How long does it take Nitro to begin to crack?

There's no set time for nitro to check, even old-school nitro. Every guitar goes through different experiences, climate changes, humidity changes, etc.

I have a 1965 SG Special, with the original nitro (have had it since 1967). It took many years of gigging to see noticeable wear and checking on the finish. I left it in band vans in freezing Michigan winter weather, and didn't care about the finish at all. I noticed the checking about twenty years ago. So on that guitar, it took over 35 years.

Point is, you just never know. Every guitar is different.
 
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