MM JPX ebony fretboard cracks

[pubuss]

Hey guys,

I have this wonderfull MM JPX BFR made in 2011 and is it normal for ebony fretboards to show this kind of cracks? I've not seen this by the last srting change about a month ago. I'll add that I do not use lemon oil for ebony, just wonder wipes and axe lies in case all the time if I'm not playing.

Have you guys seen this before?



Thanks for comments!
Kuba

 

[Highlander]

Ouch....that gave me chills.

 

[DrKev]

Time to get in touch with Customer Service. That's what they are there for. Of course with NAMM show on all week, they may be slow to reply.

 

[PaoloGilberto]

I use only Fret doctor for my fretboards, including my JP7 ebony fretboard - 6-10 times per year each guitar for 30-40 minutes allowing to soak in the oil and then remove the excesses
Bore Oil for the Fife and Fret Doctor

based on my internet "research" ) crack may appear if the wood becomes to dry.
you should get a hygrometer and check the humidity in the "guitars" room
40-55 % humidity is fine for guitars
for ex in the autumn the "guitar" room had 40 % humidity, in December went to 2-3 % . I had to buy a humidifier and leave it plugged in at least 10-15 hours/day to get back to 40 %

Hey guys,

I have this wonderfull MM JPX BFR made in 2011 and is it normal for ebony fretboards to show this kind of cracks? I've not seen this by the last srting change about a month ago. I'll add that I do not use lemon oil for ebony, just wonder wipes and axe lies in case all the time if I'm not playing.

Have you guys seen this before?

View attachment 26993 View attachment 26994

Thanks for comments!
Kuba

 

[FantasyMetal]

First off let me say that sucks. I have had this issue only twice before. Once on a Mayones, and once on a Dean USA. Basically the humidity got way too low in my guitar room and now I permanently humidify my guitars in the winter months. The Mayones crack was very small (affected only three frets) and basically went away after humidification (i.e. the wood swelled and I couldn't even tell it was there unless I held it in the right light). The Dean crack was from the 7th fret to the 22nd fret. That one was kept in check by the humidifier, but it did not resolve itself. I've heard that the cracks can be filled with ebony dust for relatively cheap, but I'm betting that CS will take care of you here since EBMM CS is amazing!

 

[bhull]

What method do you use to humidify your guitars?

I live in Utah and we get epic dry air in the winter.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[mikeller]

Check with Musicians Friend or Sweetwater etc - they have guitar case humidifiers.

 

[Wahoonc]

First off let me say that sucks. I have had this issue only twice before. Once on a Mayones, and once on a Dean USA. Basically the humidity got way too low in my guitar room and now I permanently humidify my guitars in the winter months. The Mayones crack was very small (affected only three frets) and basically went away after humidification (i.e. the wood swelled and I couldn't even tell it was there unless I held it in the right light). The Dean crack was from the 7th fret to the 22nd fret. That one was kept in check by the humidifier, but it did not resolve itself. I've heard that the cracks can be filled with ebony dust for relatively cheap, but I'm betting that CS will take care of you here since EBMM CS is amazing!

Had the same thing happen on a Parker. Smaller cracks due very low humidity (winter, heating, left out of case 99% of time). Was able to work them over using 1000-grit paper and olive oil after reconditioning the board. The cracks smoothed out, but were still there. Never affected tone or playability that I could tell, but mine were not nearly as significant as OP's.

 

[Benji Peterson]

Winter, central heat, etc. Guitars can dry out super fast if the conditions are right. Like the other guys here I'd suggest you get a humidifier going. When I moved into my home the first winter here screwed up like four of my music man guitars. I had to send them back to the factory to get straightened back out. I don't play around with dryness any more.

 

[pubuss]

Heys, thank you for many comments!

I quess I do need a humidator, will get one soon as now I do not own one, cant tell really whats the humidity level in my room is but it is dry for sure. I never thought about it as all my other guitars are rosewood fretboards and seem to be unaffected by this issue (or poor quality woods though ). Luckily the neck didn't bend more than usually and as I live in Poland (no local MM CS here) first I will try to see my watch guy and hear what he can tell me, if necessary I'll try to get with MM CS (which is pretty amazing, my previous issues were solved damn well ).

I just wonder if this issue is common just for ebony woods?

If these cracks are not going to expand and in the end leaving fretboard to break or fall or whatever, I think I may live with it.

 

[Etudica]

in December went to 2-3 %

2-3%?! Holy crap. I freak out when my hygrometer dips into the 30% range.

On a side note, before I started to acquire some higher end guitars I never bothered monitoring humidity. I have one JEM with ebony fb in particular that I would always leave hanging year round without any humidifier running (and central heat)... and it never developed cracks in the 10 years I've had it. I'm much more aware now of my environment now that I have my EBMMs (all ebony of course)

 

[mikeller]

I will have to pull at my JPX and have a look, its been a while. I live in Ohio so we have a lot of temp fluctuations (the long time Ohio joke is "if you don't like the weather, hang around for a day it will change"). I have never kept a humidifier in an electric guitar case, I do however have a whole has humidifier so we do keep moisture in the air.

 

[Jeong]

Wow that's surprising. The JPX is my dream guitar. If the cracks heal up with a bit of humidity or don't affect playability at all, i personally wouldn't worry about it too much. I was told my JP6 has a slight neck warp. I don't really notice and it doesn't bother me.

 

[Warg Master]

I've had my JPX here (in utah ) with some extreeme weather changes for 4 years and have had zero issues with it.

Give that fret board some TLC, looks like it needs it.... Little bit of lemon oil or other fretboard care product and you'll be fine...

 

[Spudmurphy]

CS will help you, that's for sure.

Wood is wood. I had a guitar built for me in the 80's many many years later it had issues after I installed a more efficient heating system.

I personally believe that it will look a whole lot better when the neck has re absorbed moisture.
There are lots of products on the market that you can put in your guitar case


Planet Waves Small Instrument Humidifier: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments

they say ... ...The humidifier releases moisture evenly and slowly inside your instruments case to maintain the proper humidity level preventing cracks, warping, and shrinkage to your instrument. Using the humidifier is as easy as moistening the sponge when it becomes dry.
Get one for all of your valuable instruments. It’s the smart, easy, and affordable way to protect your investment.


or make your own out of a tobacco tin and sponge?

Let us know how you get on?

 

[Lou]

Cheap case humidifier...

One ziploc sandwich bag
One household sponge that will fit in bag
Scissor

Roll up bag. Cut small slices into bag. Wet sponge. You want it damp not dripping. Place into bag. Place bag into case. Bob's your uncle.

 

[pubuss]

I personally believe that it will look a whole lot better when the neck has re absorbed moisture.

Let us know how you get on?

I talked to my mate who is a pro for wood works and told me the same thing, cracks should shrink and become invisible when the humidity will be back to around 45-50% for long enough to affect the woods, so thats my goal right now. Humidity control device is being ordered right now, hopefully I will post some photos in near future showing how these issues were solved

Case humidifier looks promising to, I will try to get it also. Thanks for the link Spudmurphy!

Thanks for reply, I think this thread will put some insights and someone will notice how humidity is important when you purchase your first high-end instrument.

Thanks guys!
Kuba

 

[Spudmurphy]

Hey no problem. It's great when someone like yourself doesn't over react and start a verbal onslaught on EB Guitars.

Would love to see your guitar in a little while.

Please don't think about drenching (putting toooooooo much) oil on the fretboard afterwards It can (Usually does) seep under the frets and .... hey you don't want to go there!! Just wipe some on leave it for a minute while you change cloths and wipe off.

... as I say would be interested to see photos afterwards.
Spud