I more than kinda want this...

[Denis]

That's what I'm afraid of. He didn't mention this at all, and since it came shipped in a hardshell case packed in bubblewrap, packed in peanuts in an oversize carton which was in perfect condition, I'd say there's no way it happened in shipping.

[Dave W]

Could be the fretboard separating rather than a headstock break, hard to tell. If so, it could be from overtightening the rod or even possibly just from stresses in the wood or glue joint. Either way, if it's very well packed then it's undisclosed damage. I would definitely contact the seller. Be prepared to take it to a repairman for evaluation.

[Denis]

Didn't think about overtightening the rod, but now I remember what Mike Parks told me about Rics and how the fretboard would separate if the rod was adjusted incorrectly.
Do you have a rough idea of what a repair would cost me if it was either a) separation or b) actual breakage? Any recommendations on luthiers used to dealing with these sorts of damages?

[Dave W]

I don't know, never had to deal with it. Some others here have.

Mike Parks may be able to give you an estimate.

[Denis]

That's a good idea; I bet he's had to deal with many of those over the years. Thanks, Dave!

[OldManC]

and since it came shipped in a hardshell case packed in bubblewrap, packed in peanuts in an oversize carton which was in perfect condition, I'd say there's no way it happened in shipping.

Depending on the tuner and how it was pointed it could easily have happened in shipping, even if the shipping box looks fine. If the case fell over or took a good shock (like being dropped flat) and the bass had any room to move in the case, it could have started that crack even with the bubblewrap... The good news is it should be an inexpensive fix if that's all it is. The finish on the back of the Orvilles and Epi Japans is so dark it should be an easy touch up as well. I hope you get it worked out to your satisfaction.

[godofthunder]

To me those cracks look new. The bare wood is clean and no dirt or fill in the crack. I have been a woodworker/restorer for most of my life. That is new damage. The good news is that it looks like a easy repair. The crack on the bass side looks like fingerboard seperation, on the treble side the crack has clearly migrated into the neck material. A good repair would cost at least $175.00. I'd keep the bass and get a refund for the repair work.

[Bionic-Joe]

Do you want to sell the pickups?

[nofi]

c'mon joe, it's not even dead yet.

[Denis]

To me those cracks look new. The bare wood is clean and no dirt or fill in the crack. I have been a woodworker/restorer for most of my life. That is new damage. The good news is that it looks like a easy repair. The crack on the bass side looks like fingerboard seperation, on the treble side the crack has clearly migrated into the neck material. A good repair would cost at least $175.00. I'd keep the bass and get a refund for the repair work.

I've sent the seller an email so we'll see what happens. Where the paint is cracked the edges are still sharp so yeah, I think your assessment that the cracks are new is correct, sir. I've studied the packaging a little better and the bass had almost no room to move around at all. The headstock doesn't come close to touching the bottom of the case at that end. I suspect that the breaks happened not long before shipment. The tension had been let out of all the strings prior to packaging as well.

Do you want to sell the pickups?

Sorry, I don't part out things.

[Freuds_Cat]

Damn Denis that sucks. I hate it when a good simple deal turns into a drama. Good luck with it mate.

[Dave W]

No room for movement in shipping, no string tension on the neck. I think you're right, must have been damaged prior to shipping.

I hope the 100% positive feedback seller makes things right. Sold "as is" but disclosing bumps and bruises while failing to disclose cracks is not right.

[uwe]

Do you want to sell the pickups?

Bionic-Joe herewith receives the "Vulture of the Week" award:

[Hornisse]

I hope you get to keep the bass.  Then you can use the box to send me the Framus!   

[Denis]

I hope you get to keep the bass.  Then you can use the box to send me the Framus!   

That was my evil plan! However, I can't let your Framus wait on my personal trials and tribulations with the T-bird, so I'm going to run up to Harry's and get a box, drop off the T-bird for a repair estimate (if Terry can do it), and get your bass out to you asap.