Neck/Truss Rod Question

[Tripgod]

I have owned and played an Ibanez Soundgear for 20+. I recently made 2 new purchases: A Schecter Omen-4 and an Ibanez Soundgear Gio. On the back of the neck on the Gio, it's like there are 2 pieces of wood, like the headstock is connected to the neck, but the wood there is coming up, like you can stick a fingernail in it.
The Omen-4 has the same thing but it's solid, you can't stick a fingernail it.

My Ibanez Soundgear that I've owned forever doesn't have that at all. Can someone help me out? I've attached pics to try and help illustrate.

Thanks!

[Immigrant]

If it hasn't always been that way, I'd de-tune it before someone loses an eye.

Someone with brains will soon give decent advice, probably along the line of injecting glue in there and clamping it.

Good luck!

[bootsox]

yep, glue and clamps is it. if it's just misaligned and not separating, you might be able to get away with just sanding it down.

[BoomBoomOGTL]

It's called a scarf joint. usually found on lower priced basses where the headstock is joined to the neck. Most higher priced basses use a single piece for the neck and headstock. if the headstock is wider than the neck, manufactuers will add 'wings' to the headstock as found on Ricks and Gibsons for example.

[Tripgod]

Is it coming apart? Is it something I should be concerned about? I want to try to resell the Ibanez Gio but I'm not sure if that's supposed to be like that or not.

Thanks for all of your help guys I really appreciate it.

[Cliff Bordwell]

I suggest returning it.

[Tripgod]

That's what I was afraid of. Ok, I'll contact the seller and start raising hell so I can get my money back. Thanks!