Marks in finish of telecaster neck, advice please?

stenio83

Hi got a 2001 tele American standard poly finish.

is this normal ageing in the Laquer? Never really bothered me before but now I can feel it and once that's in your head it's hard to shift lol.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vyd04ejmte9zynw/AAC3eOmSK3v5zIOdUNBeT8t_a?dl=0

SteveRobinson

Yes it's common on Fenders of that age. Not good though and there isn't much do to stop it. 

stenio83

SteveRobinson said:

Yes it's common on Fenders of that age. Not good though and there isn't much do to stop it. 

Oh no really, I guess it's just something to live with then is :-( it just the finish or something more sinister? 

ICBM

Just the finish.

You can sometimes fix it by soaking some superglue into the cracks and then sanding it smooth and buffing - but it won't stop it for good. The problem is simply that the hard polyester lacquer can't keep up with the natural expansion and contraction of the wood.

The only real remedy in the long run is to refinish the neck in something else.

stenio83

ICBM said:

Just the finish.

You can sometimes fix it by soaking some superglue into the cracks and then sanding it smooth and buffing - but it won't stop it for good. The problem is simply that the hard polyester lacquer can't keep up with the natural expansion and contraction of the wood.

The only real remedy in the long run is to refinish the neck in something else.

Sounds like a lengthy process I think live with it for a bit. So relieved to hear it's just the finish, a part of me was proper worried it was the wood that was cracked, phew I can sleep easy! Thanks for putting my mind a rest regarding that mate 

guitars4you

Steve and ICBM have answered it above - best 'budget' option otherwise is to cut it back to a smooth satin finish with wet n dry - start of say 1000 grade and finish off 2000/2500 and t-cut/polish as required - won't harm it and to me it will feel better

Bridgehouse

I was going to say it sounds like an ideal candidate for some wire wool silky smoothness...

cj73

+1 for the sand it satin / wire wool silky smoothness.  

NPP

or get it all off, oil and wax it. Feels even nicer. 

thermionic

NPP said:

or get it all off, oil and wax it. Feels even nicer. 

Is this one of those Brazilian necks I read so much about?

NPP

don't think so - unless yours was particularly furry

stenio83

guitars4you said:

Steve and ICBM have answered it above - best 'budget' option otherwise is to cut it back to a smooth satin finish with wet n dry - start of say 1000 grade and finish off 2000/2500 and t-cut/polish as required - won't harm it and to me it will feel better

That sounds like a plan i much prefer the satin feel i have a satin neck on my strat and its really nice. Im just so relived that its only the finish thats cracked and not the wood, the main annoying thing is feeling it while i play.

Bridgehouse

stenio83 said:

guitars4you said:

Steve and ICBM have answered it above - best 'budget' option otherwise is to cut it back to a smooth satin finish with wet n dry - start of say 1000 grade and finish off 2000/2500 and t-cut/polish as required - won't harm it and to me it will feel better

That sounds like a plan i much prefer the satin feel i have a satin neck on my strat and its really nice. Im just so relived that its only the finish thats cracked and not the wood, the main annoying thing is feeling it while i play.

It's worth getting some 0000 super fine steel wool as well - I think this leaves a really silky smooth finish - just couldn't seem to replicate this with paper (even at 2500 grit).