How do i fix a top ding?

[toddjoles]

I just finished building my first F, I strung her up last Thursday. Last night while we were playing, my wife bumped my top with her guitar headstock putting a nice ding in her. It appears to be just a lacquer chip. Can I drop fill with lacquer, sand etc... or should I try to get the lacquer to out with lacquer thinner?

[MikeEdgerton]

Take a look at this (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Finish/Lacquer/DropFill/dropfill.html) article on Frank Ford's frets.com (http://www.frets.com).

[Michael Lewis]

How big is the damaged area? It might not be reasonable to repair this if it is small.

If the wood is dented the typical method is to steam the dent to raise the grain, then touch up the lacquer when it is well dried.

[jim_n_virginia]

I just finished building my first F, I strung her up last Thursday. #Last night while we were playing, my wife bumped my top with her guitar headstock putting a nice ding in her.
Todd I hope you didn't hurt her too bad! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I probably would have cried! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[toddjoles]

Thanks everyone, I should have thought to check with Frets.com first. His procedure is what I had in mind. There was no wood denting, just a small but very noticable chip. I'll post a before and after in a few weeks when completed.

[mythicfish]

On the other hand ... now that it has a blemish, you don't have to worry anymore.

Curt