Help. My '84 L1k needs a new neck. What should I do?

justinbass · #1 09-17-2007, 03:21 PM

The trussrod is broken, and the frets have no life left. The neck is currently all but completely unplayable. I talked to my local G&L dealer, and he asked G&L about purchasing a replacement neck. This was their response.

Quote:

Justin
just spoke to my rep - he said that there are 3 answers that normally apply to your inquiry, which are as follows:
1. NO! we do not supply replacement necks!
2. We will build a new neck only fro a warranty issue!
3. If we are not too far behind in production, we might build a new neck, BUT - it'll cost a least $500!!
apparently nobody makes an after-market replacement neck for this model my suggestion is to start looking on EBay & TalkBass for someone who might be able to help

I had a tech I trust greatly look at the neck, and the neck is warped from years of string tension and a broken trussrod.

So, what do you all suggest I do?

Thanks!
-Justin

Templar · #2 09-17-2007, 09:37 PM

Occasionally, old G&L necks pop up on ebane. Expect to pay (roughly) $100-250 depending on condition and model, etc.

If it were me,

I'd either part out the L-2000, recoup some cash....
Wait forever for just the right old neck on ebay....
Investigate a Moses graphite replacement....
Toss it in a closet and forget the whole stinkin' mess!

Nedmundo · #3 09-18-2007, 05:50 AM

I'd watch eBay for awhile, but you could also call Warmoth and USA Custom Guitars to see whether they could make one.

Nino Valenti · #4 09-18-2007, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

....but you could also call Warmoth and USA Custom Guitars to see whether they could make one.

Neither company make a direct replacement for G&L.

You can get a Graphite neck from, I believe, Moses Graphite that is a replacement for G&L's.
http://www.mosesgraphite.com/mm144.html

justinbass · #5 09-18-2007, 06:12 AM

Is graphite the only solution?

I was hoping to find another maple/maple neck.

justinbass · #6 09-18-2007, 08:48 AM

Next question:

Do all 4-string G&Ls have the same neck pocket size?

quickervicar · #7 09-18-2007, 11:23 AM

Okay, I'll throw this out there: I'm getting rid of my L2k maple/maple neck (3-bolt) to convert it to Moses fretless. It plays/sounds fine, but the nut area had been hacked by a previous owner. It has been repaired, but still isn't beautiful. However, it is straight and true. I think I may have some pics buried somewhere if you're interested.

quickervicar · #8 09-18-2007, 11:58 AM

Neck on bass: http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...r/DSCN0084.jpg

Heel plate: http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...r/DSCN0083.jpg

Nut damage: http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...r/DSCN0087.jpg

Sorry for the blurry pics--the camera just wasn't cooperating that day. Note that the nut cants back just a hair and there is a slight chunk taken out on the E-string side--neither affect playability. The nut is held in with a fair amount of glue to keep it stable. Again, not pretty but it works and you can't see it from 10 feet away.

DavePlaysBass · #9 09-18-2007, 09:46 PM

I heard someone say that getting a Moses neck on a G&L still takes a lot of work. The Moses neck is supposed to be a G&L / MM replacement and as I understand it these are two different neck pockets.

Dave

**Chef** · #10 09-18-2007, 10:47 PM

Justin, meet quickervicar.
Ain't talkbass grand!!!

Skeletomania · #11 09-19-2007, 02:47 AM

There's quite a few older models of G&L with truss rod issues. Mine is no exception. Shouldn't G&L at least have some in stock, when such occasion arises. Rather than telling you nothing they can do.

justinbass · #12 09-19-2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickervicar

Okay, I'll throw this out there: I'm getting rid of my L2k maple/maple neck (3-bolt) to convert it to Moses fretless. It plays/sounds fine, but the nut area had been hacked by a previous owner. It has been repaired, but still isn't beautiful. However, it is straight and true. I think I may have some pics buried somewhere if you're interested.

YES! I am. Thanks!

quickervicar · #13 09-19-2007, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

Ain't talkbass grand!!!

Indeed it is!

Skeletomania: I'm wondering if G & L just doesn't have the old-style necks available. They may very well offer the new-style L2k, but not with the "El Toro" headstock.

Dave: I do have concerns about the Moses fitment, but they offer an installation/setup service at their location. It isn't cheap, but it should be right that way.

justinbass · #14 09-19-2007, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

Justin, meet quickervicar.
Ain't talkbass grand!!!

Thank you for the introduction. This place never ceases to amaze me.

**Chef** · #15 09-19-2007, 06:22 AM

Justin; 'vicar; make it real and post some pics for us!

What G&L neck swapping I've done has all been successful.

quickervicar · #16 09-19-2007, 06:41 AM

PM replied, Justin!

**Chef** · #17 09-19-2007, 06:45 AM

me too..and the odds of this are about as good as you finding a neck so what the heck..:
If you have any extra cheerleaders wearing bikinis and toting machine guns, I could use a couple.

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinbass

This place never ceases to amaze me.

justinbass · #18 09-19-2007, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickervicar

PM replied, Justin!

Right back at you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

Justin; 'vicar; make it real and post some pics for us!

I know the rules. No pics, no new neck.

quickervicar · #19 09-19-2007, 11:04 AM

As long as Justin is satisfied with the pics that I posted, then we should have a done deal.

flash99 · #20 09-19-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeletomania

There's quite a few older models of G&L with truss rod issues. Mine is no exception. Shouldn't G&L at least have some in stock, when such occasion arises. Rather than telling you nothing they can do.

The problem with that is because of inconsistencies in necks and neck pockets over the years, any replacement neck on an older, non CNC cut G&L needs to be fitted to the body. G&L will replace necks but only if they do the work and keep the old neck. It is $500 now and it takes a while but they will do it - I just got a neck replaced for one of my customers and it was out of warranty.