found a nice 535 has a crack, need a diagnosis please

[hammerboogie]

i found a Q series H-535 2000 then i believe, its red and similar to what i think alvin lee played, r.i.p., crazy i found this one the day he passed, anyways, they are asking around 1200, its a little banged up but plays great as it should etc, but has a crack 1.4 inch below the binding, on the sidewall, on the upper cutaway , 3-4 inches starting from the neck , just wondering if this is common, not a huge deal, or fatal etc, any help i would appreciate it greatly,, thanks fellows!

[LK155]

I have a 1996 red H535 in excellent condition for which I paid less than that asking price. I have to admit, though, that was a couple of years ago.

Methinks with the condition ('a little banged up') plus the crack, that price is maybe $200 to $250 high.

[SouthpawGuy]

From the photo there seems to be a second crack parallel to the larger one near the rear binding ?

 

The guitar may have suffered a fall or impact of some sort, I'd look for more photos of the rear of the headstock and the neck joint. I'd agree the price is high for a guitar with possible structural damage, both my '96 535 and 2000 Prospect in almost mint condition cost less.

 

[Genericmusic]

That does not look good. How does the neck feel in relation to the crack? I agree with the other the price seems high for a damaged instrument.

[golferwave]

Is the guitar close to where you live? If so I would ask the owner if you could take it to a repair shop for an assessment of the damage and estimated cost of repair. If not then I would pass on this one and wait for another opportunity.

[DetroitBlues]

Common? No. Worth $1200? No. You can find used 535's for that price with no structural problems.

[yoslate]

Always difficult to tell from a photo. But that's an odd crack, in an odd place, and it doesn't look like just the finish. A little perplexing as to how that one might have developed.... Don't like the fact that it seems to run to/from the neck joint. If you apply pressure to the neck, can you get the crack to move, to open up? Scott's advice to have a luthier look at it is a good idea. Good luck...either way.