Lacquer Problem, McCarty 2005

[sixstringoverdrive]

I found this lacquer problem where the neck joins the body on my 2005 McCarty recently:

I emailed this picture to a top, local PRS dealer and was told this is very common for PRS guitars of this era due to thick lacquer and a tight seal. He recommended I contact PRS to move forward.

I emailed PRS tech support and was told they think this happened due to the neck flexing. It would then cost $1,900 to fix - they'd have to refinish the whole guitar.

This McCarty is only 15 years old, has been well kept, and was a premium guitar in 2005.

Has anyone else had this issue??

 

[Rider1260]

Not on a PRS but yes on some SGs but way more severe, from dropping the case flat.
I good Luther should be able to touch that up if it really bothers you.
I've never seen PRS do a touchup so that is most likely why the high cost they might even be resetting the neck.

 

[bodia]

I had to go look at all of my guitars. Of the 15 I have, from a '91 to a '19, only 2 have what yours looks like. One is a beat to crap 2008 Mira, which doesn't surprise me. The 2nd is my '97 Santana I. It is in pristine condition, with not a mark on it. Never noticed it before. Probably won't again, either.

I completely agree with Rider's response. If it really bugs you, have a good local luthier take a look at it. PRS is going to do a complete refinish, at the minimum.

 

[sixstringoverdrive]

Any worries about the stability of the neck? I’m not concerned with the finish, I’m worried the neck is moving away from the body.

 

[shimmilou]

When I zoom in on the pic, it looks more like a small scratch instead of a crack.

 

[bluenova]

Any worries about the stability of the neck? I’m not concerned with the finish, I’m worried the neck is moving away from the body.

I wouldn’t have any worries about that, play the snot out of that thing.

 

[Rider1260]

I don't see anything in that picture that suggests the neck is separating or the neck joint is compromised, that would be the glue joint you see ( lighter seam ) between the neck and body.
If that area had a crack I would send it to PRS.
After looking at it again it might just polish out I believe it is just a small finish scratch or crack but nothing structural