Hi all: is this normal?

[kingblud]

Hi all, I have a Jetglo Rickenbacker 330 (2008 model year) which I bought brand new about 5 months ago. It is awesome and I love playing it. Today I noticed that around where the neck is set, there appears to be a slight disruption in the paint. I think this is normal, but I am wondering if this is a sign that the neck is (slowly or slightly perhaps) becoming dislodged. Since the guitar is black, the tiny white cracking sticks out quite a bit and I was hoping for a more expert opinion on this.

Check out these 4 pics I took (click for full size), pardon the slightly dusty guitar, and look around where the neck is set. What do you guys think, should I be concerned or is this normal? I currently have it strung with 10s, I had 11s on it for a month or so but outside of that month it has been either the Ric strings (10s) or Daddario 10s. I have never touched the truss rod on it. I am careful with the guitar and don't hang it on the wall or leave it in a stand or anything like that. I can't imagine that I am doing anything to disrupt the neck, but I do appreciate your help and thoughts.

[egosheep]

My 2008 JG 330 had this same cracking at the neck joint. I sold it before I could do anything to fix it, though.

[kingblud]

Thanks for the reply. I checked some pics online of other jetglo's, and some seem to also have this issue. Essentially I am trying to determine if it is purely cosmetic, or something to be concerned with. Any other responses would be greatly appreciated.

[deaconblues]

Seems fine to me...I've had that issue on some other Rics as well. The heel on my 330 is an extreme example - the clearcoat is actually cracked and chipped at the joint (I was told it's due to temperature change). Still plays fine.

[Clint]

The white stuff is buffing compound. Sometimes it's hard to get it out of all the joints and crevices of the guitar. Also, the clearcoat tends to be thicker and pool at the neck joint, making it more susceptible to cracking. This happens to a lot of guitars, it is just easier to see on JetGlos. Keep an eye on it but try not to worry too much, 90% of the time it's purely cosmetic.