Is this fixable - how bad it this? Acoustic issue binding or sides separating.

[tildeslash]

Bought a guitar on a forum called TGP (The Gear Page) recently and a few days later I noticed this - looks like the binding is separating or maybe the sides?
The separation is happening on each side - top/bottom and front/back.
I am sure it was there when I bought it; I didn't see it and today while playing it and admiring it; I just ran my fingers along and edge of the guitar front and back and noticed something off.
Took out my camera and took pictures. I am sure it's fixable but how bad is this? Seller ofcourse won't refund anything, lesson learned - will avoid seller at all cost.
Guitar plays great and it's quite a unique piece. Thank you.

 

[davismanLV]

Hmmmmm, seems like binding and purfling separation going on. Not that severe but it makes me wonder why all of a sudden all around. It wasn't like this when you bought it was it? Anyway, it can be repaired fairly easily but it just makes me wonder why suddenly all around the waist at once. Anyway, it's fixable. Sorry you're having to deal with this.

The sides and top are glued via the kerfed lining inside the body. You should have that checked out. Not sure why the glue job failed all around the waist. Strange.

 

[bobouz]

It’s the binding. Many Martins built since 2012 have suffered this fate - often in all four waist corners, and it can happen in a flash without warning signs. Find a luthier who is familiar with this repair & have it done sooner rather than later.

 

[chazmo]

Bought a guitar here on TGP

????? Typo?

 

[midnightright]

????? Typo?

The Gear Page? (Just guessing!)...

 

[chazmo]

Ahh.... OK... Just checking that something undisclosed wasn't going on here on LTG. OP was making unfavorable comments about the seller, so I wanted to be sure.

@tildeslash did you post (here on LTG) in the online offerings on this guitar before you bought it? We might've seen this for you.

Anyway, yes, that is binding separation. Plastic bindings outgas and then shrink over time causing this.

 

[GGJaguar]

Plastic bindings outgas and then shrink over time causing this.

Not necessarily in this case. Lots of info about this issue over on the AGF and UMGF so best to go searching there rather than re-hash it here.

 

[chazmo]

Not necessarily in this case. Lots of info about this issue over on the AGF and UMGF so best to go searching there rather than re-hash it here.

Looks like it to me, GG.

 

[tildeslash]

Typo fixed. I posted this at TGP as well.
I feel a sense of relief - I am not the first owner so Martin won't cover it but I will give them a shot and see if they will do it or recommended me someone.

 

[tildeslash]

I live in Northern NJ - any recommendations as to who can fix this.
I would be willing to ship to the right person who has done this before.