Heel crack cause opinions please (Taylor PS-14C)

[Blind Dog]

Any opinions on likely, or possible, cause of this crack?


(seller's image cropped)

Copy & paste from ad'.
"This would be listed as mint condition except for a small crack on the saddle (see pictures). Even though I have kept a humidifier in the case, apparently it got a little dry at one point in time. This slight blemish doesn't affect the sound in any manner."

There's really only one shot of the heel ('saddle'), but there is a pic' of the case. (hmmm...) I'm assuming it's the ohsc, and included, but the ad' doesn't actually include that information.


(seller's image cropped)

I was shopping for something different, but this isn't what I had in mind.

The seller wants $6K, and says it's only been out of the case, 'a hand full of times'. Could just be the pic', but strap button appears well worn. Along with the case, and its latches.

I've never owned a Taylor. I think they're exclusively bolt on, but this is a 'Presentation' koa, so I'm even less sure.

With no signs of moisture visible on the exterior of guitar, and I'm no expert, this makes me suspicious trauma is more likely. And then I wondered, with their bolted neck design maybe this is something fairly unique to dehydrated Taylors.

I'm going to pass on the guitar, but I'm awake, and pondering.

Thanks, and have a great Sunday.

[mirwa]

Taylor classifys that one as a shipping crack,if the instrument is in tune and the case falls over, the heel splits at one of the lugs, typically the bottom insert, nothing to do with humidity it’s purely from mishandling.

I have seen and repaired a few Taylor’s with this issue, it’s not an expensive repair due the ability of being able to remove and refit the neck with ease.

Steve

[Blind Dog]

Thanks Steve. The seller could have their reasons, but it's kinda like selling a 'Vette with a flat tire. I wouldn't consider selling until the repair was completed.

[John Arnold]

Yes, it is because the bolt concentrates the stress. For all those believers in bolt-on necks, this is the downside.....particularly a problem with the Taylor design.

[murrmac123]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Yes, it is because the bolt concentrates the stress. For all those believers in bolt-on necks, this is the downside.....particularly a problem with the Taylor design.

The problem would be totally eliminated for all bolt-on necks by incorporating a glued vertical 1/2" dowel in the heel and using hanger bolts instead of these cheesy threaded inserts.

[John Arnold]

That is exactly what I did on the few bolt-ons I built. Also, a tenon will increase the strength of the heel. I later learned that Collings has a similar design.