Sambo, it's a long scratch - looks like the guitar has slid down something and there lacquer has scratched. The mark goes across the grain of the wood which basically doesn't happen with a crack/split unless you snap the neck (which clearly isn't the case here).
Bainsy, I've spoken to one local luthier tonight who has agreed to look at the guitar and will give me a verbal opinion. However, he won't give me a letterheaded appraisal since he's done it before and he ended up with loads of paperwork. I've got another couple of luthiers lined up and hopefully they will do an official report for me.
:twisted:
