Is this bad

[hairtumor]

New to guitars. Picked up a Martin DCM acoustic electric cutaway on craigslist for $699. There appeared to be a crack on the soundboard from the bridge to the back of the guitar, the guy I bought it from said that was where the two pieces of wood joined tigether. Starting to feel like I got ripped off. Is this fixable?

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[blakejcan]

Re: Is this bad

That's not normal

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Is this bad

Welcome to the forum.

How far up/down the Martin price range does that model sit? A two piece top might be seen on a really low budget instrument but the joint would be expected to be dead centre and dead straight.

The feature on the OP guitar is neither central nor straight. It appears to run with the grain. Grounds for either a discount or a refund.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Is this bad

Yeah for that money it shouldn't have any structural issues. Why would you take it knowing it had the crack?

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Is this bad

Soundboard damage like that might be repairable, but it will never sound the same/right again. It's something like a salvage title car.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Is this bad

Well, the seller wasn't wrong. That is where two piece of wood come together, where they used to be one...

 

[czarokrates]

Re: Is this bad

Classic matter with acoustics, until it breaks play or return (other way go meet the luthier ofc. costs paid by the seller). The truth is that it could be the lacquer brake, need to have closer photos.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Is this bad

Well, here is one on Reverb that sold for $550+$60s/h. It has some cracks/wear and tear. These other DCM are sitting at $725 and $799.

It could be just the lacquer and would be a cosmetic issue only or it could be the wood cracking (it is in line with the wood grain and Spruce is not a super strong wood) and would need some attention depending on how bad it gets (especially if the guitar gets moved around between humid and dry areas.)

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Is this bad

Martin will probably make the repair if you contact them. They have a lifetime warranty for original owner. Probably some discount for second and third owners

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[Detroitblues]

Re: Is this bad

Common problem with Martins if they are not properly taken care of. The top split, but its repairable. Not sure if the guitar is worth it. D18, D28, D45's... Probably worth... D15 or below.... Not so much...

 

[hairtumor]

Re: Is this bad

Good news. It's already been repaired. Just getting it set up and then the lessons start. Thanks for the help.


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[treyhaislip]

Re: Is this bad

Good news. It's already been repaired. Just getting it set up and then the lessons start. Thanks for the help.


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Good to hear! How was it repaired?

Also, you may want to put some oil that bridge (and if the fretboard looks the same it as well.)

 

[VinceT]

Re: Is this bad

You mention you're new to guitars - cracks in the top often happen when the wood dries out too much - low humidity, etc. - make sure you get a good humidifier - one of the Oasis in-case ones works well if you can't put a room humidifier in. Also, if your luthier didn't check, see if the bridge is lifting off the top (that'll usually start at the corners facing the strap button).


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