Crack around the neck joint on SGs

VergDan

VergDan

New member
Just got a old stock Tokai traditional SG with crack around the back of the neck joint. The dealer says it's just cracks on the finish due to temperature changes. Is it a common problem, am I worrying too much?
I mean, it sounds great and plays good, and it's below half of its original price.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

Finish cracks are standard operating procedure on SG neck joints. Unless it's really wobbly or having tuning problems, it's most likely OK.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

I have some finish cracks in my Music Man neck joint. As long as it is just in the finish, there is nothing to worry about. Just don't go using the 'bend the neck' vibrato technique.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

IMG_5791.jpgIMG_5792.jpg
Here are some photos. The cracks extend to the side of the joint. To be honest, I am worried.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

Thats an interesting one. It doesn't actually follow where the join in the wood is.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

Experience. I've been doing guitar repair for 40 years - much of it as an authorized Fender and Gibson service tech at big music stores in the Midwest.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

To me, that looks like a finish crack. Unless it sustained a blow right there, and the wood itself is not as stable as the joint, which is unlikely though not impossible.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

That looks like it is just a finish crack and as hasbeen said is par for the course with SGs
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

Yeah, if that crack was in the wood there's no way you'd be able to get it strung up with a set of tens & play it without it snapping off fairly quickly. A typical S.G. in standard tuning has about 200 lbs of tension on it's neck, (which is probably why there's a crack in the finish in the first place?) couple that with the 17* headstock angle that a Gibson S.G. has, (I'm assuming the Tokai is the same) & it would be a recipe for disaster if that crack actually went into the heel....
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

Also, be very careful that you are using the original manufacturer's case-aftermarket cases are not all treated equal and can put stress on that joint. SGs are susceptible to this more than other guitars.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

Well, SOMETHING had to move to have caused that crack. Small finish cracks are common in the finish beside some Ibanez neck pockets because the tightening of the bolt on neck stresses the paint there. The neck on an SG should have been set well before any finish was applied. I would avoid buying that one if it was my money.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

No kidding. You are aware that wood and finishes expand and contract at different rates with fluctuations in temperature? This is how the lacquer on vintage guitars will craze. A finish crack doesn't mean the neck is loose.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

True, but that isn't an old finish checking. That is a large crack in relatively new finish.
 
Re: Crack around the neck joint on SGs

AGAIN - 40 years in the guitar repair biz here. The crack DOESN'T MATTER.
 
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