What is (are) the cause (causes) of finish checking?

[RonLovesRic12strings]

My 370/12 RM has developed some finish checking......that is, hairline "cracks" in the clear coat, especially along the neck binding next to the frets. The checking on the body is only noticeable at certain angles where the light reflects off the thin cracks. Does this finish checking significantly affect the resale value?

[jdogric12]

I suppose an unchecked one would sell for more than a checked one, all else equal, but it's a normal thing, and definitely common on the 370RM era. And if "all else is equal," in theory they should have the same amount of checking. PW can better comment on the "what causes it" part of your question.

[sloop_john_b]

I don't think checking would hurt the value much. Nearly all vintage guitars have it to some degree and many of the RM's I've seen have it too.

What causes it? Basically, the wood expanding and/or contracting and the finish not moving.

[woodyng]

It's caused by Global Warming,of course! I really dig it,personally,as long as it hasn't progressed to the stage of the finish falling off the body....

[jingle_jangle]

I've been called on to refinish a number of RMs in MG whose varnish has checked enough to be of concern to their owners. It seems to be an issue on these because whatever CV was used back then is less resilient than other CVs used before and after. (This is just a guess...) RMs also seem to have more CV than other Ricks of their vintage, perhaps because they were super-premium limited editions.

What causes it? Thermal shock. Always acclimate a Rick to temperature by storing in its case for 24 hours or so before unpacking and playing.

[bartyclue]

My 370/12 RM has developed some finish checking......that is, hairline "cracks" in the clear coat, especially along the neck binding next to the frets. The checking on the body is only noticeable at certain angles where the light reflects off the thin cracks. Does this finish checking significantly affect the resale value?

If I had to choose between the same vintage guitar that had checking and one that didn't, I would go for the one that did. To me they look far better, and I know this is crazy talk.. but I think they sound better. I have two relatively in age,comparable basses at home and one is checked and the other not at all. Be it circumstance ,coincidence or what have you, the checked one sounds better. My band mates also concur.. and when I dont bring the checked one they ask where is it..Most serious collectors have no problem with it has also been my experience. Now purposely relic'ing a guitar.. thats just stupid.

[sloop_john_b]

and I know this is crazy talk.. but I think they sound better. I have two relatively in age,comparable basses at home and one is checked and the other not at all. Be it circumstance ,coincidence or what have you, the checked one sounds better. My band mates also concur.. and when I dont bring the checked one they ask where is it..Most serious collectors have no problem with it has also been my experience. Now purposely relic'ing a guitar.. thats just stupid.

Do the two basses have the same exact pickups? Pickup height? Strings? Are the strings the same age? Same body wood? Fretboard wood? String height? Bridge?

Check these things before you go and say something like "a guitar with checking sounds better".

Now purposely relic'ing a guitar.. thats just stupid.

Right. That's just stupid.

[bartyclue]

Do the two basses have the same exact pickups? Pickup height? Strings? Are the strings the same age? Same body wood? Fretboard wood? String height? Bridge?

Check these things before you go and say something like "a guitar with checking sounds better".

Really?? You don't think that was a given? Of course all those factors were the same. Other than one is one year older than the other...strings, bridge, Setup (They are my basses after all) they are COMPARABLE...

[jingle_jangle]

Think whatever you want, but I'd bet that although an oscilloscope might find a difference if set at a very high level of sensitivity and resolution, the human ear would not be capable of hearing any difference due to even severe checking. The difference is probably down to different pieces of wood and/or different aging factors, not to mention factors like wire, solder, pot batch, pickup windings and the resonance of the "TREBLE TONE" knob and whether it has a brass or plated steel screw.

"One of my cars idles smoother whenever it gets detailed..."

[bartyclue]

Think whatever you want, but I'd bet that although an oscilloscope might find a difference if set at a very high level of sensitivity and resolution, the human ear would not be capable of hearing any difference due to even severe checking. The difference is probably down to different pieces of wood and/or different aging factors, not to mention factors like wire, solder, pot batch, pickup windings and the resonance of the "TREBLE TONE" knob and whether it has a brass or plated steel screw.

"One of my cars idles smoother whenever it gets detailed..."

Like I said.. " I know this is crazy talk"

[jingle_jangle]

[jps]

Now purposely relic'ing a guitar.. thats just stupid.

Right. That's just stupid.

+1! I do like a good, naturally checked instrument.

[cjj]

Now purposely relic'ing a guitar.. thats just stupid.

Right. That's just stupid.

+1! I do like a good, naturally checked instrument.

I do too, especially if you're talkin' about binding!

[jingle_jangle]

Now purposely relic'ing a guitar.. thats just stupid.

Right. That's just stupid.

+1! I do like a good, naturally checked instrument.

I do too, especially if you're talkin' about binding!

I do like a good, naturally checked sport jacket...

[weemac]

I thought it was caused by Mojo!

Eden.