Minor neck split question - future issues / present value

[Pieman]

About two years ago I bought a Chinese-made Hamer XT double cuts, quilty top, purfled binding etc. Bought it here from a respected HFCer for about $300 with a Hamer case in okay condition. Bought it for my son who was interested in playing before I bought it. It has sat in the case for most of the time. My nephew is interested in playing and wants to move on from a really cheap Asian Fender(why Fender puts its name on these is amazing). I suggested he try out the Hamer to get some other experience (humbuckers, neck shape etc.) before he goes shopping.

When I took it out, I noticed a very, very minor split (almost a splintering) beneath the nut on the topside of the neck. Maybe a quarter inch long or less. I know I didn't drop it and it didn't come that way, so could it have been some sort of stress fracture? The guitar is now three hours away, and I can't post a photo today.

My nephew likes the guitar and is interested in buying it. I would almost give it to him but my wife (her family dynamics) wants him to pay something, especially since he is working, thinking of med school, and living at home, etc.

I have two questions.

1) What is the likelihood of the split growing and rendering the guitar worth less or even worthless?

2) Depending on the answer above, what would be a fair value today, as is? Cosmetically it is in great shape. The tuners were upgraded. And it has the Hamer case but that is worth more to an HFCer than him. I figure at least $100 for the guitar. If somebody here needed a Hamer case, what is a fair price? I think he can live without the case. Price for guitar as-is with the case? Trying to do more than the right thing here.

Thanks

[Steve Haynie]

Is it a crack between the wood and the nut or is the wood breaking up? A photo would help.

[Pieman]

I would say it seems more like a splinter than a hairline crack or a split. I will ask him to shoot us a photo. Thanks.

[cynic]

If there's any concern with yours (and I would have some) I'd offer to help him find something else on the used market that's more sound. You just can't charge $100 for a broken $200 guitar.

[sixesandsevens]

Pictures would definitely help in diagnosing it.

You can certainly just loan it to him to try out. Make it clear that it's not his and he needs to take care of it, etc. That'll help build responsibility if that's the family-dynamic at play.

Failing that, since he's family and not a stranger, you could set up a buy-back arrangement for once he's ready to buy another guitar later.

[gorch]

I assume it had been there before and you had not noticed it. Does the laquer have a split too. If not, I think I'm just right with my idea.

The guitar should be worth $200 though. That's what the newer XT Monacos get taxed usually.

[Pieman]

Still working on the photos.

[Steve Haynie]

[Pieman]

Steve, thanks for posting.

It is hard to see but the crack travels from the binding through the neck about as far as the first fret. It is very shallow without a real break, but who knows what is going on under the fingerboard.

I would think that the tension between the nut and the tuners is probably pulling it down, no?

Gorch, it was not there when I received it and I never dropped it.

I am inclined to let him keep it for a while (six months?) and see what happens. If stable, $100 for the guitar without the Hamer case? People sometimes look for Hamer cases and I would rather see it go to an HFC-er.

All opinions welcome.

[sled]

You have a great idea about letting the kid keep it for a six month test drive. If he likes it then you could give it as a gift for a special occasion or achievement. Keep the guitar case. If the case is in excellent condition it may be easily worth $75.00. Personally I would refuse to sell the guitar to someone close to me because of the questionable issue. It is just better that way.

[Armitage]

All I can really say is it's an unknown so I wouldn't buy one like that... but it may play and sound great for the usual life of a guitar too.