Tiny cracks in surface of Fender Telecaster neck

sarkozy

So, I have a 1998 standard US Fender Telecaster. I bought it new.

Recently, I noticed there are small cracks seemingly running along the grain of the neck and I can feel them with my thumb, slightly raised off the surface.

Anyone know what this is?

Kettleson

Is this the back of the neck? Sounds like is the lacquer cracking with age and not the wood itself. Nothing serious. Do you play it much? If it was played very regular over a good number of years, the guitar lacquer at the top of the back of the neck would be mostly rubbed off. You can get it re lacquered but I personally wouldn't.

If it has happened quite recently it might have something to do with how the guitar is being stored re: sudden temperature drops and rises. Do you keep it in its case when not in use?

martinedwards

pics would help, but ^^ sounds about right

sarkozy

The guitar was in storage for two years, then used but stored for about 6 months in a cellar which was a constant temperature, but slightly humid. Throughout this time, it was always stored in its hard case.

The cracks are along where my thumb would generally rest on the neck, but some are right down at the bout near where the neck meets the body.

It's kinda weird.

Kettleson

Might be just some sort of simple enough reaction between the lacquer and wood. As long as it's the lacquer and not the wood itself I wouldn't be bothered by it. Adds to the character I'd say.