Cracks in the clear coat of my Nocaster okay?

[Chief O'Brien]

Hi all,
I haven't been to the TDPRI in a long time, but I am glad to be back. I have a NOS Nocaster that over this past year has developed a number of hairline cracks in the finish. It's the kind of thing that they say happens if you take your guitar in from the cold and take it out of the case too quick so the wood expands too fast and cracks the finish. I have not made that mistake, but it must be because my house is old and drafty with old radiator heat. Perhaps the variations in temperature over the winter in my house caused it. Anyway, I just want to make sure that this is a cosmetic issue only. I am okay with my guitar getting worn in and and beat up looking - it's like I'm doing my own "relic" job! (although I haven't seen this problem on old guitars) But I just want to make sure it's not a problem for the integrity or performance of the guitar. Thanks for your help.
Dave

[maestrovert]

it's normal.....not only caused by temperature differential, but also by variations in atmospheric humidity levels too....
the structural integrity of your guitar is unaffected....

[Mark Davis]

Thats what nitro does.

If you want a guitar that will look new for along time get a poly finished one. Nitro will always crack and sink into the wood thats what it supposed to do.

[Chief O'Brien]

Great news! Thanks, guys. If that's what nitro is supposed to do, than that's totally fine with me. I want the best tone possible, looks are secondary. I'm just curious though, if you look at an old Tele from the 50's or 60's, will it have those cracks? Or will the nitro have been absorbed into the wood and the cracks kind of fade?
Also, I think I did something dumb a year or so ago, which was to repair a chip that had come out of it. It was a pretty big chip (maybe a 1/4 inch) right down to the wood. Is it cool just to leave those alone? I like a worn look, but this was pretty glaring and not uniform with the rest of the guitar. At any rate, I kind of wish I didn't fix it and just let the relic-ing process take it's natural course. Maybe I could sand off the stuff that was added to cover the chip. It looks different from the rest of the finish anyway - a little darker.

[Mark Davis]

The nitro finish is very thin on those models and offers no protection.

Usually when someone bangs a guitar on something and some of the finish comes off they just leave it alone. Its almost impossible to make an invisible repair at home unless your really skilled at finish work.

The Closet Classic and Relic models both cost more than your NOS model because they have more finish cracking and worn spots but its man made wear on those it always looks more natural if the wear is caused by everyday handling.

[Lance]

My NOS still looks as pristine as the day I got it. I've been waiting for it to get some mojo but it's just taking its time.