Any tips on how to repair a laquer check on a Martin?

[Tremolo Arm]

I recently bought a Martin OM-42 made in 2012. The guitar is pristine except for a couple of check lines in the laquer on the top.







My luthier said they don’t go to the wood and I can just leave them alone but I’m concerned they might grow and I’m not fond on the aesthetics.

Is there a way to fix this without risking further damage?
Thanks

[Wade Hampton]

Not really, and certainly not cost-effectively.


whm

[stephenT]

Refinish the whole top would be the only way. No guarantee it wouldn't happen again though.

[vindibona1]

There are a couple videos on similar repairs. Not sure if this applies, but here they are (there are other tutorials similar to this that you might want to look up...

[Howard Emerson]

Those are the Martin bridge ‘whisker cracks’, and they occupy a novels worth of posted pages on UMGF.

If you were the original owner you’d have a shot at a factory refinish, but you’re not so you don’t.

I would learn how to ignore their existence if the guitar otherwise suits you, but if you can’t, I’ll bet there’s a queue waiting to buy it just the way it is.

Priorities.

Best,
Howard Emerson

[nickv6]

I have some of these cracks on my Gibson Byrdland and I've grown to rather like them......

[Tremolo Arm]

Thanks
It seems like there is no easy solution.
The only (relatively) simple solution I found is here: http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luth...checkfill.html
Still not sure I’m inclined to do that to Mr. Martin...

[Tremolo Arm]

Originally Posted by Howard Emerson

Those are the Martin bridge ‘whisker cracks’, and they occupy a novels worth of posted pages on UMGF.

If you were the original owner you’d have a shot at a factory refinish, but you’re not so you don’t.

I would learn how to ignore their existence if the guitar otherwise suits you, but if you can’t, I’ll bet there’s a queue waiting to buy it just the way it is.

Priorities.

Best,
Howard Emerson

Thanks Howard. I’m yet to subscribe to the UMGF but will head that way for some more information.

It doesn’t bother me too much as te checks are only visible from a certain light angle (luckily opposite the player position). I guess I was more worried if these
types of checks spread....

[Willie_D]

Those cracks are where the good tone leaks out. Also, they're a good start to the "naturally worn out Martin" look.

A friend of mine had a 70s Martin that seriously came to life when cold weather exposure caused his finish to check.

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by Tremolo Arm

Thanks Howard. I’m yet to subscribe to the UMGF but will head that way for some more information.

It doesn’t bother me too much as te checks are only visible from a certain light angle (luckily opposite the player position). I guess I was more worried if these
types of checks spread....

I’m much more concerned with checks that bounce!

They may spread, but you can drive yourself crazy.

That’s a very special guitar.

Enjoy it, and play it often!

HE

[Tremolo Arm]

Originally Posted by Howard Emerson

I’m much more concerned with checks that bounce!

They may spread, but you can drive yourself crazy.

That’s a very special guitar.

Enjoy it, and play it often!

HE

That's my very intention, sir! It surely sounds amazing!

[Neil K Walk]

Originally Posted by Willie_D

Those cracks are where the good tone leaks out. Also, they're a good start to the "naturally worn out Martin" look.

A friend of mine had a 70s Martin that seriously came to life when cold weather exposure caused his finish to check.

LOL. I like your attitude!

Guitars age like people. Consider them "crows feet" and that the guitar has found its voice.