Bump in ASS rosewood fingerboard, how to raise the wood?

[Pott]

My '99 MusicMan Axis SS is in great condition for its age, bar two pretty sizeable dents in the fingerboard:

I love this guitar to death and I would very much like to get rid of this; I read up on the iron method but I've never tried it so I figured I'd ask on here first as it feels a little scary.

I got advised to simply damp a towel, place it flat on the bit I'd like raised and put a soldering iron close by to raise the wood. As usual I'm suspicious of it being that easy! Am I safe in trying it out or am I missing something?

Thanks y'all

 

[DrKev]

If it was on a hidden part of the body or the neck I'd say go ahead and try but on the fingerboard, leave it to a professional. personally, if it didn't affect my playing, I'd leave it be.

 

[koogie2k]

I would give it to the pros to do. This doesn't seem like a DIY project. My 2 pennies.

 

[Pott]

Pros in this country... Not such a great experience with local techs here. Gave two guitars for new nuts and fret levels. They just touched up the nut but didn't replace it (which in a way was flattering as I had been the one who did the old nuts and it turned out they were ok, but still) and while both guitars did get a fret level which looks good, they didn't bother either cleaning the guitars later (loads of gunk and dirt left on them and the gig bag) nor setting up the guitars at all. But it's what we have.

 

[DrKev]

The answer might be to look for a classical luthier, maybe someone who does violins, cellos, double bass etc. Explain that you can't find a decent guitar person to do it. They may have plenty of experience with this kind of thing and be happy to take care of it for you. If not, they may be able to recommend somebody for you.

It's a great shame that there are no national or international organisations that can maintain the standards that guitar techs and luthiers should abide by. Right now, anywhere in the world, any idiot can call themselves a tech or luthier. Some of the work that I've had to fix from so-called luthiers has been down right disgraceful.

 

[Spudmurphy]

I've removed small dents using steaming. However one has to be VERY careful.

One thing that sprang to mind is to maybe try someone who does marquetry (for a living) or repairs antique furniture.

 

[fbecir]

Leave it as it is ... If you play a lot your guitar, your fretboard will anyway have some marks :

Just hours of playing ...