First "damage" to my BFR... what happened?!?

[casper777]

Hello everybody....

I just noticed it today... maybe it has been there forever but I don't think so...

I notice that on the first fret, on the side of the fretboard (which is still clear glossed) that ther is a small buble around the fret insert... like if the clear coat had a little bump!

Where does it come from?? Is it a problem of too much / not enough humidity?? I don't want this issue to get worse! I think the fret moved because of the frequent wether changes but what can I do??

I try to keep humidity constant but it's rather dry here now.. around 30% humidity...

any thoughts??

 

[morsecode]

Who knows.....give your dealer who you bought it from a call and let them help you out. If that doesn't work then give EBMM Customer Service a call.

 

[Spudmurphy]

A picture paints a 1000 words.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

It it plays ok, don't worry about it!

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I'm not sure what that is, but i'm not qualified, especially without pics. But, just a heads up, contact your dealer and customer support before posting your problems on here. You don't want to upset Big Poppa.

And the number 1 rule around here, without pic it doesn't exist!!

 

[casper777]

Oh yes it exists!!! I already poseted a thread about my new BFR:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...ring-my-new-petrucci-ball-family-reserve.html


My question was not a complaint or warranty related.... I just asked if humidity or dry wheather can cause the frets to "move" and crack the clear coat on the sides of the fretboard... It was more of a general question....

It's the first time I have a guitar with a clear coat back of the neck... 18 other guitars and all oiled finish on the back of the neck... So I don't know if there are some special care for it....

I can't take pictures of it, it's too small...

 

[leftyguitarblue]

my bad. ohh I remember now, They are beautiful. I love that buttercream as well.

 

[lumberjack]

Oh yes it exists!!! I already poseted a thread about my new BFR:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...ring-my-new-petrucci-ball-family-reserve.html


My question was not a complaint or warranty related.... I just asked if humidity or dry wheather can cause the frets to "move" and crack the clear coat on the sides of the fretboard... It was more of a general question....

It's the first time I have a guitar with a clear coat back of the neck... 18 other guitars and all oiled finish on the back of the neck... So I don't know if there are some special care for it....

I can't take pictures of it, it's too small...

I think what Spud was trying to say was, do you have a picture of the problem area?

 

[casper777]

Yes I understood I tried to take pictures, but you don't seen anything, it's too small and it doesn't show up on the picture....

It's like a white bubble where the fret goes into the fretboard on the side of the neck...

 

[casper777]

Here it is.. on the first fret.....

What do you think? I know I'm picky... but I don't want it to become worse if I do something wrong with the humidity...

It's set at 35% in my guitar room....

 

[morsecode]

I can't see it in the photo. Humidity may or may not play a part. I don't think 35 is high enough. You really haven't had all it that long so I don't think it would have that much of an impact on your guitar especially on a finished neck.

If your guitar is still is still on warranty, which I suspect it is unless you bought "used", then it could very well be a warranty issue. That is why it would be best to first contact your dealer and if all else fails go directly to EBMM Customer Service.

 

[www.lamusic.ca]

The fret broke through the gloss?

 

[MikeVt]

I can't see it in the photo. Humidity may or may not play a part. I don't think 35 is high enough. You really haven't had all it that long so I don't think it would have that much of an impact on your guitar especially on a finished neck.

I keep my house around 35% humidity, and I truly hope that is high enough. At the temperatures in the northeast this time of year, if I go any higher, I will get condensation on my windows and walls - which could lead to mold. So far, I haven't had any major problems, but I do use wipes and finger ease quite frequently to keep things from drying out.

Mike

 

[Psychicpet]

I dunno man, seems like a little bit of clear letting go around the fret end.... doesn't seem like too much of a big deal/problem.

 

[silverburst]

Maybe some wonderwipes fretboard conditioner could moisten up that fretboard a little. It solved some minor fret sprout on a bass I got out of Arizona. From some "dude".

 

[KungFu Grip]

The fret sprouted a tiny bit and put a tiny, superficial crack in the clearcoat. It's not going to get worse than that.

 

[KennethB]

Yeah, if it doesn't bother you while playing I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[casper777]

Thanks for the answers

I read some stuff about optimal humidity for guitars... and every website I saw says the same... it the air is too dry (below 40% humidity), its can cause the wood of the fretboard to schrink a bit, therefore the crack in the clear coat because the fret.. well does not schrink!!

It's not a big deal if the back is oiled but with a clear coat you see the result.. my fault... I reset my humidifier from 35% to 45%... it should be ok now...

I know it's not a big issue... but you know how we are all with our "babies", especially when it's the last one you bought just one month ago It was immaculate, it's not anymore... but still my favorite guitar!!

At least I hope it helps you all not to do the same mistake!! Be careful with humidity... too much humidity can cause less damage than not enough.. so buy a good humidifier!!

 

[Spudmurphy]

I see what you mean.
It seems strange for just one fret to "sprout" - it normally occurs on several.

I have suffered from Fret sprout but not on any of my EB guitars.
It happened after the guitar in question was 20 + years old, just after I had installed a new (and more efficient) heating system in my house. The neck on that guitar was lacquered too!

I'm not EB CS and I would recommend you first see your guitar dealer then see if it warrants a call to CS. Just keep an eye on it. have you noticed any similar occurances with any of yout other instruments?

For what it's worth - Clear coat is relatively easy to "invisibly patch".

Let us know how the story "pans out"?

 

[Multiversal]

I think you're pole vaulting over rat turds, my friend. Don't worry about it.