Help! there is a crack by the jack, what to do?

[psp742]

Hello to everyone,

I'm not sure where to post this, i recently post that i own a EA20B with serial 901324, bought used through Craiglist for $110 with a case (3 of 4 latch working).  this weekend i was just able to carefully look at the EA20 i bought, i notice some external crack by the jack (for the amp) and not sure if i can leave it alone or need to fix it asap.

Help!!!  i search online and see some repair it on their own...  i don't think i can do that clean a job... where can i have it fixed at affordable price with great result.  thanks.

[t.y.]

Is there a guitar store near you that has a luthier? That is the first place to start. Or ask them were they would get it fixed. If you live were there is no guitar stores, see if there is some one who repairs antiques around, as they would no who does wood. Just a couple places to start.  Also how deep do they go? Clear coat or to the wood?  Tom. 

[evenkeel]

Ok.  First take a deap breath.  There is a fairly good chance you can do nothing and all will be fine.  The sides and back on a EA20 are made with laminated wood, pretty tough stuff.  Even if there is a crack that goes thru the wood, it should be a simple fix.

If you run your fingers over the crack, can you feel a difference in height?  If not it's likely just a finish crack and I'd not worry about it.  If there is a crack in the wood, does it go all the way thru?  You may need a mirror to look inside and see.  A bit of glue worked into the crack, maybe a small cleat and you should be fine.  If you do not want to tackle it yourself, a good luthier can do this in a few minutes.  not a big deal.


If you will post a few pics so we can see what is going on, that will be helpful.

[psp742]

t.y. and evenkeel, thanks for the reply,

i don't know how to post picture into the forum so i link to my flicker account instead.  So far, i feel the crack is at the external finish by the output jack plug, if it is other area i may be ok with it, but the jack area may have more stress.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54785347@N00/6848728606/in/photostream/
picture of the crack

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54785347@N00/6994863135/in/photostream/
close-up of crack 

[evenkeel]

The two marks look more like scratches than cracks.  Particularly the one at 9 o'clock.

Have you looked inside the guitar to see what is going on?  I'd suggest you check that out asap.  Also look to see if there is a backing plate (just a small block of wood) or a fender washer on the inside.  If there is an inside plate or other reinforcement device, then more reason to do nothing.

Keep an eye on it, if the marks seem to grow, then get it into a luthier.  It's an easy fix.

[psp742]

it's actually cracks in the finish, maybe worse but not sure... when i feel the area it is flat so i suspect external only.   

this is the first acoustic guitar that i own...  i own a few Fenders and Squier Stratocasters, which i assembled and have upgraded. i was thinking of removing the strings then checking the suspect area with help of mirror and flashlight, but don't have extra strings and my setup skills are mediocre, i was thinking of tackling the minor repair with glue and some elbow grease (effort) but doubt i can do a clean job... 

she cost me $110 but i am willing to spend some money to make certain the jack area doesn't damage the guitar.  i read somewhere that if the 9v wires are short then it is made in Korea, is that correct?

i searched NJ local listing and will call the nearest guitar repair service.  wish me luck.

[Rocket]

That's merely a finish/lacquer crack as it doesn't follow wood grain as a wood crack would naturally do. Looks like possibly someone landed the guitar a bit solidly on the end jack, (or maybe rough shipper handling.)
Happens to many guitars finishes sooner or later, (more frequently MUCH later)... especially prevalent with brittle nitrocellulose lacquer finishes.
I wouldn't worry about it... shouldn't affect playability.

Note: If it is nitro finish... a smidge of superglue in each crack will fill and prevent further cracking.

[psp742]

i went to a local guitar music store and asked how much they charge for acoustic guitar finish repair.  since i didn't bring my guitar, i just show them a picture of the finish damage at the.  Without actually looking at the acoustic guitar, the guitar tech noted that he will not touch superficial finish... specially since i request repair that's unnoticeable..  he said they will use a glue to repair the finish by the jack area...

so i bought crazy glue and elmer's wood glue, guess i will tackle this on my own..  i will definitely follow the advice, find a washer to support the inside.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54785347@N00/6848405746

thanks guys...

Ric,