Hello all,
I've got an issue with a new custom Cedar Creek case, and I wanted to tap this forum for some options. Here's the skinny:
My case has a hygrometer built in beneath the headstock. Unfortunately, the block it's built into seems to be about 1/4"-1/2" too tall. This leads the headstock to actually make contact with the hygrometer, making an audible "click" when I let the mandocello down in the case.
I don't really care about the click so much as I care about how the neck is braced, or not braced, in this case. With the headstock resting on a hard surface, the rest of the neck isn't making full contact with the saddles. I'm afraid that a good jolt would transfer its energy right into the headstock, causing a stress fracture to occur.
Of course, the first thing I did was email Cedar Creek. However, my opinion of this company is somewhat low, given they took 2+ months longer to produce this case in the first place, all while mostly blowing off my luthier's phone calls. Other reviews on the internet seem to be congruent with this experience.
So, barring a miracle of customer support, I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands. It looks to me like that block that holds the hygrometer is held in by some kind of glue, and could theoretically be removed, shortened, then reinstalled into the case.
Does anyone have experience building or altering cases, who might be able to give me some hints, tips, and tricks for doing this the right way? Is there a way to minimize damage to the case? Will the upholstery still be able to look good afterward? What type of glue works? Is there some other factor I need to consider?
I appreciate any help you might be able to share. The mandocello is going to stay in the house until I sort out its case.
Edit: Moderators, if this topic would be better placed in Builders & Repair, please feel free to move it as you see fit.
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