Can my '91 EG 4 with hairline body crack be easily repaired?

[JonDee]

My EG 4 has a hairline body crack running from the tail up to and under the bridge. Hard to see in the picture but it's along the red dotted line. Worryingly, it's on both sides, although it doesn't run all the way up to the tremolo housing cavity. I am a complete dunce when it comes to the build and technical stuff, but I suspect if it is a 3-piece body, then the joint is breaking down.

I don't really know when it started happening but the guitar's seen a lot of life and played many gigs. It's certainly fallen over more than once and had its fair share of knocks and bumps along the way.

Is this something that can be repaired? It still plays as well as ever and I can't detect any lack of sustain. But I worry that another bump and it could possibly split. If I tap the body it's possible to hear some kind of slight movement - if that makes sense?

Any advice gratefully accepted.

PRS Crack — Postimages

postimg.cc

 

[Mentalo87]

Are you sure it's a crack by definition and not just the finish shrinking into the seam line of the body parts? I also suspect that this is a 3pc body. Unfortunately I can see anything on the photo.

 

[bodia]

Are you sure it's a crack by definition and not just the finish shrinking into the seam line of the body parts? I also suspect that this is a 3pc body. Unfortunately I can see anything on the photo.

I'd agree with this. A three piece body where the finish is sinking into the seam.

 

[JonDee]

Thanks @Mentalo87 & @bodia

It's not a new guitar - built in 1991 so 34 years old and the crack shows on both sides.

I have had a closer look and on the back surface the crack actually does run all the way up to the tremolo cavity. In fact there is a small difference in height when brushing a finger over it.

Also, it continues round the tail's face in one continuous line front to back. I'm pretty certain it is a crack and not some kind of settlement.

IMG 3502 — Postimages

postimg.cc

 

[sergiodeblanc]

If there isn’t any indication of an impact (ie:big dent/obvious damage) I’d agree with the others that it may be the finish sinking into a multi piece body.

 

[DISTORT6]

A little help…



DO NOT zoom in on the headstock…

 

[sergiodeblanc]

A little help…



DO NOT zoom in on the headstock…

 

[JonDee]

bare knuckle Irish tour

A little help…



DO NOT zoom in on the headstock…

Ah yes, I hadn't noticed, the full guitar shot is a photo from a while ago, just after my son had been using it for a year or two.

And of course I don't expect you'll believe me... but current strings are now neatly trimmed and no one could take offence.

 

[DISTORT6]

Ah yes, I hadn't noticed, the full guitar shot is a photo from a while ago, just after my son had been using it for a year or two.

And of course I don't expect you'll believe me... but current strings are now neatly trimmed and no one could take offence.

Trimming is the least of it.

 

[AP515]

I agree, not a crack. The seem line is just more visible. Enjoy it with pride.

And fix that Christmas tree!

 

[JonDee]

I have to fess up. I thought the headstock issue in the pic was the strings not being clipped. @AP515 @DISTORT6

But what else is amiss?

**asking for a friend**

 

[bodia]

I have to fess up. I thought the headstock issue in the pic was the strings not being clipped. @AP515 @DISTORT6

But what else is amiss?

**asking for a friend**

You want them to look like a Christmas tree.....at least that's what the "Wing Snobs" will say....

 

[JonDee]

Ah, I see. Thanks, @bodia

To be honest they are the only thing I don't really like about the guitar. I find them a real faff to use when stringing - to initiate the biting point - so trying to get that pattern would drive me crazy (do I now need to go into hiding?)

Mind you, I bought the guitar in pre YouTube days so I might just be doing it wrong. I'm off in search of a video to see how it should be done..

 

[bodia]

Ah, I see. Thanks, @bodia

To be honest they are the only thing I don't really like about the guitar. I find them a real faff to use when stringing - to initiate the biting point - so trying to get that pattern would drive me crazy (do I now need to go into hiding?)

Mind you, I bought the guitar in pre YouTube days so I might just be doing it wrong. I'm off in search of a video to see how it should be done..

Straight from the "horse's mouth". All hail the Great Skitchy!

 

[JonDee]

Straight from the "horse's mouth". All hail the Great Skitchy!

Many thanks. I thought that's how they worked but seeing exactly what needs to be done is very helpful.

Previously, my method has been to approach the task in a foul mood, caused by remembering the faffing around the last time I restrung it. This would be followed by 30 minutes of hopeless fiddling, during which time I would throw several tantrums, kick the cat and turn the air blue with nonstop effing and blinding. Eventually this method got the damn things on the guitar. However, I knew I was not doing it correctly.

The video looks much more organised. So much so I have just ordered a new pack of strings and I will give the fretboard a long overdue cleanup and restring the guitar.

Should I achieve the perfect Christmas tree effect, I will be sure to post a picture.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Ah, I see. Thanks, @bodia

To be honest they are the only thing I don't really like about the guitar. I find them a real faff to use when stringing - to initiate the biting point - so trying to get that pattern would drive me crazy (do I now need to go into hiding?)

Mind you, I bought the guitar in pre YouTube days so I might just be doing it wrong. I'm off in search of a video to see how it should be done..

Watch out for the “wing” police, with their pitch forks and flaming torches.

 

[TheCraftsman]

You want them to look like a Christmas tree.....at least that's what the "Wing Snobs" will say....

Is “Wing Snobs” an elite offshoot of the forum ?? Some may call that ACD

 

[DISTORT6]

There’s only correct and incorrect.

 

[bodia]

Is “Wing Snobs” an elite offshoot of the forum ?? Some may call that ACD

Secret Society!

 

[TheCraftsman]

Sound like the kinda guys who pay $80 for 6 chicken wings and eat em with a knife a fork