Crack(s) in finish - new Gretsch USA Custom

[Mcdonap]

I recently received a new Gretsch USA Custom set in a satin lacquer finish and the floor tom has some cracking in the lacquer near the leg mounts.

This isn't a complaint - the store is working with me. I have to decide if I want a partial refund or of I want a replacement made.

The tom came packed really well, and I don't see any noticeable damage to the box. (It was double boxed.) It came basically from across the country, so it did experience some pretty wild temperature and humidity fluctuations. (Over the weekend it was in the teens/20's here, and then on Monday it was 50!)
The cracks look to be in the finish only - the drum itself seems fine.

So I guess my question is, are these nitro lacquer finishes kind of fragile? I haven't had this finish before, and I guess I'm wondering if this is something I should expect going forward? I've read a lot of posts (here and searching other forums) about steps to take to avoid finish checking. I can/will certainly do what I can, but if I ever play these out I can't expect to do all of the recommended acclimation!
If I do go with a replacement, should I expect that some checking or cracks will eventually happen anyway?

Here's an example:

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

 

[lossforgain]

Nitro finishes are notorious for checking and cracking due to temperature changes when the wood warms up too quickly and expands. I once got a Martin guitar shipped to me and I opened it too quickly. I watched finish cracks like this appear before my eyes. No doubt this drum did not warm up enough before being unpacked — those cracks are 100% due to expansion.

 

[Mcdonap]

I left it for almost 3 hours before I opened the box. I guess that wasn't enough time.

 

[katulu]

Man, that sucks. Hope you get it fixed soon.

 

[Mcdonap]

Man, that sucks. Hope you get it fixed soon.

Thanks. Yeah, it definitely takes some of the fun out of a new set, but what can you do?
Through some searching, I did see that there are some products that may remedy the cracks. Not sure if it would work on this particular finish, though. Also, sounds like you get one shot at it if it is something I could use - I'd have a pro do it!

 

[Treviso1]

I leave them in the sealed box for no less than 48 hours.

 

[JimmySticks]

Why doesn't Gretsch, or any company that sells nitro finishes, tell customers of this possible issue? I think it would avoid problems like this.

 

[JDA]

Begs the question how much nitro-celluose goes on a satin finished drum.
The same as a Gloss finished drum?
Is the Clear Gloss nitro-celluose (Clear) also on top of the nitro-celluose "color"?
I can't having hard time (no pun) imagining Satin finish cracking (altho I see it there)
Gloss..it's confusing

I guess it's "all" nitro-celluose regardless Satin (color) or Gloss (clear-top)

Just less of it ..? on a Satin..

 

[Mcdonap]

I leave them in the sealed box for no less than 48 hours.

I've been reading similar recommendations. Of course, I'm finding all this out after the fact...
The bass drum and rack tom arrived 3 days ago. I gave them 2 - 3 hours to acclimate and they were/are fine.
I guess part of me wanted to open right away to see if there was any damage.

 

[Mcdonap]

Begs the question how much nitro-celluose goes on a satin finished drum.
The same as a Gloss finished drum?
Is the Gloss nitro-celluose (Clear) also on top of the nitro-celluose "color"?

All good questions!

For lack of a better way of saying it, the "fixes" I've seen for checking or cracking in nitro basically melt/fill the cracks. Given the finish (duco), and the fact that I don't know if it's "pure" nitro - I'm not sure fixing it is an option.

 

[JDA]

yea I didn't want to say; getting into complex finishes (aren't the standard Satin (solid) enough? but Gretsch offers these complex finishes.
It's crazy to think this was a weather issue; can't catch a break these days :
from one end of the country to another causing finish cracks.. whew sad Hope resolved somehow. Maybe Church : )

 

[JimmySticks]

I'd get a replacement. This isn't a $500 kit, it's a custom kit that you payed custom money for.

 

[JDA]

may not solve the weather issue

 

[esooy]

“Lacquer” has become a name that is applied to wildly different finishes. Mostly I think because it has that panache, “ooohhh” factor, and familiarity. It’s been used to describe pre-catalyzed finishes, post-catalyzed finishes, conversion varnishes, and even polyester. Of course I don’t know what exactly they use but I do know that some “lacquers” off gas for quite a while which is the solvents leaving the finish and causes cracking. Pre-catalyzed finishes, which are finishes that have nothing added to them before applying, are especially susceptible to this. If the finish is applied thicker than spec it just exacerbates the possibility.

The too long didn’t read version is who knows what exactly the finish is, and expansion and contraction is not necessarily the issue.

 

[Redbeard77]

I'm glad they're working with you on this issue. Can you keep this drum until a replacement arrives? At least that way you'd be able to enjoy your kit in the meantime.

 

[Mcdonap]

may not solve the weather issue

Exactly. That's why I'm not sure if replacing it is really just prolonging the same issue from happening again.
There's value in that as well - as JimmySticks said it's not a $500 kit. I kind of want it to be perfect for a while.

I guess there's also value in the first ding or scratch - now I can just play it.

And then there's the issue of whether my unpacking it so soon led to the cracking...

 

[JDA]

what I hope doesn't happen is.. If the warranty Claims start adding up a decision gets made and nitro-celluose fades into history's dustbin.....with only Canopus still doing it

 

[Mcdonap]

I'm glad they're working with you on this issue. Can you keep this drum until a replacement arrives? At least that way you'd be able to enjoy your kit in the meantime.

Yes - they have been great. The only issue is the 3 hour time difference.
I don't know whether I can keep it or not, but I'll keep you posted. I imagine the dealer will have to communicate with Gretsch and it may be a while before I know that.

 

[premierplayer]

Those look like straight lines drawn on at a drafting table, mechanical/tool produced straight lines.
Am I missing something?
Dosen't look like mother nature, random cracking.
My question. Is there a underlying flaw in the wood that was produced mechanically that caused the finish to crack in a straight line? Laminate splices, sanding drum, shop tooling, fouled spray applicator????

 

[Mcdonap]

what I hope doesn't happen is.. If the warranty Claims start adding up a decision gets made and nitro-celluose fades into history's dustbin.....with only Canopus still doing it

I hope not too.
I'm thinking they won't. I mean, they've been doing this for a while and obviously know the issues. The fact that there was no instruction to leave it boxed for 48 hours tells me they feel it's pretty robust.
Then again, I could be completely wrong!