be fine, aadhered to the underside of the top with no evidence of seperation. I used a flexible Bor-o-scope to look inside.
I've contacted Martin and they indicated that they would probably replace the top, which I don't want to do. They were also a little non commital as to how much would be covered under warranty.
I bought this guitar new in 1979 from Hanich's Music store in Azusa Ca. I've taken it on submarine deployments, played in bars in a half dozen countries with serviceman from other foriegn countries, and two uhmm...... Brothels. Did a jazz recording with it in Hawaii, played it in weddings and given a few impromptu lessons through the years. It's got a lot of memories associated with it, which is why I don't want the top replaced. It's pretty special to me
I'd like to repair it myself, or get a really solid recommendation for a Luthier in the eastern CT area that can do the repairs. I won't just give to anybody, and I'd be extremely reticent to ship it away for repairs.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Mike