LPC: headstock inlay issues

[db62]

Question for all the pros here.
In the first post of the attached link, look at the fifth picture (the one where you see the front of the headstock) -

HELP!!!!!!!!! Les Paul Headstock repair needed! - The Gear Page

Looking at the inlay on the head stock, are the outlines around the inlay on the Gibson logo and diamond common? Looks like natural aging (this is a '72 afterall) and I seem to recall seeing this before but just curious what causes this. Weather?

One of the reasons I'm asking is that I'm looking at a 99 Custom that also shows the same "outlining" around the logo and diamond.

Thanks all!

 

[Boleskinehouse]

Extremely common...

 

[BCRGreg]

The paper Fibre head plate and the MOP logo do not expand and contract with temperature change at the same rate, so the lacquer splits.

That guitar is on it's way here, I will address that in the repair. Watch for a Bench Report.

 

[nick1962]

My SG suffered exactly the same type of break - good as new now, though....

 

[db62]

Extremely common...

Thanks - appreciate hearing that.

The paper Fibre head plate and the MOP logo do not expand and contract with temperature change at the same rate, so the lacquer splits.

That guitar is on it's way here, I will address that in the repair. Watch for a Bench Report.

Thanks Greg - small world his sending the guitar to you! Is the lacquer split purely cosmetic or can it lead to other problems?

 

[ehamady6]

Looks common to me.

 

[db62]

Thanks - appreciate the feedback.

 

[Xavier_32]

It's very common, and purely cosmetic. Personally, I think it gives the guitar some character.

 

[db62]

It's very common, and purely cosmetic. Personally, I think it gives the guitar some character.

Thanks for the info. I have to agree and while I can definitely appreciate the look of a pristine new LP, I'm drawn to a few battle scars, nicks and scrapes. My initial concern was whether the lacquer splitting was serious or not and everyone here has helped out by advising it's cosmetic.

Thanks again!