have i got a duff neck??

dreadheadbass · #1 12-19-2009, 11:27 AM

eveing gents i'm having some trouble with my squier VM
i bought it new and as with all my bass's i set it up myself
all was great but i noticed the neck relief kept creeping up and so every week or so i'd have to nip the truss rod back up untill the neck was straight again....
then i ran out of adjustment so i strapped the neck in a vice with some backbow on it and heated it several times for 2 days to try to force the neck into shape and take some of the strain off the thruss rod
that worked great but 2 days later and again it started to creep (and is continuing to do so) and the rod bolt is starting to feel stiff again so it looks like i'm running out of adjustment again!!

any suggestions can this be cured or is the neck a dud that needs binning?

i'm using as i do on all my bass's roto flats 45-105

any help would be greatly apriciated

Bobster · #2 12-20-2009, 12:27 AM

If you've got a "moving" neck, it's a good idea to get back in to the dealer for a look. They can get a Fender repair center to take a look at it if needed.

It's possible that Fender (Squier) will replace it. Also watch for cracks in the first fret.

About the only other thing to do, is put some washers on the truss to give more adjustment room. There are a few threads about this, here at TB.

I believe the Squier the same warranty as Fender (one year) and replacement would be my first choice if possible.

GlennW · #3 12-20-2009, 06:12 AM

It sounds like a noodle neck to me. I'd try to get a replacement. Anything less will be a temporary fix at best, IMO.

lowendblues · #4 12-20-2009, 08:06 AM

You could try some different strings. Roto flats guaged .45 - .105 carry some pretty high tension.

Benjamin Strange · #5 12-20-2009, 09:45 AM

If you're running out of adjustment room on the truss rod, then most likely you've got a naff neck/truss rod. This kind of thing should be covered under warranty.

Also - be VERY careful with a heat press. If done without the proper tools/knowledge you can warp or twist the neck, loosen frets, pop out inlays, etc.

dreadheadbass · #6 12-21-2009, 12:55 PM

thanks for the replies guys i'll drop it back off in the shop i think

Meatrus · #7 12-21-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendblues

You could try some different strings. Roto flats guaged .45 - .105 carry some pretty high tension.

+1, they ruined a neck of mine, it was in fairness already close to maxed out, and also a crap bass. But the Roto flats finished it off into an unfixable ski jump (I tried the washers and bending it though without heat)

It does sound like yours is knackered though, so taking it back seems like a good idea

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