I bought an Ibanez 655E natural finish bass 5 or 5 years ago. Never had any issues with it. But just now, with the sunlight hitting it at the correct angle, I discovered a small crack in the base of the neck. The crack is from the neck bottom to well short of the 24th fret. The bass originated in America, and has since visited Viet Nam, the Philippines and Thailand. It lives in an Ibanez case whenever it goes anywhere by air, but in the tropics there is a lot of air conditioning on and air conditioning off cycles. Think wild humidity swings!
I’ve enclosed a pic. It plays fine, and I’m guessing no need to worry about it. Maybe if the crack starts to grow, then I’ll freak out.
Looks like the fretboard got loose due to temperature/humidity changes. It would probably be an easy job for a luthier to fix it by applying some glue and pressure. You might even be able to fix it yourself.
This is a bolt on neck? Have you taken it in to a luthier to have a look? If you are still based in Southeast Asia, there is an aftermarket for Ibanez’s as they are very popular in this region, if you are looking for a replacement at fairly affordable prices, all assuming that the crack gets worse or becomes irreparable.
Yes, this bass uses a bolt on neck. Ill keep a close eye on it, and if it grows at all will take it to a luthier to fix. The repair costs are low enough here.
Ouch! I believe you need to address it. I heard it somewhere that if your fingerboard has a crack it has to be taken care of soon before it gets worse. Don’t quote me I think it’s Super glue/ CA glue that they use. I’ll try to look for that video podcast.
Sounds like a plan. Yes, the humidity and temperature changes over here (hourly, even) are murder on my MIJ 90s SOUNDGEAR. In fact, it once got soaked in a thunderstorm as it was standing backstage during a concert, but it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin. All the best!
