EBMM JP Stress crack

[Danovich]

Hi,

I bought a 6 months old Petrucci model on eBay and just received it. I'm glad, she's like new with no scratches or dents at all.

I discovered the forums while the guitar was on it's way and learned about the "infamous" stress crack issue.

My guitar does have those cracks. Right in the neck joint corner. It's a thin has a hair and half a inch long. They are very hard to see, and I haven't been able to take a good picture of them. I noticed them only because I read about the cracks.

s/n G17789
It's 6 strings, black sparkle, matching headstock & piezo model.

What is the cause of theses cracks? Bad guitar? Bad case? Bad shipping? Is it only in the finish or is it worse?

I would blame it on the weather, it came by UPS ground in the coldest of the winter (I live near Montréal).

But more importantly, what can I do about it?

I've sent an email to the customer service, but any clue will be welcomed.

Thanks,

Danny Lacerte

 

[guitar99]

If you don't mind I was wondering what you did about the crack on your guitar.

Did you find out if the crack you have is in the finish or it is possibly in the wood and it could get larger (deeper) as time goes by?

 

[Danovich]

Hi,

In my case, the crack is not visible unless you look directly in the glare of a light or if you run your finger nails on the finish.

It's only in the finish and won't get worse unless I really mistreat the guitar.

This is the answer I received from Ernie Ball Customer service:

Danny, our factory tests indicate ABUSIVE handling during transit or
delivery as the primary cause of the cracks. Warranty repair work only
applies to the original owner, the cracks will not effect the sound or
playability of the guitar and if you would like it repaired at your
expense here at the factory we will do the work.

 

[guitar99]

hey dude, thanks for the info.

Some guy had had the crack on his guitar repaired by a local luthier. You should look in that option. From what I read, Ernie Ball replaces the body of the guitar. If the cracks are cosmetic, I wonder why they don't just seal and polished it?