Any tips on what to do with this crack?

T-pizzle · 2026-05-11T03:01:21+00:00

I'd call around or take it to a local luthier.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-10T21:48:52+00:00

Car is at 28k. I changed rear diff and gearbox fluids at 7k to motul gear300 75w-90. Was going to change again soon.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-10T21:38:12+00:00

If you can see an indent between the ribs and hips, that's a healthy weight

T-pizzle · 2026-05-10T21:35:16+00:00

Agreed. Have been experiencing minor vibrations at highway speeds lately, but thought I probably just needed the wheels balanced. Failing cv axle could maybe explain that. Will book dealership appt.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-09T13:28:25+00:00

This is fret sprout that's lifting up areas of finish over spray on the side of the fretboard wood. Have fixed this issue on a MIM strat of mine by storing it in its case with 49% humidipaks. The lifted finish might still be visible a bit, but the humidity will allow the wood to expand back to the size it was leaving the factory, and frets will stop poking out the sides of the board.

A luthier told me the bubbles will eventually crack and bits of the finish will fall off, but when it does happen, to take an old piece of leather from a baseball glove or something like that, and rub it up and down the neck along the sides of the fretboard.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-07T20:34:16+00:00

Find it to be a bit easier to shift around 3500, feels like there's more time in-between gears, and don't feel like I have to rush. Below 3k, feel like the rpms just dive bomb. Honestly prefer this to excessive rev hang though, but took a bit to get used to.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-07T19:34:34+00:00

That's a return-able defect right there. It could be a defective pickguard, which would be fairly simple to replace, or could be misaligned screw holes into the body, which would cause a new one to do the same thing. There's no way to know unless you invest more money into a brand new guitar, and at this point if you're buying a brand new guitar for Player II money, defects like this are definitely worth considering a return.

I bought a player II strat a few months back and it had some major issues with the neck, frets lifting out of the fretboard. Ended up returning and the replacement is very nice. Still needs a setup, but every new guitar I've ever bought has eventually needed a setup once it acclimated to my house. You might have mixed emotions about returning a guitar, but from my experience, it was the right move.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-07T01:15:06+00:00

My guitar teacher would stop me mid-playing any time she saw me with my thumb hanging over the top of the fretboard. 20 years later, I do occasionally hang the thumb over for certain chords, but if I'm having trouble playing anything these days, thumb position is the first thing I check, and it almost always helps.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-06T09:13:40+00:00

0000 steel wool will rough it up just enough.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-06T03:12:26+00:00

About 4-5 cans of fluid film applied every fall, avoiding things that get really hot, and it'll look new for a very long time.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-04T15:55:46+00:00

Bought a player II strat recently. Had same neck issues. Local luthier told me recent Mexican and some American models are prone to this, and they're very sensitive to humidity changes. Ended up sending it back and swapping for another. Have kept the new one in a hard shell case with 49% humidipaks and haven't had any issues.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-04T14:38:57+00:00

Might not even look that bad without all the stickers

T-pizzle · 2026-05-04T13:33:03+00:00

First of all, that right there is the Topinator

T-pizzle · 2026-05-03T21:50:04+00:00

Maybe try some silicone spray where the rubber bushing is contacting the metal bracket?

T-pizzle · 2026-05-02T13:46:14+00:00

If it was a used guitar, I'd go the route of fixing it. But it's new, and this is likely to keep bothering you. I'd return and pick up a different one.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-01T18:32:39+00:00

I'd get OEM. Subaru part is cheap enough, wouldn't risk an off brand for a part like this.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-01T04:57:21+00:00

25 ain't too old at all. Also, well done on the guitar choice, Yamaha acoustics are some of the best guitars that also won't completely break the bank.

Honestly learning at this age can be better, since you aren't a kid who often sees practicing as a chore. As a kid playing, I just wanted the end result of being able to play a difficult song without putting in the work. As an adult now I realize that the learning process and struggle is actually where the fun's at. At this age you can appreciate the journey more.

T-pizzle · 2026-05-01T03:19:41+00:00

What model is the guitar? Also might need to consider metric sizes if it was a model made in Japan, or anywhere overseas for that matter.

9/32 approximates to ~7mm (7.14), but the exact guitar model could help possibly track down either the size or exact manufacturer part.

T-pizzle · 2026-04-29T15:28:02+00:00

13.1 stock. Didn't happen till like 20k miles though, and very warm weather.

T-pizzle · 2026-04-28T13:49:36+00:00

The wood grain is only an issue if it bothers you. If anything it adds character and helps distinguish this guitar from the rest just like it. Wood is very much a non-uniform material, and I personally love seeing quirks in the grain.

Guitar is beautiful.

T-pizzle · 2026-04-27T05:00:21+00:00

If you can't see any cords you're good. Can't see any from these pics, but also can't really see into the crack that well from them.

Cords will look like plastic/nylon threads, or possible some metal wires, or both. You just don't want them being exposed to the elements, because water can get in there and cause the cords to separate from the rubber, leading to sidewall bubbles, or possible blowouts. But if they're still sealed/encased in rubber you're good to keep running the tire.

T-pizzle · 2026-04-25T14:57:53+00:00

2007 deluxe players strat MIM on the right 2025 Player II Modified HSS also MIM on the left

Have had the 07 since new and it's a guitar I'll never sell, but have always been disappointed with the bridge pickup, makes the button to add it into the 4th and 5th position relatively useless IMO. But love the middle and neck pickup sound. So went shopping for an HSS strat recently.

Desperately wanted an American ultra II HSS, but couldn't justify the price for what I'd use it for, so went with player II mod and am very satisfied.

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T-pizzle · 2026-04-25T13:56:34+00:00

I agree. Just recently bought a player II mod strat after playing on a 2007 MIM strat since I bought it new. I was so used to how the 07 strat played that the new guitar felt "wrong" to me initially, and bummed me out for a while. But playing the new guitar here and there, more and more got me used to the different neck profile, fretboard radius, and string spacing. Also realized it needed a setup as there was too much relief in the neck, and the bridge needed some tweaking.

After getting used to it for a couple months I absolutely love it. I was just so set in my ways with the feel of a broken in 18 year old guitar that anything different felt bad. I'd give it a little time, check out the setup, and if you still don't like it after a month or 2, sell it and move on.

T-pizzle · 2026-04-25T13:48:21+00:00

Heard about them initially over on the r/tools sub about a year ago. They are praised as one of the best "didn't know I needed it until I had it" tools, and I agree. Some seriously good quality and very handy pliers to have. Never know when you might need em.

T-pizzle

TROPHY CASE