EB/MM John Petrucci - Stress Cracks in neck-joint

guitar99 · Mar 3, 2003

Fortimir-Thanks for the info. There has been a lot of discussion about these cracks on the on the John Petrucci Forum.

On thread has a long list of guitars with cracks. Some them are Axis and Silhouette guitars:
http://www.petrucciforum.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=2&topic=4992

One point is that if the are down in the wood and the cracks spread, then it is possible that the guitar made go out of alignmnent and the guitar is usless. The other point is that the cracks are cosmetic.

It is tough to say without examing every guitar out there that has cracks. The fact that the cracks are at a crucial place on the guitars (where the neck meets the body) is a real concern.

guitar99 · Mar 13, 2003

If you cannot tell if the crack is on the surface or down in to the wood, then Which fix does the best job (is better for the guitar)? Taking a second hand guitar w/crack to to a local Luthier or sending it to ernie ball for replacement body ? And what does ernie ball charge for this service?

Fortimir:
Whats the cost of for that repair? Is there any guarantee form the luthier that the crack won't reappear?

headshop · Mar 13, 2003

I'd email or call(1800-543-2255) warranty/repair at Ernie Ball and talk to them.
I recently had some work done under warranty and I couldn't have asked for better customer service.
Dennis Rotterman who made the repairs was especially helpful and still is whenever I need advice.
Everyone I dealt with was extremely sincere and friendly, yet professional from the time I shipped the guitar to them, during the repair service(bridge pup did not work)and shipping it back to me. They have been just as helpful afterwards with any other questions I had as well as giving suggestions or tips to setting up a guitar,etc.

Good Luck,

Bill

guitar99 · Mar 23, 2003

Thanks for the tip, headshop.

Does ernie ball have standard price for this repair (replacing the body)?

Since sending it back to ernie ball will probably be the most effort and $$$, I am sort of more interested in hearing about alternative possible repairs. I talked to a local luthier and he said it may crack again in the future so, he won't guarantee a 'seal and polish' job.

guitar99 · Apr 6, 2003

I am curious what others who have these stress cracks are doing with their ernie ball guitars.

Are most people getting it repaired or just living with the stress crack in the guitar?

Fortimir · Apr 6, 2003

I live with it. You can't see it unless you try. It isn't in the wood... only the finish. It doesn't effect playability or sound in any way, shape, or form. Nothing to cry about in my opinion. Personally, I think people are complaining way more than they should.

Jimi D · Apr 7, 2003

Jem fans have been living with these cracks on Steve Vai's signature guitars from Ibanez since the guitar was first produced. They are very, very common on Jems, and I have personally owned three Jems that had them. Never had any neck stability issues with any of them - the cracks were purely cosmetic in every case. I have also stripped an RG750 that had neck pocket stress cracks for a refinish project, and there was no problem with the wood beneath. That being said, I can understand why people would be unhappy finding stress cracks in their new EB/MM Petrucci's - but I don't think anyone has to worry about it being more than a cosmetic issue...

guitar99 · Apr 7, 2003

Have you JEM fans seen the stress cracks on Steve Vai's EVO guitar?

http://vai.com/Machines/guitars1.html

check out "all about EVO"

Fortimir · Apr 7, 2003

It makes my stress crack look non-existant... His goes all the way back the to spring cavity cover!!!!

guitar99 · Apr 22, 2003

Yeah, EVO's cracks are a sight to see.

Hopefully, other JEMs and MM's don't get that bad.

There a few different reports on jemsite and the petrucci site as to weather the cracks go down to the wood.

Personally, I would replace the body on a stress cracked guitar, if the $$ and the waiting a month for a replacement were not major issues to me.

guitar99 · May 14, 2003

I checked out an old Ibanez JEM and it had the same type of stress crack. The JEM was over ten years old and the crack looked as thought it was only in the finish.

I also recently saw an EBMM Axis that was a few years old with a inch long stress crack as well. This crack looked more serious (deeper and longer into the body), as if it might get worse over time.

Since replacing the body on a EBMM would cost too much $$$, I am hopping the cracks will not grow any further down the body.

guitar99 · Jul 31, 2003

Has ernie ball figured this crack thing out, yet? It has been a while. Any new spec/production changes to get rid of the stress cracks?

I was checking out a JP ernie ball the other day at the strore and it had 2 stress cracks on it. They were only like 1/4 to 1/2 inch each, but still it leaves me hoping there is a solid solution to the cracks.

DistVibrations · Aug 16, 2003

i'm getting nrevous now... mine is being built now and should be in my hands in 2 months i do not want to see a damn crack in my 2000$ guitar even if it is only cosmetic.. what's the big deal about sending them in a better case? how much do costom cases cost?

guitar99 · Aug 24, 2003

Over on the petrucci board, there was much talk of the crack problem and the replacement cases. I read ernie ball replaced the cases for the JP guitar a long time ago. stilll , the cracks were showing up on guitars shipped in the replacement cases. You should search trough the topics on the JP forum for more info.

punkin · Aug 27, 2003

One of my JEMs have "the crack"... it was there when I bought it new. It hasn't gotten any bigger. Used a magnifying glass used for inspecting jewelry and electronic circuit boards...obviously a surface crack in the finish.

My JPM (1.5 years old) does not have "the crack". The case...yes, a little loose for the money spent. Not a lick of documentaiton with the thing. I would have been real pissed it not for the fact that the EB folks are generaly quick to respond to tech support questions. EB...beware the bean-counter urge to voice jail your customers.

Continuing on with the case, I have a "bling bling", over-rated PRS...pretty to look at...plays real nice but, it's like buying art...the sexy wood and natural earthy finish makes what you're wearing look even better but, expensive as hell. Came with a case that says "we care and realize you've made a significant investment".

Come on EB...get a better case . I love my EBP...would hate to see it ruined in a minor transport accident then decide to stick with one my alternates cuz they can cut-it in the real world.

punkin · Aug 30, 2003

oh no...

I just had a real close look at my EB JPM...mine also has a slight crack at the neck joint. At first glance, it appeared to be cosmetic but I can feel a ridge... one side of the crack is slightly elevated. Is this the end for my JPM?

guitar99 · Oct 23, 2003

I hope you contacted EB directly, they will help you out....even help get a new guitar body if you need it.

punkin · Oct 24, 2003

yup...did that...got a new body...piece of cake...excellent customer care.

No complaints and the guitar plays and looks as it did when brand new.

guitar99 · Nov 5, 2003

Very cool.

You think the cracks were in the finish or down to the wood?

punkin · Nov 7, 2003

I was told they were in the finish

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