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This is a Fender Jazz Bass with a hairline crack that goes down to the tuner bushing, but not all the way through to the front of the headstock. Should I worry about this? I was told it won't be a problem, but I just wanted to get someone else's opinion/experience. Thanks! Here's a closeup:

hey Matt,

could you also post an image that covers more of the headstock? for some reason my brain isn't letting me identify exactly where this crack is in the bigger picture.

thanks

R

Rodent wrote:my brain isn't letting me identify exactly where this crack is in the bigger picture.

+1.

Well i already reassembled the bass, but that crack is is on the D string tuner bore, closer to the top of the headstock.

I dunno if this helps but it's in this area:

that's an odd place for a crack. was by chance the tuner ferrule overly snug, and the pressure of it being installed what caused the crack?

in this location you're probably OK. I'd definitely be concerned if it was between the edge of the neck and the E-string tuner (the typical crack location)

it might be worth it to remover the tuner in a month or two to see if the crack has grown any

all the best,

R

Yeah I think it's an overly snug ferrule as you suggest. The luthier I know (and trust) and referred to in my first post really felt i should just forget about it. Given the location of it there's nothing I can do about it apparently. Is there a way to wick some thinned down wood glue into the crack even though it can't really be spread open? Otherwise I will just leave it alone and worry about it when the headstock spontaneously explodes on tour

you could weep some ultra thin superglue into the wood and crack (being careful not to weep so much that you have run out under the ferrule and onto the headstock face)

if it was to continue creeping longer and wider, you could have your luthier install a splint (use a small rotary cutter to cut a thin slot across the crack, secure a snug fitting piece of veneer into the slot and weep in additional superglue) and then ream the hole slightly to reduce the pressure before reinstalling the ferrule ... but this probably won't be required at this location

all the best,

R