64 j-45 brace issue

[Joe B]

I was playing my 64 Gibson J-45 the other day and I noticed a small 2" crack on the back. Upon further inspection, I noticed the lower bottom back brace was splitting slightly and lifting on both ends. The crack itself is over the brace on one side. I had the bridge reset 2 years ago and it did not have this issue or we would have noticed. It has spent most of the time in the case and has not been hit. Do you think it's an environmental thing? Just wood moving?

[jedzep]

I think you're onto it, Joe. It's certainly old enough and Hawaii gets it's share of dry and wet. If the brace isn't arcing and is just coming unglued get it in for a reglue and crack fix, then be observant of any further movement. Your repair guy can twirl it around and look for anything wierd like a warped back. I'd keep it hung on a wall where you can grab it, play it, and inspect often without having to mess with a case. It'll live another 50 yrs.