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?
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Hairline crack at the heel
- Thread starter SchizoBassist
- Start date
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
