Stress Cracks-revisited

[loser1]

Hello all. I know this has been discussed before, mainly at the John Petrucci form, and a bit here as well.

I have a EBMM JP 6 string with no stress cracks. Although I've only had it a month at the most with minimal playing right now.
But today at Sam Ash I saw a EBMM JP guitar with 2 cracks at the neck joint.

This is disturbing to me. I think what we all really would like is a formal take from EB on this issue. For example-How many returns have there been? Is it on guitars built during a certain time frame? What is the fall out ratio for these cracks? Please EB let us know. We're spending a lot of money here and expect a top of the line instrument that can take the beating of practicing and playing gigs. Thats why we bought them.

Thanks

 

[Jimi D]

You know, this is really a result of how the instrument is handled as much as anything...

The cracks appear because the body wood at the neck joint is more flexible than the finish - basswood is pretty maleable, and a great tone wood, but it's a little on the soft side... Anyway, the only way you can stop them from appearing as I see it, is to apply a different type of finish (something thicker and rubberier and tone-deadening), or never, ever flex the wood. If you ever carry your guitar by the neck, however, you are unlikely to avoid the latter...

Frankly, I'm amazed at the level of customer service EB has given this issue - Ibanez Jem and Universe guitars are plagued with the same problem, and they won't even respond to your email if you write to complain about it.

Personally, I'm not concerned with these stress cracks at all. They do not effect the tone or playability of the instrument, and they are not indicitive of any flaws in the basic design. It's just the way they are. Granted, if you choose something with a blocker neck heel (like a Strat) or buy a neck through guitar, this problem won't appear, but then you won't have a Petrucci.

my 2¢

 

[guitar99]

I have been following this for a while. A replacement body is safe solution. However, unless the cracks are down into the wood, they really should be any big deal. If they go down into the wood, then I would replace the body. The thing is that I don't know how to tell if the cracks go down into the wood.

 

[guitar99]

After recently looking at 2 different guitars (one EB, one Ibanez) affected by cracks, I'm bit more concerned with stress cracks that are over 1/3-1/2 inch. These cracks grew to over 1 inch long on these particular guitars. By the looks of them, the cracks would eventually affect the playability of these guitars. I could only think of one good cure in these instances:
Replace the body.

 

[loser1]

After recently looking at 2 different guitars (one EB, one Ibanez) affected by cracks, I'm bit more concerned with stress cracks that are over 1/3-1/2 inch. These cracks grew to over 1 inch long on these particular guitars. By the looks of them, the cracks would eventually affect the playability of these guitars. I could only think of one good cure in these instances:
Replace the body.

Is there a warrenty period on EB guitars? But I guess I'm more wondering how can they be stopped in the first place? I found a tiny, tiny crack in the finish at the neck joint on my EBJP recently. It appears to be superficial and again - tiny.

I do not handle the guitar in any unhealthy fashon. I usually treat it as if it were a living being - clean it all the time, no guitar acrobatic stunts or wammy bar dive bombs...

 

[NOTEWORTHY]

ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO I BOUGHT AN AXIS SS / HH. I JUST NOTICED A STRESS CRACK IN THE FINISH (BODY) AT THE NECK POCKET THAT IS APPROX. 5mm long. I'M CONCERNED THAT AS TIME GOES BY THAT THE CRACK WILL GROW. HOW DO YOU TELL HOW DEEP IT GOES? IS IT JUST THE FINISH, OR IS IT IN THE WOOD? I GUESS I SHOULD CALL EBMM HUH? LOVE THE GUITAR THOUGH.
BRYCE

 

[guitar99]

I am wondering how you can tell how deep it goes as well. Contact EB. They will help you out.