DeathRaven4 Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 I’ve recently bought this 50s standard Les paul and I just opened up the guitar (which was shipped from Kansas to Georgia) and it seems like the paint is cracking. You can’t feel it on the surface but you can see it. Is this normal? Should I be worried about it? Box was sealed. This is my first Le Paul so any info will be very helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinch Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 (edited) Looks like cracks in the nitro finish, probably from temperature fluctuations. It's cosmetic if that's what it is (sure looks like it), but I'd be upset if it was a new guitar. I'd want a substantial discount. Edited November 4, 2021 by Pinch 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 Cold guitar in cold case opened up into warm room. Unless you're the one who did that I'd send it back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 43 minutes ago, SteveFord said: Cold guitar in cold case opened up into warm room. Unless you're the one who did that I'd send it back. This ^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 (edited) Gibson does not now, nor do I think they ever covered the finish in the warranty. Look at #7, #8, And #10. Gibson can not control humidity or temperature where the guitar is at any given moment once it leave the factory. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The store may take it back, not sure. This Warranty Is Subject to The Following Limitations: THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER: Repairs of cosmetic defects that are listed in the Warranty Evaluation, which can be found in your purchase materials. Any instrument that has been altered or modified in any way, or upon which the serial number has been tampered with or altered by any party other than Gibson or a Gibson Certified Service Center. Any instrument whose warranty card has been altered, or upon which false information has been given. Any instrument that has been damaged due to misuse, negligence, accident, or improper operation. The subjective issue of tonal characteristics. Shipping damages of any kind. Any instrument that has been subjected to extremes of humidity or temperature. Normal wear and tear (i.e., worn frets, worn machine heads, worn plating, string replacement, scratched pickguards, or damages to or discoloration of the instrument finish for any reason). Any instrument that has been purchased from an unauthorized dealer, or upon which unauthorized repair or service has been performed. Cracking, discoloration, or damage of any sort to the finish or plating for any reason. Edited November 4, 2021 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeathRaven4 Posted November 4, 2021 Author Share Posted November 4, 2021 4 hours ago, SteveFord said: Cold guitar in cold case opened up into warm room. Unless you're the one who did that I'd send it back. Received at 12. Placed inside my house right away. Waited 7 hours then I opened it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 (edited) 17 minutes ago, DeathRaven4 said: Received at 12. Placed inside my house right away. Waited 7 hours then I opened it That may fall under #6, and that may be so, but as we all can see from the photos, it unfortunately has nitro cracks in it. Get ahold of the place you bought it from and good luck. Edited November 4, 2021 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 (edited) 17 hours ago, DeathRaven4 said: Received at 12. Placed inside my house right away. Waited 7 hours then I opened it that answers that question, you did everything by the book. you haven't mentioned details on the transaction, but if this was bought new from a store, you really have a solid ground case for an exchange or refund. Edited November 5, 2021 by kidblast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinch Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 1 hour ago, kidblast said: that answers that question, you did everything by the book. you haven't mentioned details on the transaction, but if this was bought new from a store, you really have a solid ground case for an exchange or refund. Absolutely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karloff Posted November 11, 2021 Share Posted November 11, 2021 while I more than understand 99% of people saying return it, or you being upset about that, I'm not one that would lose sleep over it. but while I say that right now, I have several gutars that it would bother me if something cosmetic would occur to them. as stated by others, weather checking is cold guitar being opened in a warm room. Goldtops seem to age like that . some pay extra for that aged look. if that feels great, plays great, sounds great I would accept it and move on. beautiful guitar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted November 12, 2021 Share Posted November 12, 2021 I am not suggesting that you try this because the guitar is new & you have consumer rights. However, nitro checking can be reversed using heat. Check the video on Pete Honore relicing his Gold Top using a hair dryer (heat) and compressed air (cold). From about 5.30 onward. If you are tempted to keep the guitar, one option could be to see if the store will give you some discount (20% ?) then if you wanted, cautiously try heating the finish to remove the cracking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinch Posted November 12, 2021 Share Posted November 12, 2021 (edited) I had to watch the whole thing. Just... Wow. Now there's some perspective! Maybe even, as they say, too much f'n perspective now! Edited November 12, 2021 by Pinch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted November 12, 2021 Share Posted November 12, 2021 Most Retailers today have a 45 day Return or Exchange Policy… If you’re within the time Return or Exchange it… If not “Call” Gibson Customer Service & tell them your story & you want them to repair or replace it under Warranty.. One of the above should resolve your issue.. If not, Sell it… There’s never been a better time. Then buy another Guitar…. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted November 13, 2021 Share Posted November 13, 2021 16 hours ago, Larsongs said: If not “Call” Gibson Customer Service & tell them your story & you want them to repair or replace it under Warranty.. Gibson CS will almost certainly not be an option. See Sgt Peppers warranty post. Conditions 6 and 10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted November 13, 2021 Share Posted November 13, 2021 5 hours ago, merciful-evans said: Gibson CS will almost certainly not be an option. See Sgt Peppers warranty post. Conditions 6 and 10. You’re probably right about 6 & 10. But, I wouldn’t hesitate making the Call.. You never know.. Most 45 day Return Exchange Policies by most Sellers are for any reason… You can always ask for a substantial Discount.. The OP can always sell it.. This is the best time! Then buy another… Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mihcmac Posted November 13, 2021 Share Posted November 13, 2021 (edited) Finish Checking is normal on Gibsons Nitro finish, specially when exposed to temperature extremes and humidity changes. Edited November 13, 2021 by mihcmac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 (edited) I’ve yet to have a Nitro finish check & I’ve owned Gibsons & Epiphone’s for 30+ years.. Usually 3-4 or more at a time.. Most of them have been out of the Case on Stands or hung on the wall in my Studios over the years.. I take good care of them but I’m not a fanatic… But, I live in So Cal so I can’t say they are exposed to super extreme Weather conditions.. Curious how you all fare when traveling to Gigs in the Cold climates? You don’t have hours & hours to let them climatize in the Case.. You gotta Set up & play… Edited November 14, 2021 by Larsongs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eracer_Team Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 (edited) From what I read the original poster said the guitar was shipped to him, he opened the case and the guitar is checked. He said if it was brand new If it was used then ok for the checking. But if it was new and opened and its checked, either he needs to send it back or get a discount as he bought new Edited November 14, 2021 by Eracer_Team Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 It looks like he disappeared quite some time ago but I wouldn't have kept it. I only have a slight bit of checking on any of my guitars and it's because I couldn't wait another 12 hours to open up the case for a peek. As soon as I saw the condensation I slammed the case shut but a little bit had already started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarx88 Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 (edited) Think I am experiencing a similar thing. Just noticed these creaks close to the bridge. Guitar is placed on a rack and the room is constantly 18-20deg. Edited November 16, 2021 by dmarx88 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 Uh oh... I'm going to have to dig mine out and see if this isn't a factory f-up across the board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarx88 Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 Yeah I suspected it was Nitro cracks. Honestly I got worried because it looks like the cracks are starting just below the bridge, like there's to much stress in that area. Haven't changed settings since I got the guitar brand new from factory... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 Mine is a 2019, weighs about 5000 pounds and no checking so far. If these guitars are just checking sitting there my best guess is they weren't dried out properly in the kiln. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 I have two Standards, one a '95 wine red, the other a 2002 cherry burst. No checking anywhere on either. A '98 ES135, no checking 2005 SG Classic, 2012 SG Standard, no checking A 2016 SJ200, no checking.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted November 17, 2021 Share Posted November 17, 2021 25 minutes ago, Farnsbarns said: Yeah, that also happens but checking is still 'acceptable' in gibson's eyes and not covered by the warranty. until they move on from nitro, and they aren't,.. I am pretty careful about it tho. I keep the guitars in their cases, and try to be mindful of fast climate changes. At this point, it wouldn't matter to me if they did, They're in it with me for the long haul. but if I bought a brand new guitar, and upon opening the case, I saw all that stuff in the first post, there's no way I'd be happy or say I don't care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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