This is a Fender Eric Clapton Strat built in 1990 that I bought myself for my 30th birthday as it was the same age.

I played it a bit and this happened. Not sure if it was already damaged and I made it worse or if the old strings caused the damage. There was no noticable damage when I bought it.

Is this type of thing possible to fix? Or will it need a new neck?

Thank you! (First post on Lemmy!)

  • Arotrios@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    As an owner of a 2002 Ibanez RG-170 that I picked up in garage sale for $80, the dings and scratches on its maple neck have led to it having a unique sound that I simply can’t replicate on any other instrument. Most other guitars feel too young and clean to me now, with a lack of resonance and presence that seems to come naturally to older instruments that have seen a lot of use.

    Per @j_gets - save that mojo - if she plays nice, I’d let her ride. You’ve got barely any damage there, and if you’re playing well, folks will be looking at you, not your guitar.

  • tostiloco@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    There’s very little you can do that won’t make it look worse. From personal experience, trying to fix something like that will cause more grief than just leaving it.

    If you feel like learning the hard way though, a dab of superglue sanded down flush may make the chip less noticeable.

  • prtm@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    I’m not sure exactly what in the photo is the wear is you’re referring to. I’d say if it plays fine you’re fine.

  • Marvelicious@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Maple fretboards are finished and if you play them it tends to wear through. Maple fretboards that have been played a lot tend to have very obvious grayish finger marks. Call it a badge of honor and keep playing. Rosewood doesn’t have this problem, but I’ve always felt that a guitar that has been played a bunch is cooler that one in pristine condition.

  • j_gets@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Guitars which have worn naturally over the time have more mojo than case queens. If it isn’t interfering with your playing I’d say let it ride.