Removing an unnessary soundboard cleat

[Philip Secrist]

I have a guitar with a cleat glued (with hide glue) in the wrong position that was just left there. I would like to remove it. What is the best way to do this? It is a bit tough to get to as it is near the tail block. Thanks!

[Barry Daniels]

I would leave it. The only practical removal technique would be trying to stick a chisel under the edge and popping it off, but that would risk a crack. It should not cause any detriments to the guitar if you leave it in place.

[Barry Daniels]

Let me add one more idea. If the cleat is fairly flat on top, you might be able to use a rare earth magnet with some sandpaper stuck on it to sand it away. I have done this on a few repairs and it is amazing how fast this can remove wood. Use fairly large and flat magnets about the size of the cleat. One on the inside and one on the outside. Put a layer of plastic sheet under the magnet on the outside so it doesn't scratch the finish. Use coarse sticky-back sandpaper like 120 grit.

[Philip Secrist]

Thanks, Barry! I will give this a try!