Mike's Oud Forums

Crack in the fingerboard

rojaros - 10-12-2008 at 11:57 AM

Hello Oudists, sorry to keep you busy,

today when changing strings I discovered that there is a crack in the fingerboard (black wood looking like ebony) in the part on the sound board (approximately under one of the B-strings, so not to close to the rim of the fingerboard). The crack is almost as long as this part of he fingerboard...

Strange feeling not having been informed about that.
Anyway, is it something to worry about? The oud sounds good nevertheless...???

suz_i_dil - 10-12-2008 at 12:19 PM

A little contribution, from a non luthier member.
I was talking with a guitarist who explained me sometimes ebony wood can have small holes in it coming from termit. It seems luthiers may use a black material to fill it and then sand it.They do that on intermediate quality guitars.
I don't know what is this material exactly but you may use it to fill the crack in case of buzzing.

Then I don't know if the crack may get bigger with time.

But I am quite surprise there is no problem with the sound. Doesn't it create buzzing, particulary when you play in high notes?

Regards

rojaros - 10-12-2008 at 01:23 PM

Thanks for quick response.

No, I couldn't notice any buzz yet

Quote:
Originally posted by suz_i_dil
Doesn't it create buzzing, particulary when you play in high notes?

Regards

rojaros - 10-13-2008 at 09:13 AM

Here is a picture of the fingerboard

suz_i_dil - 10-13-2008 at 12:45 PM

Hello Rojaros

With the picture you have send it is easier to understand, thanks.
It seems the crack has already been repaired, filled by something, isn't it?
But indeed problematic to find this on your oud. Is this your new turkish oud?

In my opinion, I don't think this will create problem with time. Just a feeling, I can't tell you clear arguments.
But indeed no impact on the sound (the soundboard and brassing is probably safe, but check it with a mirror to see the inner side of the oud, or by enlightening the inside in a dark room).
Then I don't think ebony will change too much with time moreover it is glued on the soundboard. But I am not sure for this last point, and wondering if the crack was already there when making the fingerboard or if it came of a change of the wood with time on the instrument.


Regards

Dr. Oud - 10-13-2008 at 10:07 PM

A hairline crack is not a problem and is common with any wood. If it opens up you can fill it with glass filled epoxy, also known as JB weld, which is black and very hard when cured. Other woods can be filled with hide glue mixed with sawdust made by sanding the wood next to the crack when the glue is applied.

suz_i_dil - 10-14-2008 at 04:58 AM

Thank you for those advices, Dr Oud.

rojaros - 10-14-2008 at 06:30 AM

Great to get this precious advice. Makes me calm.

Many Thanks

Robert
Quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Oud
A hairline crack is not a problem and is common with any wood. If it opens up you can fill it with glass filled epoxy, also known as JB weld, which is black and very hard when cured. Other woods can be filled with hide glue mixed with sawdust made by sanding the wood next to the crack when the glue is applied.