I bought a new EC strat from GC for a great price three weeks ago. Today I removed the pickguard plastic and noticed a hairline crack in the pickguard near the neck pickup. The screw was probably overtightened. What do I do? The crack is tiny. Do I live with it, exchange the guitar before the exchange period is up, or something else? GC offered to replace the pickguard, but they would have to exchange the guitar if I want. What do you think?

I would leave it be but a new pick guard is no big deal.

I would insist on a new pickguard.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

I'm with Arjay - they should replace it.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Give the guitar a really good going over first. See if there's anything else wrong that would merit trading it in.
If all else is good, I'd take 'em up on the new pickguard offer, but not install it. Save it for later.