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CJohnson · June 24th, 2009, 03:24 PM

Yesterday, I was polishing my masterbilt when I noticed two small hair line cracks in the back one less than inch the other a little larger. Then I found one on the top that ran from where the neck meets the body to sound hole. I'm getting a little worried that I am about to have some major issues. I keep it on a stand all day when not playing and I always have one of those little humidifiers hanging from the strings. How concerned should I be about these cracks? Anyone got some input.

Cunningham26 · June 24th, 2009, 03:27 PM

with the extreme heat you've been having, could it be possible that you have bloating from the humidity? do you have it in AC?

some pictures would speak a thousand words

CJohnson · June 24th, 2009, 03:34 PM

It is in airconditioning alll day and the cracks are so small that they won't show up in pictures. I didn't notice them until I felt them. They are really small (at least for now).

rand z · June 24th, 2009, 03:38 PM

are the cracks in the finish, or the wood below the finish?

id keep the guitar in a case as i do all of my "good/expensive" instruments. a coupla cheap acoustics are lying around for me to plunk when i feel the urge... maybe you should consider a "beater?"

rand z

KevinB · June 24th, 2009, 03:51 PM

How old is the guitar? They seem to be much more prevalent to cracking when they are relatively new (the difference in conditions between China and the USA?) but after they settle down for a few years they become more stable.

If the cracks are not just in the finish, go see a luthier as soon as possible to get them stabilized. A careful application of CA glue on the underside of the top won't cost much and will stop the cracks from getting any worse.

rangercaster · June 25th, 2009, 04:04 PM

it could be lacquer-checking, not structural cracks ... but as Kev says, get an expert opinion ...

cotecj · June 28th, 2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJohnson

I keep it on a stand all day when not playing and I always have one of those little humidifiers hanging from the strings.

I'm pretty sure you are supposed to keep a guitar in its case with one of those humidifiers, for it to work. Out in the open air, the moisture will just dissipate into the whole room, not doing a whole lot of good.

June 24th, 2009, 03:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
CJohnson Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Owasso, Oklahoma Age: 40 Posts: 164	Epi masterbilt cracking Yesterday, I was polishing my masterbilt when I noticed two small hair line cracks in the back one less than inch the other a little larger. Then I found one on the top that ran from where the neck meets the body to sound hole. I'm getting a little worried that I am about to have some major issues. I keep it on a stand all day when not playing and I always have one of those little humidifiers hanging from the strings. How concerned should I be about these cracks? Anyone got some input.

June 25th, 2009, 04:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
rangercaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2008 Location: portland, or Age: 52 Posts: 1,546	it could be lacquer-checking, not structural cracks ... but as Kev says, get an expert opinion ... __________________ "Work is the curse of the drinking classes." Oscar Wilde

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June 24th, 2009, 03:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cunningham26 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boston Age: 25 Posts: 103	with the extreme heat you've been having, could it be possible that you have bloating from the humidity? do you have it in AC? some pictures would speak a thousand words

June 24th, 2009, 03:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
CJohnson Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Owasso, Oklahoma Age: 40 Posts: 164	It is in airconditioning alll day and the cracks are so small that they won't show up in pictures. I didn't notice them until I felt them. They are really small (at least for now).

June 24th, 2009, 03:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
rand z Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,258	are the cracks in the finish, or the wood below the finish? id keep the guitar in a case as i do all of my "good/expensive" instruments. a coupla cheap acoustics are lying around for me to plunk when i feel the urge... maybe you should consider a "beater?" rand z

June 24th, 2009, 03:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
KevinB Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,846 4 Photos	How old is the guitar? They seem to be much more prevalent to cracking when they are relatively new (the difference in conditions between China and the USA?) but after they settle down for a few years they become more stable. If the cracks are not just in the finish, go see a luthier as soon as possible to get them stabilized. A careful application of CA glue on the underside of the top won't cost much and will stop the cracks from getting any worse.

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