Hairline crack at the heel

SchizoBassist · #1 12-12-2010, 02:02 PM

I won an Epi Viola and I've noticed that there's a hairline crack at the heel. The seller never mentioned it. It might have happened in shipping because the bass doesn't sit flat in the different brand hardcase in came in. It might just be in the finish but in any case it's hard to photo. The crack goes around stopping at about an inch from the body on either side. The bass plays great, should I be worried?

JLS · #2 12-12-2010, 05:48 PM

That's the glueline telegraphing through the finish.

SchizoBassist · #3 12-12-2010, 06:01 PM

Maybe, I've no idea. The seller says it wasn't there before and when I run my finger over it, I can feel it.

Slowgypsy · #4 12-12-2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

That's the glueline telegraphing through the finish.

Without being to actually look at this instrument in person, I'd have to agree with the above opinion.

Take a really close look, as best you can, at the grain in the neck on either side of this crack/glueline. Can you see if the grain of the wood is absolutely identical on either side... or is there a difference in the grain, as in two pieces of wood glued together.

SchizoBassist · #5 12-13-2010, 05:16 AM

The finish is too dark to see the grain. I've tried to get a couple of shots of the line with the flash, it's crooked in a couple of places.

Vincent P · #6 12-13-2010, 05:21 AM

Send it back.

Floyd Eye · #7 12-13-2010, 05:23 AM

That is no glue line. It's a crack. Send it back.

Chrisk-K · #8 12-13-2010, 05:31 AM

I used to own an Epi Viola and it didn't have a glue line.

Big B. · #9 12-13-2010, 08:51 AM

If it makes any difference coming from a professional woodworker that is definitely a crack. While it is quite possible that it will remain stable I would certainly send it back or ask for a sizable price drop.

Gort · #10 12-13-2010, 08:56 AM

Adios Viola.

SchizoBassist · #11 12-13-2010, 12:32 PM

Well, I suppose it's going back then.

JLS · #12 12-13-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

That is no glue line. It's a crack. Send it back.

Methinks it is, in fact the glueline--failing, now that I see the other photos.

SchizoBassist · #13 12-13-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

Methinks it is, in fact the glueline--failing, now that I see the other photos.

Is a glueline failure any better than a crack?

WardEarth · #14 12-13-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchizoBassist

Is a glueline failure any better than a crack?

Nope, worse. A crack in the finish is no problem. A mechanical failure, such as a glueline problem, could be an issue. Obviously, right? A bass needs to be structurally sound.

JLS · #15 12-13-2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchizoBassist

Is a glueline failure any better than a crack?

Nope.