Neck gap. Should I be concerned?

[wiscoaster]

I just noticed that my Fender Mark Hoppus p bass has a bit of a gap between the neck and body. It seems to play fine as usual. This bass is notorious for having issues with the paint cracking, but I wouldn’t think this has anything to do with the gap.

Well, I'm sorry, but I disagree, the gap definitely is related to the crack because it puts stress on the point where the crack has started.

Sorry, again, because I have no sure-fire remedy at this point, and without closely reading the whole thread, I hope you've gotten some good advice. IF the gap had been addressed BEFORE the crack started, your problem might have been avoided.

 

[roccobladr]

I tried making the holes a little better really gently with a drill bit. Just stitched her back up and…

I guess I didn’t enlarge the holes enough? Doesn’t seem to be a huge improvement. Glad the body wasn’t cracked when I took the neck off though.

 

[enormungus]

That space in the middle isn't going to go away. As long as the screws are tight, the neck is seated solidly and there isn't a gap at the corners, you're good.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

I stand corrected I don't know what I was thinking as with all my Basses the screws go through the body into the neck. I apologize for questioning you Grinderman.

 

[Bald-N-Bassy]

To me it just looks like there is a slight dip at the top of the neck pocket. It has probably been there since the body was CNC'd. It may have been less noticeable when it was new bc the paint probably helped conceal the flaw. Now that the paint has shrunk and started cracking you notice the flaw.
As long as the majority of the neck pocket is flat and level, I wouldnt even worry about it.

If youre really concerned, take a straight edge to the neck pocket and find the low spot. Fill it and level it. Simple fix.

 

[wiscoaster]

... and stop-drill the cracks to prevent them from progressing.

 

[Watchootognbout]

........ ride it out since it still plays and sounds fine.

Why do people say that?
Because it's a Fender?
That kind of thinking is why THIS happens.....

You have a damaged bass.
Sell it.
Fix it.
Or trash it!

 

[bobba66]

Crack is whack.

 

[roccobladr]

Why do people say that?
Because it's a Fender?
That kind of thinking is why THIS happens.....View attachment 4581369

You have a damaged bass.
Sell it.
Fix it.
Or trash it!

Slightly used Fender for sale! Near mint! Just a small crack in the paint. You interested?

 

[Watchootognbout]

Slightly used Fender for sale! Near mint! Just a small crack in the paint. You interested?

I don't want or need a "heavily driven car with three wheels"

 

[roccobladr]

Just a little update…

Tried to enlarge the screw holes in the body a little bit more. Got a little bit of super glue to get the finish to bond back to the wood as it was started to lift up so much that it was affecting my playing at higher notes.

I think the gap seems a little better than before? The neck pocket is definitely not completely flat but this crack seems like it’s spreading. Oh well…

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[Mrtoodamnsabre]

You might be shrinking the gap, try sticking a toothpick or something in there, maybe the gap is only at the top, you might have a situation where it’s making 90% contact. If it sounds good it shouldn’t be too much to sweat, wood changes and shrinks, so does paint, doesn’t look catastrophic to me!

if there is a body crack there’s probably some luthier trick to fix that

 

[wiscoaster]

... but this crack seems like it’s spreading. ...

Are you familiar with stop-drilling to prevent crack propagation?