Author Topic: Varnish cracking (Read 720 times)

krystoof · « **on:** November 11, 2012, 05:45:06 AM »

Hello, everybody at Alembic and forum fellows!

First of all, I'm not anglophone and I hope you will forgive my crappy english, ayayay! ;-)
I just wanted to submit this problem I have on my MK 5 string : the varnish is cracking on the a part of the back. The bass has been built in 2003, I 'm not the first owner and I have been playing about 250 gigs for the last 3 years.
If you have any informations, please, let me know.
Regards from France

Here is a picture of the problem
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/152/p1060211.jpg/]

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cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2012, 08:23:08 AM »

In my experience, cracking like that is usually caused by sudden, extreme temperature changes; for example, bringing it in from an unheated equipment truck in winter and opening it immediately, rather than giving it a couple hours in the (closed) case to warm gradually. Other than that, I don't know.

Peter

hammer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2012, 01:23:47 PM »

My experience has been the same as that of Peter. Happened to my first bass because I got lazy after a Friday night gig and left my instrument out in the van in 20 degree (f) weather rather than bringing it in to the hotel.

krystoof · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2012, 04:08:03 AM »

Hi, guys!
Thank you so much for your experience report! I would have liked someone from Alembic to answer the question, but that's a good start for finding out what may be the cause of this problem...
Have a good day! :-)

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2012, 01:17:22 PM »

Hi Christophe,

Sorry it took a couple of days to respond to you (I try hard to not work on Sunday if it's possible).

What Peter and Brian is correct. While the instruments are quite durable, they are not indestructible. I've only seen this a few times, most notably on Jimmy Johnson's main touring bass (which he recently had us refinish).

JimmyJ · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2012, 02:42:31 PM »

Yes, below is a before picture of what happened to my bass.

Because the checking was so localized we're not sure if the cause was thermal shock or related to body heat drawing moisture from inside the cavity. This bass has been exposed to every possible atmospheric condition so I'm surprised it didn't fall apart years ago!

And after a visit to HQ it looks like new again. Yay!
Jimmy J

krystoof · « **Reply #6 on:** November 14, 2012, 04:37:28 AM »

Thanks, Mica and Jimmy (man ,I'm answering to Mica AND Jimmy Johnson! Woohoooooo!!!!!!!)
Well, the point is that I put the bass on the market, and I have no idea of the cost for repairing this. I guess it takes to remove and put a new varnish on the whole body.
Anyway, I didn't notice any change in the sound of the bass...
It's funny because it is exactly the same cracking spot on my bass and on Jimmy's.
Have a good day! :-)
Xtof

hammer · « **Reply #7 on:** November 14, 2012, 10:52:01 AM »

WOW! You guys must generate a LOT of body heat when you play. Jimmy, from the photo your bass looks more like it blistered from heat as opposed to the cracks that appeared on mine.

krystoof · « **Reply #8 on:** November 15, 2012, 05:12:13 AM »

Do you think sweat can be the origin of this problem?

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #9 on:** November 15, 2012, 06:40:53 AM »

No.

Peter

JimmyJ · « **Reply #10 on:** November 15, 2012, 09:28:43 AM »

Ha! Well, I let this go for quite a while and didn't pursue repairs until it started to snag my shirts...

The finish is really impervious to moisture from the outside - it's like boat finish. I don't think even the most acidic sweat would bother it. This is why Mica was thinking my checking related to moisture rising from inside the bass.

The cavities are not hermetically sealed so dampness can work it's way in. And I've been caught in a few weather events over the years after which the bass went back into its trunk and onto the truck. So it's taken some abuse. (Hmmm, maybe some 18v internal heaters to dry things out in those instances...?)

Considering the relatively complicated nature of Alembic gear the build quality is simply outstanding! From the beginning they've always made road-worthy gear and I've had very little trouble over the past ... 35+ years (good Lord).

Jimmy J. (old guy)

terryc · « **Reply #11 on:** November 15, 2012, 04:25:00 PM »

Nothing wrong with being an old guy
With age comes wisdom, poor eyesight and cheap car insurance!

jacko · « **Reply #12 on:** November 16, 2012, 06:51:45 AM »

I've seen Jimmy's car - Not sure it needs insurance . HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Just kidding :-)

Graeme

krystoof · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2012, 02:27:45 PM »

Thanks for your comments, everybody, that's really nice!!
I would just want to know what kind of varnish is on the Alembic.
Thanks again!
Xtof

krystoof · « **Reply #14 on:** November 16, 2012, 02:27:53 PM »

Thanks for your comments, everybody, that's really nice!!
I would just want to know what kind of varnish is on the Alembic.
Thanks again!
Xtof