HEADSTOCK REPAIR SOUTHAMPTON - HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

At Ryan Pearce Guitars & Basses here in Southampton, I see plenty of guitars and basses come through the door with all sorts of problems. One of the most common – and most worrying – issues players face is a broken headstock. If you’ve just experienced that heart-sinking crack, don’t panic. It’s a repairable problem, and in most cases your instrument can be brought back to full strength and tone.

Why Headstocks Break

Certain designs – especially Gibson-style guitars with angled headstocks – are more vulnerable to breaks. A simple knock, a fall from a stand, or even an accidental bump while the guitar is in its case can be enough to cause damage. Because the headstock is under a lot of tension from the strings, even a small fracture can quickly get worse if left untreated.

Types of Breaks

Not all headstock breaks are equal. I usually see three main types in the workshop:

• Hairline cracks – often only visible under close inspection but can still affect tuning stability.

• Clean breaks – where the headstock has snapped but the pieces fit together well.

• Shattered or splintered breaks – more complex repairs, but still very much fixable with the right techniques.

  
  

The Repair Process

Every repair is slightly different, but the general approach involves carefully realigning the break, applying high-strength wood glue, and clamping the pieces together with precision. Once the joint is solid, I performed touch-up work with the correct marker or if needed, fill and sand the area.

The end result? A joint that’s often stronger than the original wood. Your guitar will play, sound, and look the way it should.

Why Professional Repair Matters

DIY fixes with cheap glue, screws, or filler usually cause more harm than good. If you value your instrument – whether it’s a working gigging guitar or a treasured heirloom – it’s worth investing in a proper repair carried out by an experienced luthier.

Headstock Broken? I Can Help

If your guitar or bass has suffered a headstock break, bring it down to my workshop in Southampton. I’ll assess the damage and talk you through the best repair options.

You can get in touch via the contact page or call to arrange a drop-off. Don’t let a break keep your guitar silent – it’s almost always fixable.

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