"Finish checking"

[cheyenne]

I posted this over on the "Vibrola" thread, then realized I probably should have posted it here for you Paul. You are the finish expert.

Here goes:

I know the leading cause for finish checkng is abrupt temperature change,, but do some Rick's just start to "check" for no apparent reason.??

I got a call from a puzzled friend of mine complaining about the finish cracks on his '97 Jetglo 4003. I went over and varified what I would consider "light" checking around the D and G side top portion of the headpiece and on the left side of the bridge.

I pretty much can guarantee that this bass has never been out of the house except for the rare summertime photo op,, he's about like me,, babies the hell out of his instruments, keeps them in a nice, non-smoking home, and keeps it in the case when he's not playing.

Opinions???

[beatlefreak]

Possibly from dry wood being re-humidified (or over humidified), causing it to expand at a different reate than the finish?

[jingle_jangle]

I don't think so.

Here's a more likely scenario: The bass has had its finished retouched. Has your friend owned it since new? This sort of thing often happens when clear lacquer (nitrocellulose or acrylic clear) is sprayed over a portion of a CV finish by a well-meaning luthier or finisher after a touch-up of a paint defect. Following buffing on a wheel, this is undetectable for awhile. But after a few years, the CV (which is very ductile; it expands and contracts with changes very adaptably) under the lacquer (which is more brittle) will cause the lacquer to haze and even crack.

If your friend bought it new and it's never been repaired, I'd have to give it some more thought. After 10 years this is a tough one to scope out, and any of my comments would then be largely theoretical.

[cheyenne]

Im not sure if he bought it new or used. I'll find out. The overspray thought makes alot of sense though.

[johnallg]

I thought this thread had something to do with CB from Finland!

French Polish anyone - now there's a mixed metaphor.