About Chris Jaster Expertise Any question related to electric or acoustic guitar/bass repair or building finishing etc.
Experience I'm a professional luthier (guitar builder) and owner of JBC Instruments in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. We are a successful guitar repair and building shop focused on attention to detail, pride in workmanship and total customer satisfaction.
Education/Credentials Certificate of Luthiery (Building/Repairing stringed instruments) obtained from Timeless Instruments in Tugaske Saskatchewan Canada under Master Luthier David Freeman.
Expert: Chris Jaster Date: 3/19/2008 Subject: Finish cracks at heel joint
Question Hello Mr. Jaster,
I was wondering about the cost and repair time to a red strat that has small finish/stress cracks near the heel. Is this an arduous and expensive repair? Is it even worth it? Will this pose a structural problem in the future? Thank you so very much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Chris
Answer Hello Chris. If the crack is just in the finish than it will pose no structural problem, if it is in the wood you may want to have it tended to as it could get worse over time. Plus the longer you wait the more it fills up with dirt and goo etc. As far as worth repairing.... that's entirely up to you. Personally I like old guitars that have cracks and dings in the finish. However if you want to repair a small area of finish it usually is not an overly expensive repair and can often be touched up very well. It's hard to be definite without a hands on look or at least a pic of the area in question. You could send me a pic if you want to johhny_11_11@hotmail.com and than perhaps I could be more precise.
Hope this helps.
Chris Jaster
Luthier
