Finish checking ???

[josejose]

I have been offered a 1979 series 1 guitar. The finish looks original only it has very odd lacquer checking. Meaning the cracking is not like what you would see on most 50's 60's vintage guitars. instead of even small lacquer cracks this Alembic has 5 or 6 larger cracks that are not part of any pattern and they are long cracks but of coarse only the finish is cracked not the wood. my question is, is this common with Alembic finishes from the 70's

[mikedm]

My 19 year old bass has several long cracks in the finish and some seem to originate from where the control knobs are secured to the surface. As if a bit a overzealous tightening is responsible. Stress related or age appropriate? The wood under the cracks appears to be structurally intact. So, is it possible? From my limited experience with Alembics, I'd have to say, yes. If you're not pressed to close the deal, I'd wait to see what other feedback is offered up. Refinishing is always an option if the guitar lives up to your expectations.
 
And before I forget, welcome to the club.
 
Mike

[David Houck]

Hi Jose, welcome to the board!
 
The checking on my '77 is nothing like what you've described; and I think it looks great.  I would say that very few of the early instruments that I've seen have checking to the extent that you've described.  You can look at pictures of a lot of early instruments in our section.  That particular guitar you're looking at may have had some weather or care related issues.

[xlrogue6]

For a while in the late 70's/early 80's (if memory serves)Alembic used a finish called Poulane (sp?) which turned out to be subject to the kind of extreme checking you describe.  Needless to say, use of that stuff was discontinued as soon as the problem came to light!  You might want to factor the cost of a factory refin into your offer for this instrument.