Minor Damage in Neck

[John Arnold]

They were well packed

Any padding behind the peghead?

Were the strings completely loose? To prevent this particular break, it is better to loosen the strings a few semitones, rather than all the way.

Where is the neck cradle in the case? If the cradle is nearer to the body, rather than just below the nut, the whiplash is more likely.

While an overly tight truss rod can exacerbate the situation, it is rarely the cause of such damage.

The usual scenario involves the shipping box stood on its end, peghead up. The box falls over, toward the back of the guitar. Guitar shipping boxes are relatively long and thin, and the bottom end may be crushed so that they do not stand up straight. A gentle tap is all that is required.

[Fathand]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Any padding behind the peghead?

Were the strings completely loose? To prevent this particular break, it is better to loosen the strings a few semitones, rather than all the way.

Where is the neck cradle in the case? If the cradle is nearer to the body, rather than just below the nut, the whiplash is more likely.

While an overly tight truss rod can exacerbate the situation, it is rarely the cause of such damage.

The usual scenario involves the shipping box stood on its end, peghead up. The box falls over, toward the back of the guitar. Guitar shipping boxes are relatively long and thin, and the bottom end may be crushed so that they do not stand up straight. A gentle tap is all that is required.

I did not see the packing. My understandingng is they were packed in heavy padded gig bags, in boxes with cardboard supports around the neck. strings were almost at pitch when brought to me. Both guitars had virtually the same breaks and similar back bow. Both cracks opened up when strings loosened and closed when truss rod loosened.

I was able to open the cracks by tightening the truss rod and inserting wedges under the nut area. Applied titebond, loosened truss and put neck in my vise with padded jaws. The 2nd one comes out today.