Hey Phil, If a bolt-on neck guitar does not have proper clearance holes in the guitar body for the screws to pass through, the neck will hardly ever set flush in the neck pocket. Factory workers will torque the screws down hard, but the gap doesn’t close. It only stresses the heel of the body. On a Fender Strat, for example, carefully remove the neck and ensure the screws pass through the body. Only the neck should have threads. Open the holes up with an 11/64” bit, if not. A super thin CA glue can easily be wicked into the crack from the inside and corner of the neck pocket where the crack is. An easy final buffing will make for perfect, invisible repair and the neck will sit flush and no longer stress the heel of the body. I have purchased two such guitars, both Fenders, USA and MIM, and requested nice discounts on them and did the easy repairs myself. Results are perfect and easy. Thank you for such an informative video. Blessings.
Chances are if you have to question whether or not a crack is in the finish or in the wood, it's just in the finish. If a crack is in the wood. Generally, there will be no question whether or not its a wood crack
Took pics of my Ibanez S Classic with this exact problem to send to you for diagnosis only last week, excellent timing and even better advise and info. Thanks Phil.
To maybe help others find out their "why" - From the video info I suspect, despite the guitar being exceptionally light, its from years and years of passing/carrying horizontally with my hand at around 7th-10th fret.
I’m jealous but I realise it takes a lot of work to do these vids. Darrel Braun’s collection drives me nuts. He does damn good vids but he’s not a great guitarist. Gets so much free stuff. He has more fenders than I have bones in my body.
Hey phil! Had my guitar beside me and just noticed it had a crack... clicked on this video and realized it wasn’t actually a wood crack. Thanks for these informative videos!
Hey Phil I was watching “off the Ranch” and Matt’s dad was rocking one of your shirts. He has a channel called “on the ranch”. If you don’t know them you should check em out , I love seeing the support between youtubers!
1) love that Strat with the all rosewood neck. 2) I don't feel like I've seen an older Fender that's been decently played without the neck pocket crack. Great advice on how to potentially avoid that going forward though! 🤘
Thanks Phil. I will add one more thing. Changing strings to a different guage, going from light to heavier strings caused it on an Epi Sheraton I once owned.
I love your videos like this. Those cracks don't bother me. Every old strat I owned had both sides cracked. Played fine. BTW I love this wall hangers you have
Great video. I had a bad habit of picking it up from the stand by the neck then rotating it 90 degrees (holding neck only) to plug in the lead/wireless unit with my right hand. Not anymore. Thank you.
I recently noticed this on my 2004 American Deluxe Strat. A small piece of the finish actually chipped off like a broken eggshell. Really had me bummed, but I know the crack is just in the finish and now I know why. Very timely video - thanks!
I own many Strat style bolt - on - neck guitars , dating back to the late 1970's . Fenders, Ibanez , Kramer and a really nice Hondo Fame. Every one has a pocket crack. Never experienced anything that effected the playability or tone. I refinished a Kramer Baretta made a small V shape about an 1/8 inch deep with a razor and applied two part epoxy to the crack. Reshaped it with sandpaper, shot primer and repainted. That was 3 years ago and the cracks haven't returned. Don't quote me , but it worked. Make sure to prep the area so the epoxy grips. Never seen one as severe as the picture from the video. I do have 40 plus years of luthier experience. Practice on something inexpensive.
YESTERDAY...i found a little tiny eyelash sized crack on my LP......THIS video makes me feel more relax about getting worse, but also i will pay more atention when someone want to grab my guitar, and the way i hold her. thanks man!!
My theory is quite simple, where the body meets the neck there is less paint compared to the back and side, plus its the stress point juncture. I bought a Fender Strat MIM back in 2018. I didn't bond with-it for some time, and it was on a guitar stand in a room, never really had direct sunlight on it, it cracked within a year roughly without much play.
I have a new headless guitar, that sadly fell to its face, and now i have a pocket crack😢 how could I know if it's just a finish crack and not a woid crack? Its not deep or long
Just stumbled oh to video and starting first project and went for a 96 RX series Ibenez that plays fine and got it at garage sale about 10 years ago and put new strings and set up Never play anymore and did not want to start first project on one off my better guitar or basses, just pups tuners, feet ends Take guitar out, and hair line cracks on spot that you mentioned but check it out plays fine always had tuning issues but it intonation is fine wonder if for the heck of it do it cheaply and get practice for an other project I do my own set up and fix most guitars except if something that I don't have confidence in doing on my expansive and vintage guitars I bring it to my very good Luthier, I think I spelled that right its early and have not had my coffee, thanks
I've bought brand new guitars that already had small hairline neck pocket cracks. I've concluded it's just a normal thing because of the wood. Basswood and poplar are soft. It's happened with nearly all my guitars and I baby them. Gibson, Jackson, Fender, B.C. Rich, Ibanez they all have the same problem but it was only in the lacquer.
SHHHH Phil... if manufacturers see this they'll consider it a 'relic' and charge more for it. Must be lucky... I've manhandled my 96 strat for over 20 some odd years... no bubbles, no troubles.
I've beat the livin hell out of my gibson explorer and a few other guitars when I used to play out....and not one crack. These are official relics from the road, not fake...... I'm a little more gentle with my newest line of guitars though.
Thanks for this. My 20something year old Lotus Tele copy has 'em, but they only recently showed up. It has had several falls through the years, but somehow that's the only damage.
Just received my glarry strat in the mail and it had this small crack. Randomly found this video and it makes me feel better lol. I emailed them earlier asking them if it's any concern.
In terms of playability and sound what would be the first things that got impacted by a hair line crack like these, but it's also on the wood not just the finish?
Thanks Phil. I always thought that over tightening the neck screws could cause finish cracks also. Same reason really, because the wood is soft, over tightening compresses wood... Wood moves paint does not. Thanks again.
I was tightening the bolts on the neck of my tele because the guitar store took it apart before they sold it to verify it was a legitimate fender (it was consignment). As I was doing that I heard a pop and noticed that a hair line crack appeared. It hasn’t spread thus far.
It’s an old Nashville Telecaster and it sounds absolutely amazing. I think it’s kinda a parts caster because the neck is clearly an American fender neck. But I couldn’t find much research on my many Nashville style teles were made in America. The shop certainly thought it was Mexican because I bought it for $400.
My MIJ 60's hybrid Strat has a small finish crack near the pocket, right in that spot. I've checked the neck pocket and there's nothing more, just in the finish. It did make me worry abit, since I got it used from a retailer. Seems fine though but I'm always aware of it. Hopefully it doesn't turn into something more. If I can do anything to prevent it from becoming a wood crack from a finish crack, I'd probably consider trying it.
Don't worry, it is highly unlikely that a crack in the finish will affect the integrity of the wood . . Your guitar is finished with layers of Polyurethane. It's pretty tough !
Too funny, discussing this exact issue as it pertains to a PRS Silver Sky 2 wall neck pocket vs Fender/Squier 3 wall neck pocket. That 3rd wall might just be what absorbs enough impact energy to save the neck pocket from cracking. If you've ever seen the rout of a PRS Silver Sky Strat, there is a 2 wall channel that goes from the neck pickup & thru the neck pocket area. Nothing for the heel of the neck to bottom, brace & stabilize against except for the side walls of the neck pocket. And that's where the thinner wood of the cutouts is weakest & where the crack(s) occur with any of them.
The late 80s epiphone strat copies are also notorious in cracking by the neck, as well. Mine has, and I've seen 2 others, in pawn shops, w/ the same problem.
I have a bass made out of basswood. and when there is no tension the thing sound like my back rolling over a chair lol. But with tension its fine. (it's a Jackson btw) and it's the David Ellefson KB. I have a regular Kelly Bird and a Spectra that are poplar. This makes sense. Thanks Phillip!!!
Thanks Phil. You brought up a simple thing that will keep your guitar looking and lasting great for a lot longer. I will guess that most of us don't even thing about how we hold our instruments. Thank you again!
In Canada, summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold are dry. My guitars hang out in my room, on display. Will the seasonal changes cause this damage? Also can you please do a video on fret sprout??
Question just ordered a fender strat It has a paint chip by the body by the neck I can only see it… should I send it back nor just keep if and see what the store cn do for me
My strat has a hairline crack on the neck pocket on the top horn. Got it used like that but the thing sounds so amazing that it doesn’t bother me at all
My Rg had a crack in the neck pocket ,it wasn't the epoxy paint it was the body ,there were splits also in the trem cavity as well ,so I made a new body using Mahogany, used the neck ,upgraded the hardware
i was looking at a Godin Progression Plus on Reverb which the seller says has stress cracks on the neck pocket, so I needed to look that up, and lo and behold Phil's video comes up. Great info. Will have to decide if I should take a gamble.
I am considering buying the rg 565 and the only thing i am worried about is these cracks. Should I go for another guitar or should I go for it and trust that's it's won't be a problem?
Thanks for that. I just recently picked up a 1990 Ibenez with that crack? I wasn't to worried about it, the rest of the guitar checks out. So this was some nice insight into that area. The reason I got the guitar is, well, I like obscure things and its a 1990 ex350. the wine red one with black pick guard. When I was a kid I remember seeing it in all of the guitar magazines but my parents could never afford a guitar like that. I used paper route money to buy an affordable Charvel. So when I saw that ex350 that I wanted as a kid, I offered the guy $150 without even playing it! He took it, so there ya go.
My 2006 MIM strat does have a slight hairline crack. It was kept in a gig bag for God knows how many years it had went by, and I just noticed the crack a few days ago when I took it out of the bag. However, it's now in the process of getting restored and upgraded with better aftermarket parts from head to toe.
Would a nine guitar stand cause hairline crack to Phil Because I found a hairline crack on my schecter and I got a little worried and I’m making sure that I’m checking my guitars to make sure they don’t have hairline cracks
I own around 40 guitars, mostly Fenders, Gibsons and Gretschs. I’ve never had a single hairline crack at the neck joint (but have seen many) until my last 2 Fenders - both brand new out the box with a hairline crack at the neck joint on the bass side. Both of them were seafoam green too, so maybe certain colors are more prone to it? Anyway, it wasn’t a big deal, as I specifically bought these 2 for my live rig. Having a finish flaw out of the box just means I can skip the period where I’m all precious about not wanting to damage my new guitar’s perfect finish. In a way they did me a favour I guess!
Ok Phil; I have a question. I own a 1983 Fender Standard Stratocaster; I commonly see these guitars being sold as Smith Stratocasters which they are not. What do you think of this? Are they just misinformed sellers? Are they misrepresenting a guitar to overcharge for it? Your thoughts please.
Thanks for this useful video, my 1995 Fender has a hairline crack on the finish too. I kept on wondering if that was a big deal or not. Now I know it's a relief after watch this.
Just remember::the only point of contact ( on a bolt on neck) that affects a sustain and playability, is where the neck pocket touches the back of the neck, where the neck plate is. The ‘walls’ of wood at the side of the body (where cracks usually appear) don’t need to be there at all. So whether you have a lacquer crack, or wood crack it doesn’t matter as long as your neck has good contact with the neck cavity ( the bolt on bit)
I picked up a Jim Root Tele at a good price because of a finish crack, barely noticeable but is there. I always try to pick up my guitars by the body as they are all in cases. Now that being said I always have my cases laid flat on the groud but that takes up a pretty good size foot print of carpet. Does storing the guitars in their cases standing up on their hinged edge or short bottome edge (bottom edge being where the bottom edge of the body is in the case) cause any long term issues?
Wow no shit? I purchased a new American pro tele almost a year ago and everything was good and after a few days I noticed A very small about 1-2mm crack that looked to be just in the finish in the exact same area and the exact direction as the picture in your video. I could feel it running over it with my fingernail and I just assumed it was perhaps a crack in the finish but really didn't know how deep it went or would go. It didn't sit well with me and I ended up taking it back and the salesman said I doubt it would turn into anything but exchanged it anyways and I ended up with a American original tele. But man I'm glad I took it back now, had no idea this was a "thing."
A friend of mine loaded up my prs standard without me knowing. He didn't check the case and it did a face plant onto the concrete from about 4 feet.. I don't know how or why but it only sustained ba couple of nicks on the bridge? Tough for a mahogany set neck guitar.
my esp strat lawsuit has hairline crack on both side but i think its just the finish hardly can be seen.shall i leave it alone??the neck is one piece maple solid as steel.
I have a 1991 Ibanez RG570PN that doesn't have the crack. I've had several from this time period that have all had the cracks. Never has a single one of them have issues as a result.
I bought a partscaster for a reasonable price and it had the cracks you have described. Plays nice though and I like it a lot, play it every day. Hindsight is a good thing and perhaps I should have been more careful. We live and learn. Thanks for sharing Phil 😀🎸
Hey Phil, what about the hairline in between the two nuts of the back of neck of a guitar with a locking trem? Can you show a way to fix this? Of course my RG565 has thas along with the neck pocket cracks.
Funny how you mention holding a guitar by the neck. I always do this and none of my guitars have cracks. I really never put much tbought into it until now.
Thanks bro. My Fender bullet with Warmoth neck has a tiny hairline crack at the neck joint, I was worried but it even seems to be buffing out a little, so I guess it's not the wood.
I had one that just appeared out of no where! It was on it's back but the neck wasn't supported, and someone turned the heat right up in the room, and then the power went out and its winter here! I hope it's as easy as super glue to fix
So just to be clear. Those Hercules foldable stands that hold like 5 to 7 guitars in a leaning type position are good because the majority of the weight is on the body..
While guitar construction varies by brand and model, the leverage mechanics are the same. I would say the principles for correct handling are the same for all guitars that you care about.
my epiphone sg special just developed a crack on both sides. i've owned it for about 9 years. hopefully nothing terrible, but I'll play it til the neck falls off.
@@brainjordan9732 I've never had that happen on any of my acoustics. Electric guitars usually have a thin set neck at the base while acoustics have a thicker neck that is glued down from factory so I think it's a little unlikely for it to happen.
@@Jacobsideways64 yes actully I bought an acoustic which have a hairline crack there. And it is made of basswood body. It has a high gloss finish. is this a finish crack?
Oh wow, I've never encountered anything like this before, and I've been playing for almost 17 years. And I've just followed your rules as it came natural to me, don't hold the guitar sideways by the neck. It's just common sense.
I have a strat that I brought to a very well know luthier...I wont name him but when I got the guitar back it had a finish crack in the neck pocket...which was NOT there before...and also some super glue on the back of the neck...as well as a ding in the fretboard edge...wood fray...i think he dropped it. I hope the wood in the neck pocket isn't cracked.
I think if you knock it over, its gonna hairline crack more. Or close you rear car door on it. And most cases, the soft case. But over tightening the neck bolts will do it.
Makes sense, thanks! I was bummed to notice some of these hairline cracks in my Gray 2002 Fender Toronado, which is pretty much mint otherwise.
Wow, always learning new stuff here on this channel
Hey Phil, If a bolt-on neck guitar does not have proper clearance holes in the guitar body for the screws to pass through, the neck will hardly ever set flush in the neck pocket. Factory workers will torque the screws down hard, but the gap doesn’t close. It only stresses the heel of the body. On a Fender Strat, for example, carefully remove the neck and ensure the screws pass through the body. Only the neck should have threads. Open the holes up with an 11/64” bit, if not. A super thin CA glue can easily be wicked into the crack from the inside and corner of the neck pocket where the crack is. An easy final buffing will make for perfect, invisible repair and the neck will sit flush and no longer stress the heel of the body. I have purchased two such guitars, both Fenders, USA and MIM, and requested nice discounts on them and did the easy repairs myself. Results are perfect and easy. Thank you for such an informative video. Blessings.
Chances are if you have to question whether or not a crack is in the finish or in the wood, it's just in the finish. If a crack is in the wood. Generally, there will be no question whether or not its a wood crack
Took pics of my Ibanez S Classic with this exact problem to send to you for diagnosis only last week, excellent timing and even better advise and info. Thanks Phil.
To maybe help others find out their "why" - From the video info I suspect, despite the guitar being exceptionally light, its from years and years of passing/carrying horizontally with my hand at around 7th-10th fret.
How many guitars does philip own? Has he ever done a collection video? I would like to see one
Yeah that would be cool to see
+1
I would love to see all his instruments, guitars and basses.
Oh hell yea I would definitely like to see that!
I’m jealous but I realise it takes a lot of work to do these vids. Darrel Braun’s collection drives me nuts. He does damn good vids but he’s not a great guitarist. Gets so much free stuff. He has more fenders than I have bones in my body.
My parents always handled me by my neck. I've got a big crack anyway.
You might be on crack.
Ive got some bruises.
Im concerned that i might be a banana. Im not sure how to get checked for certain.
@@jonhmonroney12 You'll be a smoothie by tomorrow
My mum dropped me on my head when I was a wee bairn..been cracked ever since..
Woah!
😂 😂
See that's why my Jem needs that handle.
Hey phil! Had my guitar beside me and just noticed it had a crack... clicked on this video and realized it wasn’t actually a wood crack. Thanks for these informative videos!
Hey Phil I was watching “off the Ranch” and Matt’s dad was rocking one of your shirts. He has a channel called “on the ranch”. If you don’t know them you should check em out , I love seeing the support between youtubers!
1) love that Strat with the all rosewood neck. 2) I don't feel like I've seen an older Fender that's been decently played without the neck pocket crack. Great advice on how to potentially avoid that going forward though! 🤘
Thanks Phil. I will add one more thing. Changing strings to a different guage, going from light to heavier strings caused it on an Epi Sheraton I once owned.
If you didn't want the crack to lengthen could you just reinforce it with a little super glue ?
I love your videos like this. Those cracks don't bother me. Every old strat I owned had both sides cracked. Played fine. BTW I love this wall hangers you have
Great video. I had a bad habit of picking it up from the stand by the neck then rotating it 90 degrees (holding neck only) to plug in the lead/wireless unit with my right hand. Not anymore. Thank you.
I recently noticed this on my 2004 American Deluxe Strat. A small piece of the finish actually chipped off like a broken eggshell. Really had me bummed, but I know the crack is just in the finish and now I know why. Very timely video - thanks!
You should be happy. It’s authentic relicing
More excellent information! Thanks! And that "Fly" on your wall is the best looking "Fly" I've ever seen!
If my guitar already has a crack and I start holding it properly and handing to other people the correct way will the crack go away?
No, buddy, thats not how that works.
Yes. That is definitely how that works.
Hahahaha oh dude.... Stop drinking tap water
I own many Strat style bolt - on - neck guitars , dating back to the late 1970's . Fenders, Ibanez , Kramer and a really nice Hondo Fame. Every one has a pocket crack. Never experienced anything that effected the playability or tone. I refinished a Kramer Baretta made a small V shape about an 1/8 inch deep with a razor and applied two part epoxy to the crack. Reshaped it with sandpaper, shot primer and repainted. That was 3 years ago and the cracks haven't returned. Don't quote me , but it worked. Make sure to prep the area so the epoxy grips. Never seen one as severe as the picture from the video. I do have 40 plus years of luthier experience. Practice on something inexpensive.
Thanks for explaining that. i have them on my rg560. its 30+ years old but still plays like a champ.
YESTERDAY...i found a little tiny eyelash sized crack on my LP......THIS video makes me feel more relax about getting worse, but also i will pay more atention when someone want to grab my guitar, and the way i hold her. thanks man!!
My theory is quite simple, where the body meets the neck there is less paint compared to the back and side, plus its the stress point juncture. I bought a Fender Strat MIM back in 2018. I didn't bond with-it for some time, and it was on a guitar stand in a room, never really had direct sunlight on it, it cracked within a year roughly without much play.
I have a new headless guitar, that sadly fell to its face, and now i have a pocket crack😢 how could I know if it's just a finish crack and not a woid crack? Its not deep or long
Very good Phil! you have gotten good at these videos!
Just stumbled oh to video and starting first project and went for a 96 RX series Ibenez that plays fine and got it at garage sale about 10 years ago and put new strings and set up
Never play anymore and did not want to start first project on one off my better guitar or basses, just pups tuners, feet ends
Take guitar out, and hair line cracks on spot that you mentioned but check it out plays fine always had tuning issues but it intonation is fine wonder if for the heck of it do it cheaply and get practice for an other project I do my own set up and fix most guitars except if something that I don't have confidence in doing on my expansive and vintage guitars I bring it to my very good Luthier, I think I spelled that right its early and have not had my coffee, thanks
I always thought it happened when a guitar was built with a neck pocket that was too snug/tight.... Can that also be a cause or not as likely?
I've bought brand new guitars that already had small hairline neck pocket cracks. I've concluded it's just a normal thing because of the wood. Basswood and poplar are soft. It's happened with nearly all my guitars and I baby them. Gibson, Jackson, Fender, B.C. Rich, Ibanez they all have the same problem but it was only in the lacquer.
is the same applies to acoustic guitars too?
SHHHH Phil... if manufacturers see this they'll consider it a 'relic' and charge more for it.
Must be lucky... I've manhandled my 96 strat for over 20 some odd years... no bubbles, no troubles.
I've beat the livin hell out of my gibson explorer and a few other guitars when I used to play out....and not one crack. These are official relics from the road, not fake...... I'm a little more gentle with my newest line of guitars though.
Thanks for this. My 20something year old Lotus Tele copy has 'em, but they only recently showed up. It has had several falls through the years, but somehow that's the only damage.
Just found my 1st neck pocket cracks on my JP6. Good information Phil. Tnx!
Just received my glarry strat in the mail and it had this small crack. Randomly found this video and it makes me feel better lol. I emailed them earlier asking them if it's any concern.
In terms of playability and sound what would be the first things that got impacted by a hair line crack like these, but it's also on the wood not just the finish?
Thanks Phil. I always thought that over tightening the neck screws could cause finish cracks also. Same reason really, because the wood is soft, over tightening compresses wood... Wood moves paint does not. Thanks again.
Hey does overtightning the neck can spread the cracks? and does it affects the wood of the neck? I am a beginner so I don't know much about it.
I was tightening the bolts on the neck of my tele because the guitar store took it apart before they sold it to verify it was a legitimate fender (it was consignment). As I was doing that I heard a pop and noticed that a hair line crack appeared. It hasn’t spread thus far.
Ive had this happen too...having owned so many older guitars, ive just accepted it as a normal thing lol.
It’s an old Nashville Telecaster and it sounds absolutely amazing. I think it’s kinda a parts caster because the neck is clearly an American fender neck. But I couldn’t find much research on my many Nashville style teles were made in America. The shop certainly thought it was Mexican because I bought it for $400.
@@4the0cean i love those finds!
My MIJ 60's hybrid Strat has a small finish crack near the pocket, right in that spot. I've checked the neck pocket and there's nothing more, just in the finish. It did make me worry abit, since I got it used from a retailer. Seems fine though but I'm always aware of it. Hopefully it doesn't turn into something more.
If I can do anything to prevent it from becoming a wood crack from a finish crack, I'd probably consider trying it.
Don't worry, it is highly unlikely that a crack in the finish will affect the integrity of the wood . . Your guitar is finished with layers of Polyurethane. It's pretty tough !
Too funny, discussing this exact issue as it pertains to a PRS Silver Sky 2 wall neck pocket vs Fender/Squier 3 wall neck pocket. That 3rd wall might just be what absorbs enough impact energy to save the neck pocket from cracking. If you've ever seen the rout of a PRS Silver Sky Strat, there is a 2 wall channel that goes from the neck pickup & thru the neck pocket area. Nothing for the heel of the neck to bottom, brace & stabilize against except for the side walls of the neck pocket. And that's where the thinner wood of the cutouts is weakest & where the crack(s) occur with any of them.
The late 80s epiphone strat copies are also notorious in cracking by the neck, as well. Mine has, and I've seen 2 others, in pawn shops, w/ the same problem.
The s310s.
I have a bass made out of basswood. and when there is no tension the thing sound like my back rolling over a chair lol. But with tension its fine. (it's a Jackson btw) and it's the David Ellefson KB. I have a regular Kelly Bird and a Spectra that are poplar. This makes sense. Thanks Phillip!!!
Thanks Phil. You brought up a simple thing that will keep your guitar looking and lasting great for a lot longer. I will guess that most of us don't even thing about how we hold our instruments. Thank you again!
In Canada, summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold are dry. My guitars hang out in my room, on display. Will the seasonal changes cause this damage? Also can you please do a video on fret sprout??
Question just ordered a fender strat It has a paint chip by the body by the neck I can only see it… should I send it back nor just keep if and see what the store cn do for me
My strat has a hairline crack on the neck pocket on the top horn. Got it used like that but the thing sounds so amazing that it doesn’t bother me at all
My Rg had a crack in the neck pocket ,it wasn't the epoxy paint it was the body ,there were splits also in the trem cavity as well ,so I made a new body using Mahogany, used the neck ,upgraded the hardware
That blue strat is gorgeous by the way..
i was looking at a Godin Progression Plus on Reverb which the seller says has stress cracks on the neck pocket, so I needed to look that up, and lo and behold Phil's video comes up. Great info. Will have to decide if I should take a gamble.
Omg I was about to go back to guitar center and unleash cerberus. Thank you for this informative video.
Thanks a million for putting my mind at ease about the slight crack in my Fender Jaguar.. i was really worried even though its tiny 😄
I think most cracks are from being bumped into something or dropped. I handle all my Fenders by the neck when I pick them up, and no cracks.
I am considering buying the rg 565 and the only thing i am worried about is these cracks. Should I go for another guitar or should I go for it and trust that's it's won't be a problem?
When you put neck shim, some guitar eg. Vintage will also produce finish hairline crack.
Man very good video! Ever teaching me!
VERY informative. Been looking for information on this for a while now. I am glad you covered it. Thanks, Phil!
Thanks for that. I just recently picked up a 1990 Ibenez with that crack? I wasn't to worried about it, the rest of the guitar checks out. So this was some nice insight into that area.
The reason I got the guitar is, well, I like obscure things and its a 1990 ex350. the wine red one with black pick guard. When I was a kid I remember seeing it in all of the guitar magazines but my parents could never afford a guitar like that. I used paper route money to buy an affordable Charvel. So when I saw that ex350 that I wanted as a kid, I offered the guy $150 without even playing it! He took it, so there ya go.
Most white Kramer Nite-V I've seen have this crack in the paint, which also usually extends to the neck pickup cavity.
Thanks for the great advice Phil!
My Fender have finish crack on the back plate that holds the neck down through the trem cover. What cause that to happened and how to fix it? Thnx
My 2006 MIM strat does have a slight hairline crack. It was kept in a gig bag for God knows how many years it had went by, and I just noticed the crack a few days ago when I took it out of the bag. However, it's now in the process of getting restored and upgraded with better aftermarket parts from head to toe.
Would a nine guitar stand cause hairline crack to Phil Because I found a hairline crack on my schecter and I got a little worried and I’m making sure that I’m checking my guitars to make sure they don’t have hairline cracks
I own around 40 guitars, mostly Fenders, Gibsons and Gretschs. I’ve never had a single hairline crack at the neck joint (but have seen many) until my last 2 Fenders - both brand new out the box with a hairline crack at the neck joint on the bass side. Both of them were seafoam green too, so maybe certain colors are more prone to it? Anyway, it wasn’t a big deal, as I specifically bought these 2 for my live rig. Having a finish flaw out of the box just means I can skip the period where I’m all precious about not wanting to damage my new guitar’s perfect finish. In a way they did me a favour I guess!
Ok Phil; I have a question. I own a 1983 Fender Standard Stratocaster; I commonly see these guitars being sold as Smith Stratocasters which they are not. What do you think of this? Are they just misinformed sellers? Are they misrepresenting a guitar to overcharge for it? Your thoughts please.
Hey brother thanks for the great info again. My project guitar has this and I have no idea how to repair it.
Thank you sir for these information, it helps a lot.
Thanks for this useful video, my 1995 Fender has a hairline crack on the finish too. I kept on wondering if that was a big deal or not. Now I know it's a relief after watch this.
Just remember::the only point of contact ( on a bolt on neck) that affects a sustain and playability, is where the neck pocket touches the back of the neck, where the neck plate is. The ‘walls’ of wood at the side of the body (where cracks usually appear) don’t need to be there at all. So whether you have a lacquer crack, or wood crack it doesn’t matter as long as your neck has good contact with the neck cavity ( the bolt on bit)
Great explanation and visual aid Phil ! Cheers !
Nothing to do with the subject but your PRS Mira behind you looks very cool.
It would have been so nice to get an SE Mira IMHO.
So hanging a bolt on guitar on a wall hook won't put stress on the neck pocket?
I picked up a Jim Root Tele at a good price because of a finish crack, barely noticeable but is there. I always try to pick up my guitars by the body as they are all in cases. Now that being said I always have my cases laid flat on the groud but that takes up a pretty good size foot print of carpet. Does storing the guitars in their cases standing up on their hinged edge or short bottome edge (bottom edge being where the bottom edge of the body is in the case) cause any long term issues?
Wow no shit? I purchased a new American pro tele almost a year ago and everything was good and after a few days I noticed A very small about 1-2mm crack that looked to be just in the finish in the exact same area and the exact direction as the picture in your video. I could feel it running over it with my fingernail and I just assumed it was perhaps a crack in the finish but really didn't know how deep it went or would go. It didn't sit well with me and I ended up taking it back and the salesman said I doubt it would turn into anything but exchanged it anyways and I ended up with a American original tele. But man I'm glad I took it back now, had no idea this was a "thing."
Thanks for that. My Les Paul has these and I was worried it was a real issue so much so I decided to not play it so much.
Interesting. My Les Paul has crazy paving hairline cracks in the binding on the lower bout , underneath the lacquer.
A friend of mine loaded up my prs standard without me knowing. He didn't check the case and it did a face plant onto the concrete from about 4 feet.. I don't know how or why but it only sustained ba couple of nicks on the bridge? Tough for a mahogany set neck guitar.
my esp strat lawsuit has hairline crack on both side but i think its just the finish hardly can be seen.shall i leave it alone??the neck is one piece maple solid as steel.
I have a 1991 Ibanez RG570PN that doesn't have the crack. I've had several from this time period that have all had the cracks. Never has a single one of them have issues as a result.
Thanks Philip, I live in Africa with extreme humidity changes and was worried about a crack like this on my Telecaster.
how is your guitar now?
I bought a partscaster for a reasonable price and it had the cracks you have described. Plays nice though and I like it a lot, play it every day. Hindsight is a good thing and perhaps I should have been more careful. We live and learn.
Thanks for sharing Phil 😀🎸
Hi. Where do you buy your guitar hangers that hold the guitar at an angle? Thanks!
Hey Phil, what about the hairline in between the two nuts of the back of neck of a guitar with a locking trem? Can you show a way to fix this? Of course my RG565 has thas along with the neck pocket cracks.
Crazy...my RG has no cracks in neck pocket
My Charvel pro 2 with caramelized neck...does???
Funny how you mention holding a guitar by the neck. I always do this and none of my guitars have cracks. I really never put much tbought into it until now.
Also removing/replacing the neck improperly can cause these, bu more often that causes chips.
SWEET! Thanks Phil. You saved my guitar!
Thanks bro. My Fender bullet with Warmoth neck has a tiny hairline crack at the neck joint, I was worried but it even seems to be buffing out a little, so I guess it's not the wood.
I had one that just appeared out of no where! It was on it's back but the neck wasn't supported, and someone turned the heat right up in the room, and then the power went out and its winter here!
I hope it's as easy as super glue to fix
How do you like that rosewood neck strat? Just got a WD replacement rosewood for my MIM strat and I’m in love. They have such a nice unique feel
So just to be clear. Those Hercules foldable stands that hold like 5 to 7 guitars in a leaning type position are good because the majority of the weight is on the body..
I have a '93 Les Paul. I know the head stock is prone to cracking. I hang it on a vertical hanger. Is that a bad idea?
Can you please tell me is the same applies to acoustoc guitars too?
While guitar construction varies by brand and model, the leverage mechanics are the same. I would say the principles for correct handling are the same for all guitars that you care about.
Is holding it at the neck joint (bolt-on point) one handed a problem?
Hey Phil how do you like that Daphne blue strat that you held in the video. I have the turquoise one with the rosewood and it's my new favorite axe
What is that guitar to your right that has the red to yellow finish?
Hi Andrew it is a Ibanez AZ video coming really soon
JoelsMIMStrat they’ve (Ibanez) stopped selling that color now
my epiphone sg special just developed a crack on both sides. i've owned it for about 9 years. hopefully nothing terrible, but I'll play it til the neck falls off.
Hey, is the neck is in same condition now or it got damaged more now?
@@brainjordan9732 same condition. Just the small Hairline crack.
@@Jacobsideways64 is the same applies to acoustic guitars too?
@@brainjordan9732 I've never had that happen on any of my acoustics. Electric guitars usually have a thin set neck at the base while acoustics have a thicker neck that is glued down from factory so I think it's a little unlikely for it to happen.
@@Jacobsideways64 yes actully I bought an acoustic which have a hairline crack there. And it is made of basswood body. It has a high gloss finish. is this a finish crack?
I have a BC Rich Bich that has this and it’s over 30 years old I’m not worried about it
Oh wow, I've never encountered anything like this before, and I've been playing for almost 17 years.
And I've just followed your rules as it came natural to me, don't hold the guitar sideways by the neck.
It's just common sense.
What’s your favorite tuner/headstock layout?
I have a strat that I brought to a very well know luthier...I wont name him but when I got the guitar back it had a finish crack in the neck pocket...which was NOT there before...and also some super glue on the back of the neck...as well as a ding in the fretboard edge...wood fray...i think he dropped it. I hope the wood in the neck pocket isn't cracked.
None of my guitars have cracks in them i just checked. Yay! Even ones iv'e owned for years are still just fine.
I think if you knock it over, its gonna hairline crack more. Or close you rear car door on it. And most cases, the soft case. But over tightening the neck bolts will do it.
How can you minimize the crack from getting longer?
My Ibanez 84 dt350 had one if these but I figured it was just the paint they used back then cause the rest of it's was cracked too lmao
I had an old Ibanez Rg that had the small cracks and a BC Rich as well.