Saberslash Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 (edited) Hello everyone, I purchased Gibson Songwriter Bourbon Burst 2021, which has paralelogram mother of pearl inlays, and I see that one of the inlays has crack in it. It is mother of pearl material. My question is, is it something that can expand over time and should I be worried about it? I am not certain but I think I can't feel it under the finger. I understand that mother of pearl is natural product with weaknesses and inconsistencies, and I think it adds character to guitar, I just wonder if this can make bigger problem in the future(cracking all the way, soaking lemon oil when conditioning board, maybe fell out etc)? One more question, are those inlays glued to board with their whole surface? So if it cracks from end to end, it will still remain inside fingerboard since both parts are glued. I can't and don't want to exchange or return guitar since this one is perfect sounding, and awesome. Also I can't send it for warranty fix since I am outside USA. Thank you in advance. https://ibb.co/nsxzxzx https://ibb.co/3SKKstf Edited November 30, 2021 by Saberslash image not visible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwlsky Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 (edited) Found this from Science Daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140324090250.htm "A material similar to ceramic, although extremely tough, is found in nature.. Mother-of-pearl, which covers the shells of abalone and some bivalves, is 95% composed of calcium carbonate (aragonite), an intrinsically fragile material that is nonetheless very tough. Mother-of-pearl can be seen as a stack of small bricks, welded together with mortar composed of proteins. Its toughness is due to its complex, hierarchical structure where cracks must follow a tortuous path to propagate. It is this structure that inspired the researchers......." Since all wood expands and contracts with different humidity, maybe long term the subtle movements of the fretboard may worsen the crack over time. But that's just a guess. P.S. I've always wanted a Songwriter. Edited November 30, 2021 by Kwlsky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saberslash Posted November 30, 2021 Author Share Posted November 30, 2021 @Kwlsky So what do you suggest, just play it and leave the thing alone? 😄 Maybe crack will get bigger but I will still have inlay in fretboard hahha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwlsky Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 I have no first hand experience with cracked mother of pearl (knock on wood). Maybe a luthier can chime in. Do you have an experienced luthier or guitar tech near you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saberslash Posted November 30, 2021 Author Share Posted November 30, 2021 I spoke to one and he said if he fills that gap(adds CA glue or whatever), that filler will harden, and than next time inlay will crack in other place due to wood expansion and contraction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 I could have a guitar for 40 years and never see that crack, (unless it got worse). Now I'll need look closely at the inlays on my guitars! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwlsky Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 I would definitely give Gibson a call and see if it is under their warranty. It Certainly can't hurt. Here is another thread with a similar issue: http://gretschpages.com/forum/modern-gretsch-guitars/cracked-mother-of-pearl-inlay-worth-fixing/69523/page1/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 7 minutes ago, Kwlsky said: I would definitely give Gibson a call and see if it is under their warranty. It Certainly can't hurt. Here is another thread with a similar issue: http://gretschpages.com/forum/modern-gretsch-guitars/cracked-mother-of-pearl-inlay-worth-fixing/69523/page1/ Interesting thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 I checked.... my 1979 Dove (with MOP Paralelograms).... nothing visible. I'll check my Hummingbird 12-String, (also with MOP Paralelograms) later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbpicker Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 I would rub a little thinned titebond glue in the crack and never give it another thought. rbi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanCarlosVejar Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 2 of the fretboard inlays on my J 200 developed cracks over time … they never got any worse . JC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saberslash Posted November 30, 2021 Author Share Posted November 30, 2021 1 hour ago, JuanCarlosVejar said: 2 of the fretboard inlays on my J 200 developed cracks over time … they never got any worse . JC Can you post some pics please? I wonder how does it look like. Thanks in advance @JuanCarlosVejar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard McCoy Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 (edited) It looks like a natural line or ridge within the mother of pearl rather than a crack. Natural mother-of-pearl inlay material isn't always all regular and uniform. Edited November 30, 2021 by Leonard McCoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 No cracks in any of mine, but I would not lose sleep over it if there were. If one falls out, just glue it back in. I suspect StewMac has videos on inlay work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhanners623 Posted December 1, 2021 Share Posted December 1, 2021 5 hours ago, Leonard McCoy said: It looks like a natural line or ridge within the mother of pearl rather than a crack. Natural mother-of-pearl inlay material isn't always all regular and uniform. I'm no expert, but going from the photos, I'd tend to agree it is a natural feature. Just as MoP isn't always regular, it can also vary in quality. How does lighting affect the look of the line, if at all? Absent some other problem, it is not something I'd fret over. (Sorry. Couldn't resist....) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saberslash Posted December 2, 2021 Author Share Posted December 2, 2021 (edited) I sent message to Gibson warranty service and they told me if dealer confirms that this is crack indeed, it can be shipped and fixed on Gibsons expense at Gibsons european repair center in Nethrlands.. I am not sure is is smart to ship guitar from Croatia to Nethrrlands, especially during the winter see image: https://ibb.co/3dph1X0 Edited December 2, 2021 by Saberslash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard McCoy Posted December 2, 2021 Share Posted December 2, 2021 Definitely not a crack... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanCarlosVejar Posted December 9, 2021 Share Posted December 9, 2021 On 11/30/2021 at 3:30 PM, Saberslash said: Can you post some pics please? I wonder how does it look like. Thanks in advance @JuanCarlosVejar Here you go : https://ibb.co/rc7B2Bd JC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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