Thinning a thick ?

[Thomas Erickson]

I've wondered from time to time - with graphite in the neck, what happens when the bass takes a hit that otherwise would have broken the neck? What's the next-in-line for destruction?

As for thinning a neck - I think it's most often done when people think a smaller neck will somehow be easier to play or more suitable for a small person. IMO in most cases it's just a technique issue and the instrument is the scapegoat.