How to correct an S-bowed fretless neck?

[rogerbmiller]

So I just bought a fretless bass that has an S shaped bow to the neck. I am not a pro tech so I only know enought to have identified it but I can say that with the truss almost entirely tightened and the strings pretty high, i have low action until about the 12th fret for the D and strings which bottom out. The E is ok and the G is pretty good.

My question is, when this happens, is there a long term solution? in other words, if I have the fingerboard trued, is that only good for the current setup, or does that get things back to square so that if I have to alter the set up for seasonal changes,etc. I am doing it on a "straight neck?"

I would appreciate any advice or anecdotes from those who have gone through this.

Thanks!


Roger

[GeoffByrne]

I'd start by taking the tension out of the truss rod & seeing how the neck settles - the 'S' may be caused by excess tension.

G.

[walterw]

which way is the "S"?

are you straightening out or even backbowing from say 7th or 8th down to the nut, but still seeing a "ski ramp" from the neck/body joint on up?

if so, you indeed need the board planed true. the good news is that once done, you should be fine, and only need the occasional truss rod adjustment.

[rogerbmiller]

Originally Posted by walterw

which way is the "S"?

are you straightening out or even backbowing from say 7th or 8th down to the nut, but still seeing a "ski ramp" from the neck/body joint on up?

if so, you indeed need the board planed true. the good news is that once done, you should be fine, and only need the occasional truss rod adjustment.

That is about right. Any idea how many hours of labor would be involved here? Thanks!

[walterw]

should be well under $200 to have it done (depending on where you are, i imagine NYC won't be the cheapest place to get anything done.)

[walterw]

try to find an "old master", and/or somebody who uses a "tensioning jig" to compensate for string tension when leveling out the neck.

done right, you should end up with something that plays as good as an expensive boutique instrument.