Semantics: Is a neck 'crack' a 'break', or not?

[crunchee]

Like the question asks...I've seen at least two FeePay auctions recently that list guitars that have neck cracks just below the headstock, and they've been repaired...but the sellers insist that they're just cracks, and not breaks, since the headstock wasn't completely separated from the neck. From a buyer point of view, I say it's a 'break'...but apparently sellers don't see it that way. And yes, I know, it's FeePay...

[cmatthes]

If you crack a pane of glass, is it broken? If you crack a door, is it open or closed?

Basically, I'd say a finish crack is clearly not broken, but a structural crack IS a break. The wood has been separated and compromised. A total break or a complete break or decapitation, implies that the headstock has been completely removed from the body.

[Steve Haynie]

I have had one guitar with finish cracks that were viewed as likely evidence of cracks in the wood. No one could really tell. The neck and headstock were stable. Nothing was getting worse, and nothing was noticeable as far as tone and tuning were concerned.

[crunchee]

Here's the two auctions I'm referring to (no affiliation to either, of course)...the first listing made sure their 'description' was in the auction title:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul-Studio-Headstock-repaired-crack-did-not-break-Great-guitar-/111689192646?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1a0131d4c6

Here's the second listing...if (as the listing says) the neck was repaired AND refinished, I'm pretty sure that no gaps should show, but they do:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Gibson-Les-Paul-Studio-White-Finish-Seymour-Duncan-Pickups-Made-in-USA-/231610535112?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35ed104cc8

In both cases, they look to me to be typical headstock/neck fractures (breaks) behind the nut, and it also looks to me like neither repair was splined, like we've seen Jay/Murkat or BCR Greg do...did they need splining? I don't know (I defer to the experts on that), but I'd probably feel a lot better if they were. I still wouldn't call them JUST 'cracks', though. BTW, no, I have NO intention on bidding on either guitar, I'm just pointing out typical FeePay shenanigans.

[cmatthes]

Both of those are breaks - even if repaired, it's the same to me.

[murkat]

A break, break in the wood, where the original intact wood which has been separated/ comprimised due to whatever.

1st one listed (cherry) that's a break. Probably held on from the headstock laminate on top during fail.

2nd one is not too bad, not as bad as the first, but, there is a lot of finish on it, who knows what underneath to creep.

[BadgerDave]

I'd say both ads provide an adequate description of the damage to put a potential buyer on notice.

A crack in the wood is no different than a break, IMO. Of course, there can be varying degrees of damage, from minor to full separation.

[kizanski]

I categorize then as the same because they both have the same effect on resale value.

[cmatthes]

Great point, Kiz.

I guess the simplest way of viewing it is to ask:

Q. Is this neck in it's original, unbroken state?

A(1). Yes, there have been no events that have led to a compromised structure - it is as it left the factory originally.

A(2). Yes, it is unbroken - just a minor crack behind the headstock

A(3). No, there is a crack behind the headstock

A(4). Yes, it is "unbroken", but I should point out that there is a thin line in the finish behind the headstock that looks like it goes through to the wood

A(5). Yes, but the headstock has been expertly repaired by XXX XXXXX, the best luthier in Puppetland.

A(6). Well, it is not broken...NOW...

With the exception of an honest A(1)., all others indicate a broken headstock and a seller who will gladly misrepresent things to get the sale.

[tbonesullivan]

If the wood has broken, it's a break, end of story. Necks don't really "crack", they break. The finish cracks. The top of an acoustic can crack, and this happens along the grain line.

These are guitars that have had the structural integrity of their neck compromised.

[Studio Custom]

Before prison your ass has a crack in it, after, its broken.

[Biz Prof]

Alright Chris, spill it. Who really is the best luthier in Puppetland? ;-)

On a serious note, these guys are correct. Anything that represents a crack in the wood at that sort of structurally critical spot really is a break. The glass pane analogy is appropriate.

[Sugartune]

Both are the same to me. Despite that, if still considering it, the details of the damage and subsequent repairs are what matter most.