Warren Haynes ES335 cracked.

[GotTheSilver]

Gary, I have a 2008 Memphis ES-335 Dot that has developed some dark lines on the top in both of the horns. They are right where the curvature of the top peaks in the middle of the horn. It has been a while since I have taken a close look at these lines, but when I first noticed them I looked really hard at them and could not tell if they were cracks in the wood or finish checks. It would be really odd if they were only finish checks, as there are no other checks anywhere on the guitar, and they are located where the wood is most stressed in each of the horns. I don't recall there being any lines in the same spots on the back, only the top. I will take another look tonight when I get home and see what I can tell about them. I can try to get a picture, but not sure it would come out very well.

For what it is worth, I also recently noticed what appears to be a crack on this same guitar on the side, just next to the binding. I have a 2007 Nashville '63 Reissue ES-335 that I have not noticed any cracks or dark lines on, but I have not given it a good looking over in a while. I take very good care of my guitars and don't have any cracks on any of my other electrics or acoustics.

Is the crack in yours in the location I describe above?

 

[Axel]

The reason I'd like to see pics of this is because my Trini Lopez has lots of finish checking in the same area (the bass horn). Looking at it from an angle you can see the finish sinking into the wood, impossible to say if it's just finish checking or if the topmost of the top laminate layer is somewhat cracked. It doesn't bother me at all.

There's more finish checking through-out the guitar: around the diamond f-holes, pickup mounting screws and bridge post holes, along the binding, at the neck joint (1/3 inch long check in the bass-side cutaway), between the pickups and at the fret ends along the neck binding (classic Gibson). The guitar is 5 years old (actually "celebrated" it's birthday earlier this week, on the 17th of March, hooray), goes to show that the modern Gibson finish does indeed check. Then again I live in one hell of a cold place.

 

[Aloha_Mark]

We are all very interested in how the dealer, and eventually, Gibson are going to resolve this matter. Should lifetime warranty really mean "Limited" lifetime warranty, then my faith in Gibson will be shaken. Every manufacturer sets aside money for warranty work. We pay for that insurance as original buyers. Otherwise, why pay for the privilege of first ownership?

 

[J.D.]

Based on the description, that to me would fall under "warranty" :wah

 

[Ken Fortunato]

We are all very interested in how the dealer, and eventually, Gibson are going to resolve this matter. Should lifetime warranty really mean "Limited" lifetime warranty, then my faith in Gibson will be shaken. Every manufacturer sets aside money for warranty work. We pay for that insurance as original buyers. Otherwise, why pay for the privilege of first ownership?

My experience with Gibson warranty has been excellent... When my R8 developed a crazy compound twist, they called me within hours of receiving it, told me that the neck was "beyond repair", and replaced it with a better R8 than the original...

 

[Tidepoolbay]

We are all very interested in how the dealer, and eventually, Gibson are going to resolve this matter. Should lifetime warranty really mean "Limited" lifetime warranty, then my faith in Gibson will be shaken. Every manufacturer sets aside money for warranty work. We pay for that insurance as original buyers. Otherwise, why pay for the privilege of first ownership?

I agree, having shelled out the $3,900.00 for the guitar.

 

[Tidepoolbay]

My experience with Gibson warranty has been excellent... When my R8 developed a crazy compound twist, they called me within hours of receiving it, told me that the neck was "beyond repair", and replaced it with a better R8 than the original...

Good to know!

 

[GotTheSilver]

Gary, I have a 2008 Memphis ES-335 Dot that has developed some dark lines on the top in both of the horns. They are right where the curvature of the top peaks in the middle of the horn. It has been a while since I have taken a close look at these lines, but when I first noticed them I looked really hard at them and could not tell if they were cracks in the wood or finish checks. It would be really odd if they were only finish checks, as there are no other checks anywhere on the guitar, and they are located where the wood is most stressed in each of the horns. I don't recall there being any lines in the same spots on the back, only the top. I will take another look tonight when I get home and see what I can tell about them. I can try to get a picture, but not sure it would come out very well.

For what it is worth, I also recently noticed what appears to be a crack on this same guitar on the side, just next to the binding. I have a 2007 Nashville '63 Reissue ES-335 that I have not noticed any cracks or dark lines on, but I have not given it a good looking over in a while. I take very good care of my guitars and don't have any cracks on any of my other electrics or acoustics.

Is the crack in yours in the location I describe above?

I took a close look at my Memphis 335 over the weekend. On each horn, in the area I describe above, there are some ripples, for lack of a better way to describe it. I think it is just the finish that for some reason rippled in this area. You can see them if you look at an angel and you can feel them with your finger. Small, thin ripples close to each other covering an area that is about 1/2 to 3/4" wide and about 1 to 1.25" long. I do not think these are cracks, but seem to be just the finish.

On the bass horn, there is one line that feels different from the rest. With my finger, it feels more pronounced than the others. Hard to say why - could be a more pronounced ripple or could be something else. I can't tell. The guitar has a tri-burst finish, so it is pretty dark in this area and I can't tell much by looking at it. Can't get a decent picture of any of this either.

Sorry I can't be more clear about what is happening. Just trying to pass on my observations as best I can.

 

[Uncle Gary]

I had the dealer look at the guitar over the weekend. They concur that it is a crack. They say they will get in touch with Gibson and see what my options are. I have confidence in my dealer, as they are a good outfit, run by guys who are as passionate about guitars and music as I am, and I've given them a lot of business over the years.

To be honest, I haven't decided what, if any, avenue I'm going to pursue.

 

[J.D.]

Likely Gibson's warranty claim action will be filling the crack with glue/filler and touching up the finish. I doubt they would offer to exchange said guitar for a non-structural stress crack.

 

[Uncle Gary]

Well, today I heard back from the dealer after they spoke to Gibson. Gibson has offered to "repair or rebuild" the guitar. Not knowing what this might entail, and what I might get back, I've wisely (IMO) decided to just keep an eye on the crack for now.

Fact is, this is a limited edition guitar, and, in my mind, an outstanding example in sound and playability, and I'd hate to lose that. I will watch the crack for a year and see if it's stable. If it is, and it still bothers me, I will probably glue it up myself and touch up the clearcoat.

If it gets worse, I still have the Gibson warranty to fall back on, since it's been reported to Gibson and they will have a record of it.

 

[Minibucker]

As I mentioned before...is there a repairman you trust to do the work, and can Gibson reimburse you for it? I would think that would be ideal.

 

[Ken Fortunato]

As I mentioned before...is there a repairman you trust to do the work, and can Gibson reimburse you for it? I would think that would be ideal.

It would have to be a "Gibson Authorized Warranty Repair Center", and then Gibson would pay them directly. Otherwise, not only would they not cover the cost of the repair, but it would release them from ever covering it in the future.

 

[Minibucker]

Crap. Well, would probably take some footwork to find one and be close in touch with the process....but worth it.

 

[ES345]

About 10 or 12 years ago i noticed that the binding on the neck of my '62, 345, about half inch was lifting slightly above the first fret (low E). i called gibson to ask about a repair. they said to take it to a reputable repairman, i think they may have given me the name of one or two and the guy i took it to was one of them. I brought him the guitar, he told me it was no problem but that he should fix it not me. i told him i agreed and told him to do it. He charged me 50 dollars, still looks good and tight, actually not even noticeable, great fix.

I told Gibson i got it fixed and they told me to send them the bill, i told them thanks, but the guitar is 50 years old and that ain't bad. i certainly wasn't looking for warranty work, just advice, but i told them i appreciated their offer.

About 7 years ago i noticed on my Ibanez GB 10 that a screw that can adjust the height of the pick guard is anchored to wood member in the body of the guitar. the wood around the anchor point was splintered and the screw looked like it was not plumb.

I contacted ibanez, they sent me a label sent the guitar in, about a month later they sent me a new GB 10.

 

[rjstauber]

What happened to the crack in that ES-335 Warren Haynes model? Did it develop further?

 

[bursty]

I have owned several 335 types but all MIJ.
Never had a single one crack yet.
Really should have kept the last one I sold (earlier this year); they are now double in price and impossible to locate.

 

[Uncle Gary]

What happened to the crack in that ES-335 Warren Haynes model? Did it develop further?

I'm not sure. I ended up trading the guitar for a 2015 model ES-335 '63 reissue in sunburst.

 

[pdfiddler]

According to a You tUBE VIDEO I WATCHED, GIBSON HAD a problem with top cracks on the early 335s and in late '59 switched to 5 ply from 3
tid bit

 

[charliechitlins]

Spackle it.
Turn it up.