Lowden cold checking/cracks?

dodge · #1 01-13-2018, 09:23 AM

I bought this beautiful 1995 Lowden F-12C last week. I noticed in the right light I can see these small lines in the top, I cannot feel anything when I run my finger across them. The guitar is 23 years old and in great shape just wondering if I should be concerned with these developing into a problem. It's my first Lowden so I'm not sure if this a common thing for them thanks for any help.
https://imgur.com/gallery/wtQPt

mattwood · #2 01-13-2018, 09:26 AM

Those appear to be finish checking which is very common especially on older guitars. No problem at all. Likely caused by some temperature change at some point. Congratulations.

dodge · #3 01-13-2018, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattwood

Those appear to be finish checking which is very common especially on older guitars. No problem at all. Likely caused by some temperature change at some point. Congratulations.

Thanks. The guitar came from Colorado it was very cold last week but I did follow all the steps for allowing the guitar to acclimatize.

Earl49 · #4 01-13-2018, 11:36 AM

It may have been cold exposure, it may have been age, or it may have been dryness. Checking occurs because wood can expand and contract for the reasons listed above, and lacquer really cannot -- it's brittle.

Was the checking present before shipping? This actually looks pretty minor. I have some checking on a couple of nitro lacquered guitars that have never really seen serious cold or shipping exposure after purchase (living and used at home).

dodge · #5 01-13-2018, 11:45 AM

It wasn't mentioned by the seller. I have had the guitar for a week and I just noticed it when the sun was shining on it at a certain angle. I certainly not worried about it aesthetically just more concerned with any serious issues it may cause.

ManyMartinMan · #6 01-13-2018, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodge

... just more concerned with any serious issues it may cause.

Not likely to cause anything, especially serious. Some people actually feel they have experienced an "opening up" after a guitar's finish checks.

#7 01-13-2018, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodge

Thanks. The guitar came from Colorado it was very cold last week but I did follow all the steps for allowing the guitar to acclimatize.

Which is not foolproof...I've made lots of wintertime trips with various guitars and never had a problem. I'd generally let the guitar warm up for several hours, often overnight, before opening the case. I did the same thing just recently with a new guitar and ended up with significant checking. See photo below. It bothered me for less than 5 minutes. I call it "character".

dodge · #8 01-13-2018, 12:46 PM

I read your thread about it Todd. I also have a 1963 Hummingbird that looks a hundred times worse than yours but sounds amazing.

westman · #9 01-13-2018, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodge

It's my first Lowden so I'm not sure if this a common thing for them thanks for any help.
https://imgur.com/gallery/wtQPt

not a common thing or we'd have heard of finish issues before, I'd contact them for advice first dodge

JayBee1404 · #10 01-13-2018, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westman

not a common thing or we'd have heard of finish issues before, I'd contact them for advice first dodge

If you can't just live with the finish checking, Westman's advice is exactly what I'd do. Call Lowden (email can be slow) and discuss with them. They are very helpful and should be able to advise.

I don't believe they have a registered dealer in AB, but they have Maple Street Guitars in Atlanta GA, and Righteous Guitars in Roswell GA.

http://www.lowdenguitars.com/hello