Vintage SB2 Neck

MikeyBass614 · #1 07-07-2008, 05:57 PM

Hello all, I own a 1983 model SB2 with the 2 MFD Jazz style single coil pick ups. I REALLY love this bass. Lately I have been having to adjust the truss rod 2 - 3 times a week to keep the strings from buzzing at the bottom of the neck. Three different guitar techs have told me the neck is 'twisted' and cannot be repaired except to try a heat press procedure that may or may not work. I contacted G&L and they want $450.00 for the neck, $150.00 for labor and I pay shipping both ways. That's around $700.00. That's too much for my current budget. I could buy an 80's model SB2 on Ebay for the same price or less. So finally my question is: do any of you G&L bass lovers out there know of any other source for a neck that will have the correct specs (I don't want to have to 'modify' a neck to fit) to fit my bass? I believe my SB2 uses a #8 neck. Thanks for your help, Mikey

Ken Baker · #2 07-07-2008, 07:08 PM

A #8 neck from '83 will be a bit different from a modern #8. Neck interchangeability, even between two 1983 basses, is hit or miss because of the hand made nature of the bass, and a modern neck will NOT be a simple bolt-on affair.

My recommendation would be to contact Michael Dolan of Dolan Custom Guitars and get a quote. The man is sharp, honest, and has a great reputation in the lutherie and bass communities.

Ken...

**Chef** · #3 07-08-2008, 07:06 AM

concur

MikeyBass614 · #4 07-08-2008, 07:55 AM

Thanks for the advice Ken & Chef. I was hoping to keep the bass a genuine G&L but it looks like cost is going to dictate that I look for an aftermarket neck of some kind. I'll contact the custom guitar builder you recommended. Thanks again, Mikey

**Chef** · #5 07-08-2008, 07:58 AM

Mr Dolan may well be able to fix your neck.
I know of a couple of this exact instance where he's been successful.

lmfreeman9 · #6 07-08-2008, 09:10 AM

I have an '81 L-2000 E which had neck issues. The heat press option was about a 90% cure and much cheaper than replacement options.

fcappi · #7 07-08-2008, 10:02 AM

Heat it or at least try....Cheapest option and I am sure it won't be any worse.
My local tech says they get pretty good results from doing this.