I just received my Shtender and notice that there is a slight space between some pieces is this a defect?
No. On some parts of the Shtender (such as the bottom of the storage box), this is done to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the wood. If there were not places like this built into the Shtender, cracks would develop as it aged and went through the various seasons. Be assured that these parts of the Shtender are firmly and permanently attached, usually through the use of wooden pins or tenons which hold the wood together at various points along the joint. If you look carefully, you will see the ends of these on the Shtender.
