Scarf joint crack

[DarthLamer]

I've read a few threads on here regarding scarf joint/headstock cracks. In addition, I've noticed numerous necks on the bay that have this type of crack. Is this the result of not taking care of the instrument, dropping it, or even overtightening the locking nut's screws? Surely this is avoidable...

I have a 1998 RG570, that doesn't have this crack. In recently having purchased a 1999 RG7620, and hoping to maintain the quality of both of these instruments, these types of cracks concern me.

[CosmicDebris]

The Original neck in my 88' 550 broke cause my girlfriend and I at the time rolled on top of it. It broke just at the same place as what your talking about. The replacment neck which is a 91 does not have this prob.

Perhaps it is a week spot that falls prey to alot of major wammy pull ups which greatly increases the stress where the strings lock down.

[frankfalbo]

It falls prey to anything and everything. It's an extremely weak point, and can develop cracks without any provocation. You just look down one day and notice that it's started to crack a little.

One thing you can do to prevent them or stop them from growing is to take the nut off, and (very carefully) soak a little thin CA (superglue) into that entire area. It will penetrate the wood grains around there and "plasticize" or petrify those fibers, and should prevent any cracking. They've likely got some neck finish in there, so you could dremel it a little, but that's counterproductive. There's likely tiny fissures that will allow the CA to penetrate into what could be future problem areas. If it's absolutely loaded with finish (or painted like the RGT's) then the CA would be wasted, so you can leave it alone.

Those cracks aren't guaranteed to occur by any means. I've got 1987 necks that are still clean.