Mark under finish of Martin near binding

drednot · #1 12-02-2021, 12:57 PM

Hey all. Just noticed these marks under the finish near the binding on my 2019 D28. Looks like glue? Can’t remember noticing them before. Any thoughts?

hifivic · #2 12-02-2021, 07:52 PM

Just did a search and 16 pages of information are available to you sir.

sloar · #3 12-02-2021, 08:01 PM

Google has info also, but people not only come here for help but also to interact with like minded people.

stillsteven · #4 12-02-2021, 08:10 PM

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=600531

drednot · #5 12-02-2021, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stillsteven

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=600531

I’m aware of the binding separation issue on older Martins, however there doesn’t seem to be any separation. I can’t feel anything on the surface

The Bard Rocks · #6 12-02-2021, 09:34 PM

Looks like the finish did not adhere properly. Could have been oils underneath it or something.

hifivic · #7 12-02-2021, 09:46 PM

OP, I'm betting that if you send the photo to Lesley the service mgr. at Martin, she would offer to repair but you couldn't pick a worse time in history. Probably take over a year but perhaps you could just have her contact you when they are ready.

drednot · #8 12-02-2021, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hifivic

OP, I'm betting that if you send the photo to Lesley the service mgr. at Martin, she would offer to repair but you couldn't pick a worse time in history. Probably take over a year but perhaps you could just have her contact you when they are ready.

I emailed Martin general support today. Is emailing Lesley a common pathway for info? Where can I find that email?

hifivic · #9 12-02-2021, 10:01 PM

here you go;

[email protected]

send in the photo along with the email.

stillsteven · #10 12-02-2021, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drednot

I’m aware of the binding separation issue on older Martins, however there doesn’t seem to be any separation. I can’t feel anything on the surface

I’m no expert but here’s my take on it. It looks like there’s a gap between the wood and the finish. This could happen because the wood under the finish shifted while the finish maintains its original shape. Exposure to low humidity or a physical impact can cause this deformation in the wood.

Another possible explanation is the glue Martin used on this guitar deteriorates prematurely causing the binding to lift and thus the visible air bubble under the finish. You may or may not be able to feel it. This is a precursor to binding separation that a lot of Martin owners observe in 2010s (idk if this issue is solved or not). None of my Martins have this issue, so take my words with a grain of salt. I expect others who have more experience or knowledge about it will chime in and offer their opinions.

drednot · #11 12-02-2021, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hifivic

here you go;

[email protected]

send in the photo along with the email.

Thanks for the info

drednot · #12 12-02-2021, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stillsteven

I’m no expert but here’s my take on it. It looks like there’s a gap between the wood and the finish. This could happen because the wood under the finish shifted while the finish maintains its original shape. Exposure to low humidity or a physical impact can cause this deformation in the wood.

Another possible explanation is the glue Martin used on this guitar deteriorates prematurely causing the binding to lift and thus the visible air bubble under the finish. You may or may not be able to feel it. This is a precursor to binding separation that a lot of Martin owners observe in 2010s (idk if this issue is solved or not). None of my Martins have this issue, so take my words with a grain of salt. I expect others who have more experience or knowledge about it will chime in and offer their opinions.

Interesting. Does it always get worse? My guitar is always stored in it’s case, handled with care, and properly humidified.

hifivic · #13 12-02-2021, 10:41 PM

From what I recall reading it was a glue issue, it wasn't bonding properly.

stillsteven · #14 12-02-2021, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drednot

Interesting. Does it always get worse? My guitar is always stored in it’s case, handled with care, and properly humidified.

Then it’s a repair job that Martin should cover under the warranty. However, you may have to ship your guitar to an authorized service center and pay for the shipping cost. Another option is to bring your guitar to your trusted guitar tech/luthier. He/she would be able to answer your questions and fix your guitar there and then. If the issue is determined to be only cosmetics in nature, you may choose to leave it as it is. I know some people who aren’t too bothered with the way their guitars look.

hifivic · #15 12-02-2021, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stillsteven

Then it’s a repair job that Martin should cover under the warranty. However, you may have to ship your guitar to an authorized service center and pay for the shipping cost. Another option is to bring your guitar to your trusted guitar tech/luthier. He/she would be able to answer your questions and fix your guitar there and then. If the issue is determined to be only cosmetics in nature, you may choose to leave it as it is. I know some people who aren’t too bothered with the way their guitars look.

Words of wisdom.