DJP - First attempt TLA-1R

[DJP]

Aaargh. Help.
Ok. So after a dream first build - it has gone pear shaped literally on the last 2 screws !
When attempting to fix the first string guide - the screw snapped. It looked for a while like I was having success gripping the end of it with a pair of pliers and back rotating it out, BUT then ..... it snapped again, and it is now impossible to get a grip on it. I was so pleased with the headstock - now I am devastated.
Any ideas ? One thought I had was to try and source some small washers a little wider than the post which I could use as a base to sit the post on. Then I could perhaps screw in the post immediately next to the broken screw, and perhaps hide the stump of the broken screw under the washer. Otherwise it will just look like I have an old nail sticking out the headstock !

[WeirdBits]

If you don't think you can (or want risk trying to) remove the broken screw, you may be able to use a roller string tree to hide it. If you can get the broken screw end flush with the headstock face then a little careful positioning may allow the block body of the roller tree to hide it for you while still having enough room for the new screw position.

[DJP]

Thanks. That is certainly kind of what I was thinking - and I think will be my first avenue of attack. The wall of the tree seems close to the thickness of the broken screw, so I might be able to get it to cover it. Unfortunately the broken screw is standing slightly proud of the surface. Alternately, as I was thinking, maybe seating a small chromed washer underneath the base of the tree could work, and not look too odd. I've also noticed that the small black rubber washer in the straplock that came with the kit could also fit under the block body of the roller tree - and that could be another solution - but perhaps not as good (I bought some Ernie Ball straplocks - so these are spare). In many respects it will be hard to spot the screw head - especially when the tree is in place ... but I know it is there !

[wokkaboy]

Hey DJP sure you will find a way to cover the broken screw and no one will ever know - other than you and the forum haha

[DJP]

The washer solution at the base of the tree post seems the best option. The big green shed had several styles. I bought them all ! One in particular looks really useful - I reckon even I could forget it is hiding a broken screw. However - the big green shed only have big ugly screws, and finding a dainty one of the correct size to match the screw post looks like the next big challenge !

[DJP]

SUCCESS .... managed to hide broken screw. Thanks for the comments. I went with my idea of a washer ... it worked better than I hoped. It also kind of works because there are also washers at the base of the tuners. I also finished with a very very light acrylic spray around the area at the base of the post as the finish had lifted very slightly around the broken screw - plus the washers from the big green shed may need a little extra rust-proofing !

[Andy40]

Fantastic job DJP! Can't notice it at all and what a good work around the problem. When can we see the final pics?

[DJP]

FINISHED



Very happy. Great feeling to play something you have made yourself.
Thanks for the helpful comments and encouragement.

[FrankenWashie]

Nice Bro! Great cover up on the broken string tree mounting screw, it's little whoopsies like that can really send you off the deep end at the 11th hour. The grain figuring on the rear is sweet. Awesome Job, how does it sound?

[tonyw]

Great work well done, looks a treat, hows it sound?