Hairline cracks at the neck pocket

[534N]

I bought a used Squier Mustang bass on FB marketplace for $200 (score?) and I was extremely happy to see that it was in pretty awesome condition, but then when I got home, I noticed hairline cracks on both sides of the neck pocket. The bass plays beautifully and I’m already in love with it, but the cracks worry me a bit..

I’ve read a little bit about this now but I wanted to see what the overall consensus about it is here. Should I try to repair it? Is it possible? I prefer not to remove the neck since the pocket is very tight and I don’t want to damage it more. I guess what I’m asking is if there is a surface repair I can do and if it’s worth it, I don’t want the cracks to get longer or cause any extra damage to the finish, like crack off or something.. >_<

Please advise?

Thank you in advance!

 

[SteveCS]

999999/1000000 (yes, they are that common) these are only in the finish and are of no structural importance. Visually, I don't think yours is the exception that proves the rule. Play on...

 

[534N]

999999/1000000 (yes, they are that common) these are only in the finish and are of no structural importance. Visually, I don't think yours is the exception that proves the rule. Play on...

I’ve seen this answer a few times and it’s comforting. Some still insist it absolutely means cracked wood. In any case, I was wondering what the best way is to minimize further spread of the crack (I don’t want any finish to break off) and possibly cover up the crack altogether. Any cheap tricks of the trade that won’t look awful? Thanks again.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Without having the bass in hand, it looks like finish. Tight neck pocket (which we all demand from the manufacturers) + one wood shrinks or the other expands a little or both and that can happen.

I’m not sure as far as fixing it. I suppose you could try CA glue and send it down and polish but you would need to remove the neck for almost any finish repair. StewMac has at least one video about the CA glue repair if you want to go that route. Look on their YouTube channel.

 

[4sight]

VERY common, the finish cracks because everyone's obsessed with tight neck pockets and the manufacturers oblige. Sometimes bigger chunks of finish break off, but more often than not the cracks are pretty stable.

 

[sharkbait130]

I have two P Basses that both have similar cracks. One is a 1999 and the other is a 2000 model. I got them both used. They both had the cracks when I bought them. The cracks have not moved since I've had the basses (about 8 years now.) Both basses have been gigged extensively. You will probably cause more unsightly damage by trying to fix the cracks. Rock out with it and faggetaboutit.