Major "Checking"

[fett]

I need advise. This a very nice acoustic I have that is checked bigtime. I also have a 1968 Epi with the same problem. Do I dare do anything or will it just make the checks swell? Thanks

[dg]

There is no repair for finish checking except a complete refin. About all you can do with a lacquer-finished guitar is try to prevent checking by being super careful about temperature or humidity changes.

[fett]

I thought about oiling it (Lemon). But I just felt that the oil would seep and raise the lacquer. Maybe leaving it alone is the right course. We all know that we want to improve the finish.

[dg]

I think you're absolutely right that oiling will just make things worse.

[secks]

Hello fett,

People pay thousands of dollars more for a murphy aged les paul reissue and I think checking has added to the beauty of your guitar. I would keep it that way and enjoy.

[Mr Metal]

There is no repair for finish checking except a complete refin. About all you can do with a lacquer-finished guitar is try to prevent checking by being super careful about temperature or humidity changes.

+1

[Budman68]

I love it just how it is, Bill

[fett]

It is kinda cool. It weighs a ton. This is not a "Name" guitar. It's a Martin replica from a maker that I could find no info on. $35.:ROTF:

[orange9]

Nice looking axe. I like the grain. How does it sound?

[bibz]

To me a nice tight crazing/checking adds to a vintage guitar. It makes it show its age and its awesome! Wait until it starts falling off in your hands before refinning imo.

[ADR]

Me likes checking

fett: My 56 is checked,see :

[Grumpy]

As mentioned above the best course of action is to leave it alone. As lacquer ages it becomes brittle but the wood still expands and contracts with temp and humidity. I put my guitars in their cases should I see big changes in the weather coming. This may not make the the finish last any longer but that's what my mind tells me.