Nitro finish on Gibson guitars cracking (common or not)

[Reavengeance]

Was just interested in asking other fellow Softies this intriguing question, if you do possess a Gibson guitar with nitro finish, have you seen any form of cracks appearing around your guitar?

Given I just recently got one, and though i bought it this year, it was manufactured in 2012, and already I'm facing a myriad of problems with it, from issues with a sunk strap button to now realising the neck region where its glued to the body actually has a fine crack running through it.

I hear its a common problem with nitro finishes on Gibson guitars, but given two years only? Is that common? I try to tell myself it lends character to the guitar.

 

[eljo89]

Nitro does check over time, my 90s Gibsons both have checking. But after just 2 years? Unless it's been heavily heavily abused it shouldn't be happening.

How'd the strap button sink? The crack at the neck region happens too, but it's usually alright if it's just the paint, and if the neck isn't moving.

 

[Reavengeance]

Nitro does check over time, my 90s Gibsons both have checking. But after just 2 years? Unless it's been heavily heavily abused it shouldn't be happening.

How'd the strap button sink? The crack at the neck region happens too, but it's usually alright if it's just the paint, and if the neck isn't moving.

It was that way when i purchased it from an online store in NSW. One of the dangers of purchasing online without having seen or held the guitar in hand. I originally thought the sunken strap lock was due to over drilling into the body of the guitar but after attempting to see the extent of the damage by removing the screw and attempting to move the strap lock i realised it was stuck and sunk into the body of the guitar, and i suspect it was dropped

Its quite a huge bummer, and on further inspection i noticed the neck region of the paint is cracked. Doubt the store kept those guitars in proper condition where the guitar won't heat up and expand and cool...

And i'm stuck because right now I can't return it for a refund as they'd only give me store credit for it. Huge bummer.

 

[seeyoudownthere]

The change in temp and humidity is usually the cause of cracking but one of the accepted characteristics of these finishes. Assuming it was bought in Australia that explains a lot. Dry as hell over there versus moist SG! Don't worry it doesn't affect anything.

RE the crack around the neck body join...get it looked at. Whilst this could be part of the reason why the strap button has sunk so much (via a drop) a luthier will be able to assess and get it fixed. Note this crack may also be a result of the temp/humidity change so more reason to have it checked.

Most of these things can be repaired but it's expense and annoyance however don't let this drag you down. It's going to be a fine instrument once it's the way it should be.

 

[junkiemanxl]

I have a 1999 goldtop, it has check marks too..
I think this is very normal for nitro finishes.
I kinda like it to age this way