problem with shen neck

Alan Bernstein · #1 12-24-2007, 07:57 AM

I recently bought a Shen 180 hybrid bass, and though I am very happy with the sound and feel of this bass, (cuts thorugh much louder and cleaner than my 120 year old German roundback) the neck very soon developed some buzzes. The shop I bought it from is well known for it's high quality set ups and it is making good on repair, and I'm assured will back up any further problems. I have heard from others that this is a problem with new Shen basses. Has anyone else out there had any problems with Shen basses?

Any replies would be appreciated.

Alan Bernstein

Chasarms · #2 12-24-2007, 08:55 AM

Hello sir.

I think you are on the wrong sides of the tracks, and I am sure the Moderators will move you soon enough, but as an owner of an SB180, I will comment.

I have not heard of any problems with the necks on Shen basses. Although, it is not that uncommon for a new bass to take some time to get the setup just right.

If this is the bass's first winter, it certainly makes sense that there is some buzzing. As the wood contracts with the dry winter air, it is pretty common for the strings to buzz. I most always have to raise the wheels a half turn or so in the winter months.

It sounds par for the course to me and that your shop is making good on everything.

I've owned my Shen for 5-6 years now and it has become an excellent bass.

Marcury · #3 12-24-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasarms

Hello sir.

I think you are on the wrong sides of the tracks, and I am sure the Moderators will move you soon enough, but as an owner of an SB180, I will comment.

This belongs in the Double Bass forums.

toman · #4 12-24-2007, 11:18 PM

I think there have been cases of fingerboard warpage. The board on my Shen warped, and I doubt its the only one. if you have buzzes, its the fingerboard, not the neck unless there's something really wrong. Having the fingerboard dressed is not a horribly expensive job, but finding a luthier who can do it well is.

Cathead · #5 12-25-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcury

This belongs in the Double Bass forums.

I think he meant that this should go in the "set up and repair" section of the double bass category.

drurb · #6 12-25-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathead

I think he meant that this should go in the "set up and repair" section of the double bass category.

I think this started out on the BG side-- although, yes, sure is a "setup and repair" issue.

**Joshua** · #7 12-25-2007, 05:09 PM

The neck on my SB80 (bought new in April 2006) pulled into a backbow early this year, but both Shen and Arnold Schnitzer were quick to jump to the rescue. Arnold worked his magic and it has been solid as a rock ever since.

Considering the number of Shens that go around, this seems like a very rare thing to me. Wood is just that though; wood.

This is where buying a reputable name from a reputable repairperson pays off...

Steve Swan · #8 12-28-2007, 10:43 AM

Are you sure that it wan't the initial setup? I've had 25+ Shen basses through the shop in the last 18 months and the only one that had any serious G string buzzing was one that didn't get a good going over by bass-monster Jeff Sahs and had been "setup" by another guy that I don't use any more. Once Jeff did another one of his famous fingerboard planings, it was perfecto. It's why I drive 100 miles each way to have all of my basses set up by him.