Have to buy a new neck??

basscamel 420 · #1 08-08-2011, 10:12 PM

So I was in the local music shop today to have my truss rod turned to fix the bow in the neck. The guy was having trouble turning it so he had to take the neck off. Well come to find out the truss rod has been turned to the max so I'm stuck with a big ass bow in the neck. What I don't understand is that it's a 2 year old fender p bass and te truss is turned all the way! I thought you could go decades before you had to replace it but I guess not..

So I guess I'm just going to get a nice warmoth neck to put on it. I just can't believe a 2 year old bass has that problem . Talk about a bummer!

Craig_S · #2 08-08-2011, 10:19 PM

Take the nut off and put a couple washers on the rod. Tighten the nut as much as you need, to set the relief. Sometimes the wood compresses.

basscamel 420 · #3 08-08-2011, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

Take the nut off and put a couple washers on the rod. Tighten the nut as much as you need, to set the relief. Sometimes the wood compresses.

Do you think I could do that myself or should I have a local luthier do it? I hav to buy a new neck as of right now so if I goof it up it's not that big of a deal but if it can be fixed then i don't wanna goof it up haha

Craig_S · #4 08-08-2011, 10:30 PM

You'll just need to find washers that fit. It's not difficult to adjust a truss rod, but it can be scary for someone who is unsure. If you're afraid to adjust it yourself, have someone who knows how help you.

rmars · #5 08-08-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

Take the nut off and put a couple washers on the rod. Tighten the nut as much as you need, to set the relief. Sometimes the wood compresses.

+1 You can also clamp the neck like in the link to further assist you get it straight.
http://www.sgd-lutherie.com/images/neck_clamp.png

basscamel 420 · #6 08-08-2011, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

You'll just need to find washers that fit. It's not difficult to adjust a truss rod, but it can be scary for someone who is unsure. If you're afraid to adjust it yourself, have someone who knows how help you.

I know how to adjust it I just never have. I'll just have some one help me do it. They also said something about heating the neck up and the pressing it? I'm not sure what he was talking about but he said there is only like a 50% chance of it working. Do you know anything about this?

Craig_S · #7 08-08-2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscamel 420

I know how to adjust it I just never have. I'll just have some one help me do it. They also said something about heating the neck up and the pressing it? I'm not sure what he was talking about but he said there is only like a 50% chance of it working. Do you know anything about this?

Yes. Necks can be heated. Odds are yours doesn't need it. Who is this person you spoke to, a clerk or a real tech?

basscamel 420 · #8 08-08-2011, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

Yes. Necks can be heated. Odds are yours doesn't need it. Who is this person you spoke to, a clerk or a real tech?

Hes a real guitar tech. He even called the owner of the shop in front of me to make sure they would be able to do it

Craig_S · #9 08-08-2011, 10:45 PM

The tech asked the owner if they could do it? Find another shop to take it to.

WilliamSandoval · #10 08-08-2011, 10:47 PM

If you happen to do get a new neck, are you going to get something fancy that cost 800 bucks, or do you just want Rosewood on Maple or something?

basscamel 420 · #11 08-08-2011, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

The tech asked the owner if they could do it? Find another shop to take it to.

Yeah I thought that was kind of strange of him but whatever. But do you think I should try to heat it or just buy a new neck?

Craig_S · #12 08-08-2011, 10:52 PM

try the washers and lay off the 420 for a while.

basscamel 420 · #13 08-08-2011, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

If you happen to do get a new neck, are you going to get something fancy that cost 800 bucks, or do you just want Rosewood on Maple or something?

I would like to get a nice neck to put on there. But I don't have the money to right now. I was thinking about just putting it in a case for a while and playing one of my other basses till I have enough money saved to buy a nice neck

WilliamSandoval · #14 08-08-2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscamel 420

I would like to get a nice neck to put on there. But I don't have the money to right now. I was thinking about just putting it in a case for a while and playing one of my other basses till I have enough money saved to buy a nice neck

What kind of bass do you have?

bunnykeeper · #15 08-08-2011, 11:01 PM

Try the washers. Worked for me.

basscamel 420 · #16 08-08-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_S

try the washers and lay off the 420 for a while.

I will try the washer thing. You sound like my mom telling me to lay off the "420" haha. But on a serious note thanks for the help mann.

basscamel 420 · #17 08-08-2011, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

What kind of bass do you have?

Fender p bass

WilliamSandoval · #18 08-08-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscamel 420

Fender p bass

I'd take a look at MighyMite. I got a Rosewood/Maple for my Jazz for 100 bucks on amazon. Works perfectly fine.

I made a basic Rosewood/Maple on Warmoth, and it came to like 300 bucks.

I mean, if you just want something simple, go with MighyMite. If you don't, go with Warmoth. No sense in paying 300 bucks if you don't have to!

Craig_S · #19 08-08-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscamel 420

I will try the washer thing. You sound like my mom telling me to lay off the "420" haha. But on a serious note thanks for the help mann.

Your mom is right, and I've had your weight in 420 in my life.

It isn't helping you solve anything.

JLS · #20 08-08-2011, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscamel 420

So I was in the local music shop today to have my truss rod turned to fix the bow in the neck. The guy was having trouble turning it so he had to take the neck off. Well come to find out the truss rod has been turned to the max so I'm stuck with a big ass bow in the neck. What I don't understand is that it's a 2 year old fender p bass and te truss is turned all the way! I thought you could go decades before you had to replace it but I guess not..

So I guess I'm just going to get a nice warmoth neck to put on it. I just can't believe a 2 year old bass has that problem . Talk about a bummer!

You don't have to go run out & buy a new neck, just because some tech doesn't know how to get a neck straightened out properly without going to the, "nuclear option", of heat treating.
A tech who doesn't know to backclamp a problem neck, not to mention adding additional washers, is an inept fool.