Skunk Stripe Crack - Will this get worse?

[Low_NF]

I recently got this used MIM bass and started noticing that there is a crack along the skunk stripe. At first, I thought it was the finish but upon a closer look, some areas look to be cracked quite deep. Is this something worth fixing or should I leave it alone? If so, how expensive is it going to be? I can honestly overlook this fact if this doesn't pose any structural issues.

This first one looks like a finish crack to me but the subsequent ones looks more worrying

 

[Turnaround]

Well, it won't get better. Probably worse, though not necessarily. I'd drop fill it will CA and it should be good for a lot longer.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Yes, I agree with Richard. That's a crack from wood shrinkage, very common on skunk stripe necks. It's not going to heal by itself. But it's not a real structural problem. Your bass isn't likely to explode in flaming shrapnel on stage.

But, it would be a good idea to put a little CA glue in the crack to seal it up against moisture.

 

[Low_NF]

Should I do this myself or take it to a tech, I was searching through Talkbass and a lot of them said to be careful with the CA glue as it may seep through to the truss rod. Is this neck even sellable as is or should I glue it first and then sell them (disclosing the situation ofc)?

 

[Turnaround]

Should I do this myself or take it to a tech, I was searching through Talkbass and a lot of them said to be careful with the CA glue as it may seep through to the truss rod. Is this neck even sellable as is or should I glue it first and then sell them (disclosing the situation ofc)?

It won’t hurt anything if the glue gets onto the truss rod. Despite what some folks think, the truss rod does not turn. A bit of glue on it won’t affect it.

 

[iiipopes]

It won’t hurt anything if the glue gets onto the truss rod. Despite what some folks think, the truss rod does not turn. A bit of glue on it won’t affect it.

And if you have a rattle from the truss rod slot having been routed a little too wide, it might even help.

 

[202dy]

While it's not a structural problem now, it can become a functional problem later. If the glue lets go on a long portion of the skunk stripe on both sides the truss rod will no longer function. Instead of taking relief out of the neck, adjusting the truss rod will cause the skunk strip to protrude. A lot.

Drop some CA glue into the crack now.