Crack following setup

[mcclurer16]

I noticed a new 1/2 inch crack in the finish of my 5 year old Squier Affinity Jazz after a new setup. I noticed a lot of fret clank so I had a reputable local guitar repair guy adjust the truss rod, dress the frets, adjust the saddle after putting on LaBella flats. The bass now plays better than ever so this crack is the only concern about the setup. Is an expected course of events ?

 

[96tbird]

No it’s not normal to damage a customers instrument but it’s Impossible to prove who did it. It’s a very, very inexpensive bass so call it a character mark and move on. If it was a brand new bass that wasn’t $280 new, that would be a different story.

 

[mcclurer16]

Thanks! Those are my thoughts exactly. I am not so concerned about this bass, as other more expensive instruments in the future!

 

[Slater]

Where is the crack?

 

[mcclurer16]

Slater, I will post a picture tonight, thanks!

 

[Mechayoshi]

Thus might sound crazy but was the bass in a different environment for a few days? Maybe it wasn't the setup itself but that.

 

[mcclurer16]

This does not seem crazy to me at all. The bass usually lives in its hard shell case in a heated, air-conditioned room in my house. The setup was done over 10 days in a local music store where the repairman set up his bench. Interesting this longtime local business closed without notice one month later because it could not stay afloat financially. I don't know what was going on in the store during that time.

 

[mcclurer16]

Where is the crack?

Slater: thanks much for your feedback! The crack starts at the joint of the neck and the body. It then goes out towards the upper horn. It looks to be about 1/2 inch long and just in the lacquer. This is an inexpensive bass, so I am not so concerned, but I am curious if a truss rod adjustment, new strings, a change in temperature or norm wear and tear would cause this...

 

[Slater]

Looks like a fairly common neck pocket stress crack. These will happen from just handling the instrument. These stress cracks in the finish happen on instruments of all price ranges. Some people accept them, and others cry about them. (I’m not implying that you’re crying-just to be clear).

 

[mcclurer16]

Nope, not crying at all, just curious. Not looking to blame anyone. The bass plays much much better after the setup and new flats. I am glad to hear this is probably just normal wear and tear--thanks !

 

[Lownote38]

That can happen if the neck was taken off for some reason. Sometimes they're in the neck pocket pretty tight, and the paint will crack if the neck isn't carefully pulled off the body.

 

[mcclurer16]

Thanks Lownote38, this bass has the original neck. I have considered putting a new neck on this bass, but haven't done it.

 

[jchrisk1]

A little crack never hurt any body.

 

[mcclurer16]

A little crack never hurt any body.

Thanks, this is the first bass I owned so I am a little overprotective!