Should I be concerned about neck separation?

Hi all,
I just bought a new bass on clearance. I love the way it plays but I just noticed there was some poor craftmanship on the body. So if you're looking straight at the bass with the pickups and bridge facing you (holding it by the horns), there is a seperation between the neck and the body on the left side where the neck and body meet. It looks like the saw ran away from the luthier and he made the cavity where the neck meets the body a milimeter wider on the left side only, it does come in contact with the neck later near the end of the cavity. Everything else is incredibly tight. Should I be concerned? I am unsure what to think as everything else is super tight and I'm unsure as to how that would/could affect the sound or if it will affect the neck in the immediate future.
Thanks!

Hi Ludwigs3rd,

I assume we are talking (Bolt on neck)? If so here is one thing you might like to try which does not alter the guitar...Some guitars are notorious for having ill fitting necks in the neck pocket. (Baja is one)

First loosen your strings...then remove the bolts securing the neck, Hold neck in neck pocket with one hand, otherwise it can get messy with strings etc.get an old business card cut to the appropriate depth along the side and shim "Both" sides of the neck, move the neck so the strings are equal distance from the edge at each side of the fretboard and tighten neck bolts....If however its playing o.k.and you don't want to mess things up, use it as is and just keep this in mind it it starts to play up.....(It doesn't have to be an old business card anything similar will do)

Fenderphil

Hey Fenderphil, thanks for the reply! Yes, this is a bolt on neck.

So should I be concerned or should this be cause for me returning it? Again, the bass was on clearance. It's a Peavey Zodiac BXP and I got it for $120 btw. I read somewhere that a loose fitting neck joint affects sustain but it seems to sustain for days even with the flaw. What kinds of things can I expect from a loose fitting neck joint like this?

Hi Ludwigs3rd, The intonation could be affected, but its nowhere as critical on bass as say lead guitar, The other problem could be undue stress on one side of the neck if the error is large enough. If you are happy with it why not keep it (The price was certainly right)

Better the devil you know etc, etc, Keep your eye on the neck and if you see any minor changes try the business card trick before any major developments. Otherwise from your comments it sounds fine. I must say that Peavey are not associated with poor workmanship as a rule. (In my experience that is) If the gap bugs you get some carpenters wood filler of the appropriate colour and fill the gap



Fenderphil

You know it's one of those things where the bass just fit so well in my hands. This bass has some really great reviews and I have to agree with the reviews, the neck is phenomenal. I think I'll keep it and keep in mind your advice but if I do anything I'll probably use some alder veneer. According the this thread I found there isn't much cause for concern: http://www.tdpri.com/forum/archive/index.php/t- 151169.html
Granted that's a telecaster forum.

Hi Ludwigs3rd, Sounds like a good idea to me...I belong to the telecaster forum you mention and there are a lot of very experienced players there...You can of course use anything suitable for shim, its a matter of choice.

Hope all goes well for you.

Yours truly in one of the many bands I played in....(The pic that is)

Fenderphil

Awesome pic!

This bass makes me realize I probably have nothing to fear: http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ Danelectro-Dead-on-58-Longhorn-Bass?sku=580358

Hi Ludwigs3rd Glad you are a happy camper my friend. I am sure you will get your money's worth out of the Ax.

Thats me second from left...dig those pants.!! I guess it was 1978.ha ha

Febderphil