I just have a real quick question about my 2004 Gretsch 6118T. I just recently noticed either a crack or seperation at the heel of the guitar on the back where it is connected to the body. I am wondering if this is something that I should worry about or if it is something that just happens with some guitars with natural aging? Here is a link to several pictures in hopes that you might be able to steer me in the right direction. ( Photos of the Annie Neck ) I have no problem packing it up and sending it in for repairs whever you guys think it should go if that is something that needs to be done. It has been well taken care of its' entire life, so this isn't something that resulted from abuse, I do know that. I sincerely appreciate any information, help and advice that you guys can give me!

I might add that it doesn't seem to move or anything when I mess with it. Kind of thinking it is like a scab though and I shouldn't pick at it. Just recently had it set up and a guy that I completely trust didn't notice it and there isn't anything funky going on with the neck. Or doesn't seem to be.

I'd contact Curt and get an opinion.

I am not luthier, but, if it were my guitar, I would have a bit of concern about this because it does look to me as if the neck is separating from the body. Have you experienced any change in the string height off the fretboard over time? This is probably not a terribly complicated fix, but it is likely better to fix it while the problem is small than to allow time to increase its severity.

That's not a good thing. If I were in your shoes, I would contact Gretsch directly to begin with, and see if they are willing to cover it. If not, I would pursue other avenues (Curt could do a fine job, or you may have someone else you trust).

Either way, I would not let it go. it should be repaired, and as Ric12 said, the sooner the better.

Best of luck.

That's not a good thing. If I were in your shoes, I would contact Gretsch directly to begin with, and see if they are willing to cover it. If not, I would pursue other avenues (Curt could do a fine job, or you may have someone else you trust).

Either way, I would not let it go. it should be repaired, and as Ric12 said, the sooner the better.

Best of luck.

This is exactly how I would handle it. Knowing the high level of customer service Gretsch offers, it could end up costing you nothing for a full repair or replacement.

If Gretsch doesn't take care of it, which i'm 99.9% sure they will, Curt is the man to go to. His work is about as good as it gets and he is a super guy.

What Bear said! Gretsch is very, very good about these things, and Curt is the very best at this sort of stuff in the unlikely event that it's not covered by warranty.

Check out the 'Wood and Wire blog' under 'words' in the menu. That's Curt. Great guy.

Got in touch with Mr. Wilson and also sent a message to Mr. Carducci. I just sent a PM to Mr. Carducci through his name on here. Is that the best way to get him a message? Mr. Wilson was really helpful and his video on a neck reset is amazing! The guy is obviously an artist.

Contacting Joe Carducci through the GDP is certainly a fine way to reach him, Shane. Understand, however, that a reply may not be immediately forthcoming. Joe gets literally several hundred emails daily and getting through each one of them and then responding is a laborious task. If you don't hear from him within a day or two, send him another email as a follow up. But, he will most likely reach out to you before you will need to do that.

Good luck to you on the fix.

Is it just paint failing at the joint or is there an actual separation happening? Sometimes the paint will fail at the joint from the wood expanding/contracting and the string pressure but the connection is solid.

Got some great information from Curt! We are just waiting to hear from Mr. Carducci now to see if he has any other options. Thanks guys for all the help and advice!

Where in the country do you live? Maybe there's an authorized shop that is also a shop that you would trust shipping your guitar to for a non-warranty repair? Win-win? There really are a ton of high end places that do work for fmic all over the place.