'68 SFV - What does this look like to you guys?

[sonicreducer]

I'm THIS close to buying this guitar. They say that line running through the upper bout is only on the exterior finish and not through the wood. The crack seems to run along the grain. Would this be a dealbreaker for $2000? Has one tiny crack on binding, a crack in the pickguard screwhole, and minor headstock delamination. Everything else about it makes my heart melt! I look forward to your expert opinions.

 

[fronobulax]

No idea about the crack but I have to ask which melts your heart more - this guitar or $2,000? If the former then as long as it is functional/playable the answer about the crack doesn't really matter, does it? Good luck regardless.

 

[dapmdave]

Little binding cracks and headstock delamination/shrinkage are the standard issues of the period and type. But I'd deduct for the body cracks.

Dave

 

[Fixit]

Looks like a crack in the wood to me, Would have to see it closer to be positive. Tough to repair in a semi hollow, but not impossible, and a finish touch-up on the outside is pretty easy.
Vintage Guitar Price Guide list it at $1900 - $2400 in excl. condition, IMHO I think they run a little high.

Good luck with which ever way you chose to go. I wouldn't let it scare me but I would factor in the repair cost.

 

[taabru45]

Do you want a melted heart or a broken heart. Ask your gut. If it were me, if my wallet wasn't broken, neither would my heart be. The issues are fixable. Steffan

 

[cc_mac]

It should be possible to get a digital camera in the f-hole and take a pic and see if the crack is all the way through the wood. Could also be checked with a mirror and light. I don't know enough to comment on repairs but have seen videos of through cracks like this being done on acoustic guitars and then the lacquer thinned and touched up to make it almost invisible. Other issues with the guitar seem standard fare for something of this vintage.

Market value is market value. My 1969 SFIV is has a lot of wear and doesn't look as good as the pics you've posted but I think it's beautiful, plays well, and sounds fantastic. No one would give me $2000 for it but I wouldn't take a penny less either.

 

[AcornHouse]

There would be no reason for a "finish crack" to be following the wood grain without there being movement of the wood beneath it. Cracks can be stabilized, but I would definitely get some $$$ off to pay for the repair.

 

[NEONMOONY]

Fixing it has a cost too. You need to add that to the total and figure if it's worth it then. I'd either get a bunch of the price or move on to a better example. My horsetrader uncle told me "the hard part isn't buyin' stuff and parting with the money. The hard par it is NOT buying it once you really want it. You'll justify it to yourself when you know the price is too high. You have to be able to walk away or you're screwed, you're gonna pay too much."

From him I learned to try to stay unattached to stuff I'm shopping for so I can haggle and if need be, walk away.