I cracked the neck on my new bass (pics)

Spanky123 · #1 07-22-2010, 05:15 AM

Riding up an escalator with a very low ceiling in South Korea. (Yes I am an idiot, but they have different building codes in SK and there is no escalator with as low a clearance as this one had).

It's a new bass and I am a new player. Can I ask how much to expect in repairs? It is a clean break, the ebony is not damaged, and I could do it myself with Elmer's wood glue, I think, except I want it done professionally if it is not monstrously expensive. The soundbar also fell, so I am wondering what that will cost to put back in place also.

Thanks.

RedLeg · #2 07-22-2010, 05:16 AM

ARGH,
shoulda paid attention
my bad

username n/a · #3 07-22-2010, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLeg

if it is a fender or fender copy; just buy a replacement neck from warmoth.

FALSCH!!!!! This is the double bass forum, dood.

Spanky123 · #4 07-22-2010, 05:31 AM

Sorry, I can't seem to post a picture here. Here is a link to Flick. It is the first pic. Reasonable cost for repair? If it is too expensive, I will buy wood glue and some clamps.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/koreatrev/?saved=1

darjama · #5 07-22-2010, 09:43 AM

I feel your pain! Not sure about the cost, where do you live? You might be better off replacing the neck, even if it costs a bit more the resale value would be a lot better.

I bought a new bass at the beginning of the year and dropped it as I was leaving the shop. Homeowners insurance helped cover the repair costs, although there was a $500 deductible. DO you have homeowners insurance? If not, did you buy it with a credit card? Many credit cards have an insurance policy built in, though they don't make it easy to use.

Spanky123 · #6 07-25-2010, 12:06 AM

Thanks, Darjama, for the suggestions. I broke the bass in a train station in south Korea while I was in the process of emigrating to New Zealand, where I have resided for three days. (I started this thread during a layover in Kuala Lumpur)/ Insurance is totally out of the question. As for value -- well, the bass is worth much more in New Zealand than in South Korea, where I bought it. It's all solid wood and has a beautiful two-piece spruce top. for a $900 bass, it sounds fantastic. I'll consider replacing the neck. I spoke to a music store owner who gave me the number of a repairman whom, he said, could fix the crack and lacquer it in such a manner that no one could ever tell that it was cracked in the first place....still sorting this out. Meanwhile if anyone else would like to chime in here and give their opinion on what I should pay for repairs, I'd appreciate it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by darjama

I feel your pain! Not sure about the cost, where do you live? You might be better off replacing the neck, even if it costs a bit more the resale value would be a lot better.

I bought a new bass at the beginning of the year and dropped it as I was leaving the shop. Homeowners insurance helped cover the repair costs, although there was a $500 deductible. DO you have homeowners insurance? If not, did you buy it with a credit card? Many credit cards have an insurance policy built in, though they don't make it easy to use.

Andrew McGregor · #7 07-25-2010, 12:23 AM

In NZ? Which city? If it's Christchurch, I recommend Peter Stevens in Lyttelton for a repair, or in Wellington speak to Ian Lyons. Elsewhere, not sure.

It's going to be a couple of hundred, maybe three (NZ dollars).

Spanky123 · #8 07-25-2010, 12:50 AM

Thank you very much, Andrew. That gives me a ballpark to go by. I am in Auckland. The sound bar fell, also. Can I ask you what I should expect to pay to have it put back?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McGregor

In NZ? Which city? If it's Christchurch, I recommend Peter Stevens in Lyttelton for a repair, or in Wellington speak to Ian Lyons. Elsewhere, not sure.

It's going to be a couple of hundred, maybe three (NZ dollars).

Andrew McGregor · #9 07-25-2010, 08:36 AM

Resetting the soundpost is just a small amount of time... $20 if you had to get it done separately, if you'd even be charged, so I don't expect anyone would even bother itemising that along with the other repair.

I guess you should contact http://bassbass.co.nz/ about the repair... I've only bought strings and suchlike from them, not had any lutherie done.

sjd007 · #10 07-25-2010, 07:32 PM

I'd second that. Pete McGregor at BassBass is very helpful. Also check out the Stringed Instrument Company as I have had my soundpost refitted there and 1) it wasn't expensive) and 2) it was well done. (my bass arrived with a sound post with angled ends more resembling a double ended chisel than a soundpost - might be worth checking yours when it is refitted to make sure it wasn't just jammed in there... both ends need to be fitted flush).

You might like to take the opportunity to get a good setup done if it hasn't already - a little attention to the fingerboard (dressing), nut, bridge, and soundpost can make a huge difference in playability and sound. If you can fit a credit card under the strings at the nut end the action will be too high making playing more difficult that it needs to. Oh, and if it has the stock strings it may be worth, at some stage, considering a change. I have seen the chinese strings selling for $20 for a set of four. They don't sound too great (I changed mine to belcanto's and the difference was significant). All more $$ though...

If you already have all this done then ignore this - and concentrate on that neck repair - but if not, while it is in the shop it is good chance to get it sorted.

Simon