as you can see by the circle it is where 1 of the 2 seams are, the shadow is diffused a little by the seam

Yeah I see it, how long have you had the guitar mate?

If you find out the marketing hype from this series it states that these guitars were made to age fast. I noticed my join line some four months after buying the guitar. Since then I've noticed a few areas of paint sink, around the back of the guitar also.

I know how you feel about it, the seam line didnt worry me that much. But the fact that you can marr the guitar by looking at it funny did annoy me for awhile. Particularly because the thing lives in it's case. It didnt come out more than twenty times in the first year.

Now I've simply resigned myself to the fact that it's a great guitar that is going to age faster than any of my others. In a couple of years, if it's too worn, I'll see about getting it refinished. Resale value is not a important factor with this one, it's not going anywhere. All that means in real world terms to me is that I play it more now, it's going to age regardless so may as well enjoy it.

_________________
No no and no

Hi toshiyap: I have Strats with every type of finish: nitro, urethane and polyester. I've also built guitars with those and other finishes including acrylic and French polish.

The glue lines are visible through every single type of finish that either I, Fender, Gibson, Yamaha or anyone else has put on any of my guitars, regardless whether the lacquer is thick or thin, clear or solid (and regardless which country of origin, before anyone asks).

With the single exception of my CIJ '57RI Strat, that is. Perhaps it's a one piece body under there! (Though I doubt it.)

Glue lines are nuttin' to worry about.

Cheers - C

this guitar is a year old from a prev seller, didnt have time to check it, its my first strat so believe me i am learning ALOT everyday really look forward to how this ages!

My 2cents. Nik is right. Not unusual and certainly not a structural problem. Just the nature of the finish. I've even got it on one of my older American Standards.

I also have these lines (or Ithink they are the same) on my Am Std strat but I have quite a few of them. I can see one straight down the centre (horizontal and through the neck) one just above that and also one diagonal where the angle is cut out for the forearm. Would these be glue line? I wouldn't expect them to glue on the arm contour!

My guitar is a 2009 by the way.

I see seams on my 09 Srv and 09 Deluxe. No big deal. I see drywall seams, carpet seams, countertop seams.... seams are everywhere..

I agree 100% with the comment above.Every fender I too have touched I have seen glue lines.IMO so freaking what!!All fenders are amazing!!!You should be happy just to own one!!!I used to be a little apprehensive about the exterior of my guitars.But It's what you can do with your tool (guitar).And Fender's are worth every penny you pay for em.Just be happy and play!!

Believe it or not, this is actually somewhat common. I see it, to varying degrees, an alot of Strats and Teles. And, you're more likely to see it on a 57 AVRI, than you would on a MIM Classic 50's. The AVRI use nitrocellulous finish, as opposed to a polyester finsh. It comes from many different things; seems, grain, and other things on wood, but mostly those two. It's actually somewhat of a blessing in discuise, it means that the finish isnt on there on thick layers, its a thinner finish, so the wood will resonate better. Polyester finish, is a very hard finish. Its used on lower level guitars because its much easier to use, and get a good finish out of. Nitro is much more difficult finish to work with, because its harder to get it to look even, and glossy.
The posters who say its the heat, cold and humidity are right, this speeds it up. The finish will start to sink into the wood as time goes on, and the things I mentioned before will show up.
Unless the guitar is really new, and its not so obviouse that its driving you nuts, Id say just leave it be. I would however, take the advice the other poster said; take the pickguard off, and look into the cavity, also, if these lines are running anywhere near where the cover the tremolo springs are, pull that off first, its easier than removing strings.

Oh, dont remove the strings either. JUst give them some slack, put your hand over the neck up at the lower frets to hold them inplace, put your hand under the strings by the pickups, pull them up, put a cap on the neck somewhere between the 1st and 5th fret. Then you can pull then neck up enough to get to the the pickguard off. It'll save your strings, unless you want to change them. Then do what you want.

It appears to be something you havent seen before, so ignore all the posters dismissing your querries about it as no big deal, at least the ones being jerks. If its something you're not sure about, Im sure to you its a big deal. If you're concerned about your expensive instrument, you have every reason to ask if you dont have the answer.

No Worries.