Is this only a lacquer crack or will this become trouble?

[Stringswinger]

I actually prefer to buy a used guitar with an imperfection. That way, when I put a ding in it (and as a gigging guitarist, this WILL happen eventually), I do not feel bad as the guitar was imperfect to begin with.

That said, I am aware of value problems with repaired headstocks and so finish checks like this would be a concern. While it probably is just a minor issue in the finish (and may be repairable), I would want to buy the guitar at a price that I feel would be easy to sell for if I should lose interest in the instrument and want to sell it.

[mr. beaumont]

I actually prefer to buy a used guitar with an imperfection. That way, when I put a ding in it (and as a gigging guitarist, this WILL happen eventually), I do not feel bad as the guitar was imperfect to begin with.

Whew, do I agree. Pristine guitars make me nervous.

[John A.]

I actually prefer to buy a used guitar with an imperfection. That way, when I put a ding in it (and as a gigging guitarist, this WILL happen eventually), I do not feel bad as the guitar was imperfect to begin with.

That said, I am aware of value problems with repaired headstocks and so finish checks like this would be a concern. While it probably is just a minor issue in the finish (and may be repairable), I would want to buy the guitar at a price that I feel would be easy to sell for if I should lose interest in the instrument and want to sell it.

I've bought both new and used, but In general I prefer used guitars as long as they don't have anything big wrong with them (such as needing a re-fret or a neck re-set, maxed out truss rod). I'm also leery of headstock repairs. Minor dings don't bother me and show that the instrument has lived a little. I also figure that if something major is going to go wrong as a function of a manufacturing defect or problem in the wood it's going to happen within relatively soon after the guitar was made. If it's >5 or so years old, it's probably stable and out of the danger zone for things like the neck twisting or a joint failing. The rest is stuff that I think of maintenance/wear-items that can be fixed if they arise.

[Jx30510]

"Whew, do I agree. Pristine guitars make me nervous".

That is so true! The last time I let my car for repair, they lent me a spanking new high bucks car for the day, I drove as if I've had my driving license the week before..

I feel a bit the same with guitars.. Well I get over it after the first ding..

[Bartolomeo]

Attachment 89228

Seller says its only the lacquer. But in your opinion, do you think it will spread and become a serious problem eventually?

Any advice appreciated!

Hi! Resurecting the post. I am writing to ask what has happend with your crack? Did u manage to fix it somehow?

I recently found almost the same but bigger in my Guild hollowbody. I think its just finish but it keeps iritating me. wondering if repairing is probblematic.

Would be nice to hear from you cheers!

[lammie200]

What do you think causes stress like that generally?

Besides what I mentioned earlier, there a few different materials coming together at that point as well as the stress on the nut. The materials all expand and contract at different rates due to temperature and humidity which can cause a finish crack like you have. A bang on the headstock might have helped initiate the cracking along with what I mentioned above, but I doubt that is enough to cause any structural damage.

[Sleeko]

Curious if there are any marks on the back or front of the headstock, possible evidence of the guitar getting hit or falling over to cause the finish cracks. If I read correctly, this is an Epi Broadway which has a maple neck with a scarf joint. Wondering if there are any other finish cracks anywhere else along the neck. I don't see any cracks in the wood itself. Wondering if the nut was replaced at some point and the new nut put pressure on the corner?

[skiboyny]

Kind of looks like the nut may have been changed out. If they lacquer over the nut as a rule, this could explain the checks.

[nbevan3]

Since those finish checks are where the binding meets the wood, my experience tells me its from the wood expanding/contracting, and the binding not moving with it. I really doubt its anything to be concerned with.

Agreed!