String tension on cracked top?

[wood&wire]

I'm asking this on behalf of a friend. He dropped his GS Mini more than 3 weeks ago and has been dragging his feet to get it repaired.

I suggested to him that keeping the instrument under full string tension for this long could potentially exacerbate the problem. OTOH, is it possible that relieving string tension for extended periods of time could cause different problems?

Pretty sure the answer to this question is "Get it repaired!" I'm just trying to give him informed recommendations. Thanks everyone.

[ProfChris]

Not sure tension will make it much worse a crack, as it reaches the edges now.

But dirt will quickly get in, preventing a near invisible repair.

Over time the top will distort somewhat, making a repair either more costly or more visible.

[wood&wire]

Originally Posted by ProfChris

Not sure tension will make it much worse a crack, as it reaches the edges now.

But dirt will quickly get in, preventing a near invisible repair.

Over time the top will distort somewhat, making a repair either more costly or more visible.

Thank you.

[CharlieBman]

I'd remove the strings and get it repaired asap. Nothing good is going to come out of the situation otherwise.