'76 Jazz neck disaster

3NotesAbar · #1 10-29-2008, 04:47 AM

First thing I'd like to say is... HELP!

I sent my 76 Fender Jazz to a local repair man after trying to adjust the neck to have less relief. I noticed the truss rod was already tight, so I decided its best not to force anything. I didn't even try to force the headstock down or anything to adjust the neck. Next thing I know, I recieve a call from the guy saying that the thread broke. So now, if the bass is tuned to pitch, the relief would be HUGE. The neck is one with a maple board.

My plea for help really starts here. Does anybody have any advice for me as to what I could do? This bass IS my wife. I'd do almost anything to restore her.

hover · #2 10-29-2008, 06:04 AM

At this point, it's new neck time, or find a competent luthier that can replace the truss rod. It's not easy on those style necks....especially the bullet style that was prone to cracking the fretboard just past the nut.

I wish you the best of luck, that is certainly bad news.

I'd chose option B, it the guy is familiar with this repair.

62bass · #3 10-29-2008, 06:17 AM

Yes, that's a tough break for you. What hover said is right. Both options might cost about the same. A new neck loses you some money in resale value but then again, so does a repaired one, but probably less. The big advantage to me with repairing the existing neck is you have a neck and frets you like and are familiar with the shape of. But the repair guy has to really be good.

GtenderG · #4 10-29-2008, 06:30 AM

I'd get myself a good replacement neck. Get it on the bass and setup right. At least your playing again at this point. Then without pressure you can find the right guy for the job of fixing the neck. The upside of all that is if/when the original neck is fixed you can easily sell the replacement neck (or just hold onto it for another project)

Good luck....

hover · #5 10-29-2008, 06:47 AM

Option C presenting itself:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Truss_ro...escue_Kit.html

BUT, this depends on where the thread broke, and how compatible this type of repair is to your neck.

Again, best of luck.

3NotesAbar · #6 10-29-2008, 07:16 AM

Thanks for your replies, all of you. I feel better already having experienced such kindness from the community!

I'm gonna source for a new neck over time. Sigh. At least I still have plenty of basses to work with for now...

MikeBass · #7 10-29-2008, 07:33 AM

I went through TWO 70's necks on my 70s Jazz (back in the early 90's when you could get a 70's neck for about $100).
One because the same issue you described, and the second because it had the "Fender Flip" (body end of the fingerboard actually had a slight upward curve) and it started to develop a slight warp or twist- making it un-repairable.

Got an aftermarket replacement over 13 years ago and no problems.
Looking for a vintage 70's neck again- this time it's gonna be EXPENSIVE, but I'll risk it.

Not uncommon to have those problems. I know quite a few guys who owned 70's JAzz who had neck issues.

3NotesAbar · #8 10-29-2008, 12:44 PM

Maybe I should screw Fenders and get your Green L-2000

MikeBass · #9 10-29-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3NotesAbar

Maybe I should screw Fenders and get your Green L-2000

Yeah well, there is always that!!!

It's still a "Fender" in a way LOL!!!

We can talk if you'd like!!!

3NotesAbar · #10 10-29-2008, 01:41 PM

Man, I just pulled the trigger for Eggman's 20th ann SR5HH and a brand new F Bass. Your coil split mod is EXACTLY what i think L2000s and L2500 should come with as stock! Nicely done.

I'll let you know if my trigger finger gets itchy early November, if the bass is still not sold. Damn, I wonder what gas-heads are thinking, its a steal!