P-Bass Crack

Yes, very common. Take him up on removing the neck, but I don't think you'll see anything beyond the finish crack.

 

I have the same cracks on my 2000 mim P Bass. They were there when I got it about 5 years ago and have been stable the whole time I have had the bass. I haven't had the neck off and it has never been an issue for me. My '98 P Bass does not have any cracks around the neck. The 2000 is my main player.

 

Jazz basses and strats get those same cracks, too.

 

Its from someone screwing the neck on too tight. (Always hand tighten!) If it doesn't bother you aesthetically then it shouldn't cause you any problems.

 

I totally agree. I've seen the cracks on quite a few basses - usually but not always, this has to do with the neck bolts being screwed in too tightly. Change in temperature or what have you, the wood expands and more pressure on the points of contact on the body. The finish near the bottom corners crack as a result.
There is another crack I've seen that does go through the wood and I saw it on a Fender Jazz someone wanted to trade to me- this one is due to the bass falling at one point and cracking not only the finish but went through the wood. Not apparent at first but crack got wider in time, and by the time I saw it, it wasn't a bass I wanted to take a risk on.
Take him up on the offer to remove the neck to make sure it doesn't go beyond the finish but also don't over tighten the bolts when putting it back together.

 

Offer $200 and see what they say.

 

Probably just a finish crack. As mentioned, no biggie.

You can use that crack as bargaining leverage. The pawn guys don't have to know you're not really all that concerned about it.

After all, they no doubt used the crack to beat the seller over the head with, in the first place. lol

 

Nice score, and yep, it looks way better with the multi-ply tort guard.