Joe Foley Bouzouki

[Javan M.]

I have an opportunity to trade a guitar of mine for a Joe Foley bouzouki with a rosewood body and spruce top. It has a pickup and onboard preamp, the only problem is there is a crack on the top that is shown in the attached picture. The crack has not been assessed or repaired by a luthier, and it is unclear whether it is a surface crack or it runs all the way through. Does this look too risky, or irreparable based off of the picture? My guitar I'd be trading is worth about $1000. Thanks so much!

[NG53]

I would post this on the builders forum to get a luthier's perspective. I would also contact Graham McDonald via a private message. He is very knowledgeable about bouzoukis.

[Javan M.]

Thanks!

[Eddie Sheehy]

Is it a straight swap for the guitar? I'd say $1,000 is a good price for it even with the crack. Once glued and cleated, that crack should be sound, you might want to check the braces to make sure one of them isn't the reason for (or collateral damage) the crack.

[bouzoukiboy]

I see it now in the classifieds...(for a fair bit more than a 1000 dollar swap). Still ....a great instrument once it is looked at , and properly cleated... I sure wouldn't refuse it....BB

[Javan M.]

The gentleman who traded it to me knew exactly what it was, and the price they go for. But after having it for a day, I think I'm going to keep it and have it looked after by a luthier. It's very cool, and I know I'd be sad to let it go in the end, even though I'd do well on it for what it was traded for.

[Eddie Sheehy]

First thing, take off the strings to get the pressure off the bridge and allow you to get a small flashlight into the soundhole - and maybe a dental mirror. Try estimate the length of the crack. Push against the braces - gently - with a finger to see is they are tight. Probably better to take it t o a luthier and let him check it out. Since that crack goes under the pickguard it will be difficult to examine it