help request: alignment

ack · #1 02-20-2008, 06:10 AM

Hello. I need a bit of advice.
I've got one of those inexpensive SX Jazz basses, and I've noticed that there is a considerable difference in the gap between the E-string and the edge of the fretboard and the G-string and the edge of the fretboard.

The alignment looks OK towards the nut, but as you get closer to the bridge, the difference increases.

To be honest, this is a replacement neck that I put on myself, but I didn't notice this issue before I looked closely at it. The neck fit nice and snug in the pocket and it appears to be properly aligned.

To me it looks like the bridge is off-center since the strings don't exactly center on the pole pieces. I'm attaching some photos, so if anyone has any constructive advice as to how I rectify this problem, I would greatly appreciate your responses.

I guess I could put the original fretless neck back on to see if the same gap issue is resident, but I thought I'd check with the guys and gals who hang out in this forum first.
(I also don't look forward to swapping the tuners back to the original neck either).

Thanks,

202dy · #2 02-20-2008, 06:37 AM

This has been discussed many times.

1. Loosen the bolts.
2. Pull the neck into alignment.
3. Tighten the bolts.

The images make it look as if the bridge may be misaligned. But this doesn't happen very often since most guitar manufacturers began utilizing CNC machinery to shape, rout, and bore the wood components. Even in the unlikely circumstance that the bridge is misaligned the amount of work necessary isn't justified on an instrument of this quality. It is almost a guarantee that any bridge move is going to be cosmetically undesirable.

BTW, this is one of the reasons why most luthiers and techs order replacement necks without bolt holes bored into the heel. It is better to do the alignment and boring in the field so that the neck/body geometry is done correctly the first time. Besides, gluing plugs into existing holes, trimming them, and re-boring the holes is time consuming and frustrating.

ack · #3 02-20-2008, 03:26 PM

thanks for your response

GeneralElectric · #4 09-02-2008, 08:23 PM

I've a similar problem, but how do I pull the neck? any special tricks?

PBass101 · #5 09-02-2008, 11:48 PM

I've got a 2008 American St. Precision Bass with a BadAss III bridge with the same problem - extra space between the edge of the neck and the E string. I've been using the extra notche in the BadAss to keep the string aligned a little better, but I just came across this and was wondering just how much force I should use the pull against the neck. Don't want to end up cracking any wood.

Here's a Jaco Pastorius bass that looks like it has the same deal going on: http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Jaco-Past...QQcmdZViewItem

What's up with Fender? Don't they notice this before they pack the bass for shipping?

lowtide · #6 09-03-2008, 01:27 AM

That bridge definitely looks out, not the neck. Look at the bridge in relation to the bridge pickup. The bridge is about 3/8" closer to the right. I would pull the bridge, fill the holes and refinish that area. And I also would have noticed that when it arrived and returned it.

maurilio · #7 09-03-2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowtide

That bridge definitely looks out, not the neck. Look at the bridge in relation to the bridge pickup. The bridge is about 3/8" closer to the right. I would pull the bridge, fill the holes and refinish that area. And I also would have noticed that when it arrived and returned it.

+1

but than again... what can you expect from a $300 bass?

Pilgrim · #8 09-03-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maurilio

+1

but than again... what can you expect from a $300 bass?

You can expect the bridge, neck and other parts to be installed in their proper relationship.

I have two basses that sold new for under $200 - neither has any alignment problems, and both are great players. You DO NOT have to spend big money to get a good, serviceable instrument.

GeneralElectric · #9 09-03-2008, 07:46 PM

I've got a $1600 bass with this problem

lowtide · #10 09-03-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralElectric

I've got a $1600 bass with this problem

That's exactly what I've been saying to a lotta people.
Money don't mean squat. Meneal labor and attention to a few MINOR details (knowing how to read a ruler and a square) and there's NO REASON why that kinda crap should've ever made it out the door, inexpensive bass or not.

I STILL would run it back by Kurt. HE aughtta be ashamed to send out crap like that.

GeneralElectric · #11 09-04-2008, 01:03 PM

Mine's handbuilt by Bill Nash. It arrived this way.

ack · #12 09-05-2008, 07:12 AM

Thanks to all for the replies - It was definitely the bridge alignment, which made me feel better about my job at replacing the neck...

Instead of filling in the holes and realigning the original 5-hole bridge, I replaced that bridge with a (properly aligned) 3-hole Schaller Roller that I had laying around.
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Originally Posted by maurilio
+1

but than again... what can you expect from a $300 bass?
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you win the "worst response of the thread" contest. congrats.