Fender Jazz Neck in Big Trouble

[selowitch]

Roger, the guitar tech at Victor Litz Music in Gaithersburg, MD, called me tonight to say that there are major problems with bowing on the neck of my Fender 60s Reissue (MIM) Jazz Bass that he can't correct and that I ought to speak to Fender about a warranty repair/replacement.

The thing is, I bought this thing used off of eBay (I think National Music Supply was the seller, so that might help as they may have records) two or three years ago, so if I'm going to have a shot at invoking the "lifetime limited warranty" at the very least I'm going to have to chase down the receipt, right?

Does anybody have experience dealing with Fender in these situations?

[JLS]

Why do you think a warranty would cover it?

[60bass]

Originally Posted by selowitch

Roger, the guitar tech at Victor Litz Music in Gaithersburg, MD, called me tonight to say that there are major problems with bowing on the neck of my Fender 60s Reissue (MIM) Jazz Bass that he can't correct and that I ought to speak to Fender about a warranty repair/replacement.

The thing is, I bought this thing used off of eBay (I think National Music Supply was the seller, so that might help as they may have records) two or three years ago, so if I'm going to have a shot at invoking the "lifetime limited warranty" at the very least I'm going to have to chase down the receipt, right?

Does anybody have experience dealing with Fender in these situations?

I think you're going to be out of luck. See copy below from Fender's site regarding warranty.

"Fender Musical Instruments Corporation warrants this Fender brand instrument to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for as long as it is owned by the original retail purchaser".

That kills the warranty if you bought it used. And if that's not enough there's always this part.

"The following items are not covered by this warranty.
1. Fret wear, saddle wear, nut wear, strings and batteries.
2. Setups, adjustments or routine maintenance of any kind.
3. Damage to finishes or cracks, splitting, or warpage of wood due to changes in temperature or humidity, exposure to or contact with sun, fire, moisture, body salts and acids of perspiration, guitar straps, guitar stands/hangers made from vinyl, plastic, rubber or other synthetic materials, any other chemicals or non- Fender-approved polishes".

If you could locate the original receipt and take it to an "authorized" Fender warranty shop that has a good long term working relationship with Fender, you might be able to have it fixed under warranty. Fender will want the bass shipped to them for inspection and you pay for shipping there and back. Fender can be painfully slow on warranty replacements sometimes.

If you like the bass otherwise, it would be easier to pick up a replacement neck from Warmoth or another supplier and go with that.

I wish I could give you better news.

[selowitch]

Nah, that's okay. Not the end of the world.

[Sub5ound]

Do you think a neck twist would be covered?

[selowitch]

Originally Posted by Sub5ound

Do you think a neck twist would be covered?

Perhaps, but since I'm a secondary owner (I bought the bass used in July 2005 off of eBay), I'm pretty sure I don't qualify for the warranty, and although Fender might replace the neck, they would charge me almost as much as a good Warmoth/Allparts replacement. Not really worth it.

[JohnnyPustular]

There are a number of good replacement necks in the classified section. If you need to replace, I'd check there first.

[selowitch]

Originally Posted by JohnnyPustular

There are a number of good replacement necks in the classified section. If you need to replace, I'd check there first.

Good suggestion. But because I'm getting a new bass soon, I think I may sell off the body and use the neck for wall decoration or kindling.

[Nedmundo]

Originally Posted by Sub5ound

Do you think a neck twist would be covered?

Assuming you're the original purchaser, yes. Fender covered the neck twist on my 2003 American Series Jazz, with minimal hassle. In fact, the replacement neck is more resonant, so it was a nice upgrade, and I got a top notch setup too.

I second the eBay recommendation. There's a seller (n.aalox) who parts out new MIM Fenders, so you get a factory fresh neck for a reasonable price, though it won't have a warranty. I bought an MIM fretless J neck this way, and it's excellent.