Question: Lacquer Crack?

[Matt_UK]

Hey guys, first post on the forum - thought this would be the best place to ask my question!

I've been offered this awesome 18 month old 'Ray, and its pretty much mint, except for a small crack around the neck pocket, on the lower horn side. I'm not sure if this is a lacquer crack or worse - what do you think? Might it be repairable?



Thanks (and go easy on me if I've broken any rules!)

Matt

[MattOfSweden]

Most likely only a lacquer crack, but it's impossible to tell from that pic. If it plays nice, seems to be just a surface crack on inspection, and the neck doesn't shift if you yank it - then I wouldn't hesitate, and probably wouldn't even haggle on the price. Lacquer cracks can happen if the wood moves ever so slightly. On the other hand, if you suspect it is structural, walk away.

Disclaimer: this piece of internet advice is worth what you pay for it.

[bovinehost]

Agreed with Matt on all points. Nearly every Fender (F#nd#r) I ever owned eventually developed stress cracks around the neck pocket but they were really just cosmetic.

[Matt_UK]

Most likely only a lacquer crack, but it's impossible to tell from that pic. If it plays nice, seems to be just a surface crack on inspection, and the neck doesn't shift if you yank it - then I wouldn't hesitate, and probably wouldn't even haggle on the price. Lacquer cracks can happen if the wood moves ever so slightly. On the other hand, if you suspect it is structural, walk away.

Disclaimer: this piece of internet advice is worth what you pay for it.

Cheers Matt, I would love to go and check it out but unfortunately, due to distance, its unlikely I'll be able to see it before buying it...suppose I could always ask the seller to give it a yank (which he is unlikely to want to do!). Thanks for the advice anyway

[Movielife]

Hmm, upto you. Depends on the deal. It MAY have been abused and that would be my concern. That is a fairly long 'crack'. I'm always a little too cautious.

[Golem]

`


Seen lotsa eggzacklee THAT crack ...zfairly common.

If the rest of the ax looks to be non-abused, just take
it for granted. Shame it's a white one :-( but thaz life.
From my own experience, I ....
A. Would not hesitate if this ax rocks my boat, and ...
B. Would apply a fine bead of super glue over it to be
extra certain it's not gonna grow.

Yeah, the bead of glue will be visible at closer-than-
arm's-length inspection, but so is the crack, and if you
were selling it to me, with that crack, I'd be happier to
notice the precautionary maintenance than to notice
that same crack without it.

That location on a bass is hardly visible in actual use.


`

[Matt_UK]

`


Seen lotsa eggzacklee THAT crack ...zfairly common.

If the rest of the ax looks to be non-abused, just take
it for granted. Shame it's a white one :-( but thaz life.
From my own experience, I ....
A. Would not hesitate if this ax rocks my boat, and ...
B. Would apply a fine bead of super glue over it to be
extra certain it's not gonna grow.

Yeah, the bead of glue will be visible at closer-than-
arm's-length inspection, but so is the crack, and if you
were selling it to me, with that crack, I'd be happier to
notice the precautionary maintenance than to notice
that same crack without it.

That location on a bass is hardly visible in actual use.


`

Cheers for the advice mate, it really does rock my boat. Perfect in pretty much every way otherwise...Its causing my brain some really big confusions as to what to do! I'll have to make a decision in the end I guess!

[Dr Stankface]

What peaks my interest is is EB using lacquer? For the sake of durability I was somewhat under the impression that they may be using urethane but I had never really looked into it. Can anyone from the home base maybe chime in?

[bovinehost]

It's poly, for sure.

[Chuck B]

looks like it's only on the surface. welcome aboard, btw

[Dr Stankface]

I wonder if the base and clear are both poly though. Of course I'm sure that's top secret vault kinda stuff.

[silverburst]

I wonder if the base and clear are both poly though. Of course I'm sure that's top secret vault kinda stuff.

You can't spray lacquer in California, or so I've been told.

How's it going, man? I was in Florida last week, but the wrong part so I couldn't stop in...

[Matt_UK]

looks like it's only on the surface. welcome aboard, btw

Cheers mate, yeah hope its on the surface too.

Does anyone know the procedure for repair? (I.e, stripping that area and rebuilding the layers) - is it worth doing? Or more trouble than its worth?

[five7]

nail polish works well

[oli@bass]

That type of crack can (also) happen if someone takes off the neck the wrong way. Generally not bad but rather cosmetic. Worry less, play more