Fender Professional II - Neck Joint

[fritzk9]

Hey all, I had a question regarding my Fender Jazz Professional II Jazz Fretless bass. I would like to add a slight shim to the neck (via Gary Willis' business card trick). I unbolted the neck, and....nothing.

The neck appears to be glued. I tried (with some force, but gingerly) to remove the neck, but I also don't want to damage that joint. So, I re-bolted the neck to the body and continue playing it, though would really like to bring the neck heel up (two of the bridge pieces are already bottomed out).

Has anyone else experienced this? Any recommendations are appreciated!

 

[RSBBass]

It may just be a tight joint. It is also possible the finish wasn't completely cured on the body when the neck was installed and is "gluing" it down. Since you are in Indiana, I would wait until the winter heating season is in full swing. That should be when the wood is at its driest point and thus the joint the loosest.

 

[Lownote38]

Take it to a pro. It's just a tight joint, but it could be due to the paint, and trying to get that neck out could seriously chip the finish on the edges of the neck pocket. A competent repair person will know a way to get it out without damaging the finish.

 

[FRoss6788]

It's NOT glued, just a very tight joint. Very unlikely the finish wasn't cured when it was put together. Every Fender I've had has had a tight joint like that. I usually hold down the body and gently push the neck down to lift the heel out of the pocket. Haven't ever damaged the finish, could just be lucky.

Take it to a pro.