What is the dark stripe where the top is bookmatched?

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Tnfiddler

What is that dark stripe?? It’s Awesome, that’s what it is!! Those dark lines add character to a top, in my opinion!!

Same here. Gives it character.

[John Arnold]

I think it is oxidation that occurred in the wood before the guitar was built. Very often, this happens because the wood was stored in a stack for an extended time after the initial seasoning. The edge darkened from exposure to light and air. This will tend to even out after the guitar ages. A careful luthier will trim off the darkened edge before joining the top, just to avoid this cosmetic issue.

[imc2111]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

I think it is oxidation that occurred in the wood before the guitar was built. Very often, this happens because the wood was stored in a stack for an extended time after the initial seasoning. The edge darkened from exposure to light and air. This will tend to even out after the guitar ages. A careful luthier will trim off the darkened edge before joining the top, just to avoid this cosmetic issue.

So it would get lighter with time? Is this something that would take several years?

[spock]

I think it looks awesome - gives it character and personality. Here is my 95 Taylor 512:

[guitar george]

It could be any of the things mentioned in the previous posts, but, some guitar tops can be built without any center seam visible, as in my Prudencio Saez G-3 classical guitar.

[Taylor Ham]

Originally Posted by imc2111

So it would get lighter with time? Is this something that would take several years?

Rather, the whole guitar will get darker. It might take 6 or so years before you look at the guitar one day and realize it. It also depends on how much sun the guitar gets.

[dnf777]

I think those dark stripes are known to cause cancer...but only if you live in California. Just kidding, looks like natural variations or glue as mentioned. I wouldn't fret over it! (groans...)

[John Arnold]

Darkening of the top is determined by how much UV exposure it gets. If it stays in the case most of the time, it will take longer than one that is left out.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by dnf777

I think those dark stripes are known to cause cancer...but only if you live in California. Just kidding, looks like natural variations or glue as mentioned. I wouldn't fret over it! (groans...)

LOL. Just wait for it ... there will be a warning label soon enough.

[Goodallboy]

Perhaps the OP can say once again whether he’s talking about dark stripes near the center seam, as some seem to have understood, or if he’s talking about the center seam itself.

There’s quite a bit of difference between the two.

[imc2111]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

Perhaps the OP can say once again whether he’s talking about dark stripes near the center seam, as some seem to have understood, or if he’s talking about the center seam itself.

There’s quite a bit of difference between the two.

Center seam itself.

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by imc2111

Center seam itself.

That’s what I thought you meant but wanted to clear it up after all the comments about the dark streaks in the wood.

Then that could most certainly be the start of a center seam separation. Like I said earlier, it’s no big deal. Some of the best guitars on the planet have that issue and you can ignore it as long as you don’t see a bigger separation or you feel the center seam starting to rise. If that happens, and you want to keep it and get the best resale for it, repairs will be in order.

A well known NC luthier told me he uses the cleats on brand new guitars he builds to keep that from happening.

Good luck and keep us posted.