Techno T3000 Acoustic - A Quick Look

Remember that guy and his old Santa Cruz? In that video, you might have noticed a black acoustic in the background. It's a pre-loved Techno T3000, and he wants us to give it a once-over before restringing. So, what's the verdict? Well, besides needing a good clean and polish, fretboard conditioning, as well as a gig bag, there's nothing much to worry about. And, as always, we go on and on about the absolute need for a gig bag, and even mention by name three stores in town that carry affordable ones. Recorded at 15:37 on October 3, 2026. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.

 

Santa Cruz Acoustic Needs Lots of Help

Here's a weather-beaten Santa Cruz acoustic that's had lots done to it over the years, the most obvious being a body refinish. As Dad doesn't play it any more, it's been hanging on a wall for ages. Fast forward to today, and the guitar is now in the hands of the son, who'd like it restored to playable condition once again. Fair enough, methinks. 

Now, let's see what ails this baby, and how best to go about fixing things. For one, all that grime and dust has got to go. Same applies to anything rusty, like the tuners. The fretboard? Well, you can see just how messed up it is. What needs to be done here is not "conditioning" per se, but rather, "reconditioning," if you get my drift. Someone's also had a go at the nut and saddle, so they'll need to be replaced, as will the broken strap button. Recorded at 15:19 on October 3, 2026. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.

AK HB-8ACEQ Acoustic - Unbalanced Output

Just in today is this AK acoustic belonging to a full-time busker. He's such a busy performer that the strings, which he only put on a week ago, are already tarnished. The main issue is unbalanced output on the D and A strings, probably due to uneven string pressure on the under-saddle piezo element (pickup). Sad to say, he's replaced both the piezo element and preamp, but to no avail. 

So, we'll be running a full diagnostic check, and eventually identify the root of the problem. There's also the issue of the noisy and crackly output jack, which is most probably worn out from prolonged use. Easy enough to replace if need be. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.  

 

Kapok Acoustic - September 27, 2026 Update

Here's an honest-to-goodness Kapok six-string acoustic that belongs to a local busker. Sad to say, it's normal place of residence is hanging from a hook on the wall, and it's had a great fall. As expected, both the top and back are suffering from numerous cracks and serious delamination. We'll be dealing with the back first. And, as always, it's Titebond Original Wood Glue (red label), cauls, and clamps to the rescue. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.

Delaminated and Cracked Back

Delaminated and Cracked Top

Titebond Original Wood Glue

Regluing the Back

Clamps Applied

Jaguar Replica - September 27, 2026 Update

Jaguar Replica - September 20, 2026 Update

To date, we have confirmed a fretboard radius of 9.5 inches. We've also reapplied lemon oil as the fretboard was still looking a tad dry. The TUSQ PQL-5000-AG nut has been installed temporarily to enable restringing, and it's jutting out a little on the High E side. First fret action is also a little higher than we'd like. After restringing with D'Addario NYXL1046s, under-string radius, as set by the previous repair shop, was measured at 9.5 inches. However, there's noticeable fret buzz on all strings towards the end of the fretboard, and a slight disparity with regard to intonation. We'll definitely need to run a full setup once the strings and neck have stabilized. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.

Fretboard Radius is 9.5"

Second Application of Lemon Oil

D'Addario NYXL1046 Strings

Checking Under-String Radius

TUSQ Nut Is a Little Too Wide

First Fret Action Is a Little Too High