Double Bass neck removal

[Don Summers]

Have a Czech 3/4 bass that I am attempting to remove the neck via hot knife method. Can I do this without removing the top? I got this very cheap as the neck had previously been repaired but was not set properly, i.e. it is not correctly aligned and centered with the end pin so the bridge is offset.
Made by Lidl, Ser# 5559 Model 50/4, size 3/4
Don

 

[Don Summers]

Got it almost off with the hot knife. Sides and rear separated but the heel of the neck was stuck but there was some movement. It finally came off with minimal damage.