How bad does this crack look? Can it be fixed?

[GradySeasons]

This is a Kala KA-SSTU-C with a asking price of $45, but it's got a crack as you can see in the picture. It's supposed to be solid spruce and the seller says it sounds fine. Can it be fixed with some kind clear filler or glue? Or is this type of crack fatal? Thanks.

 

[Larry U]

That's a fairly easy repair for a luthier/stringed instrument technician. It'll probably need to be cleated from the inside, glued, and clamped. Unless you have the proper tools, materials, and experience, I wouldn't try to do it yourself. The crack was probably caused by low humidity. You might want to try placing the uke in a sealed container with some wet sponges or other humidification devices for a few days. The crack will probably close up quite a bit, but it still will need repair.

 

[rhiggie]

Agree, and the repair will likely cost more than the uke.

 

[badhabits]

Check out this thread:

Crack in top worth worrying about?

Hello everyone, I got this online from goodwill. $65 shipped. Sounds great. Didn’t see the crack in the photos on line. Should I try hydrating it? Glueing it? Not worry about it? I know it’s not worth investing $$ in repairing it, but it might be worth the effort for me as a learning...

forum.ukuleleunderground.com

 

[Kenn2018]

For sure humidify the uke. Put your uke in a hardcase. Put an Oasis type humidifier inside the body, hanging from the strings. And another humidifier, such as a Boveda pack wherever you can in the case. Check on it after a few days. Refill the Oasis if it needs it. Keep it going for a week or two. The crack in the top should close up quite a ways. Sometimes to just a hairline.
Show your pics to a luthier or a guitar repair tech. Get their opinion about what it will take to repair it. They may need to check the integrity of the soundboard bracing. There are several ways they can approach the repair: Cleated; a thin wood patch under the crack and the crack glued or epoxied; and if it closed up enough and the edges are even, just a thin super glue and clamp to set for a few days.

Best of luck.

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

My first thought when reading the title to this thread:
Does this look infected?