More relief in treble side of neck than bass side

micximus · #1 10-14-2009, 12:09 PM

My Ibanez EX 5 has slightly more relief on the treble side of the neck. Other than that it's actually a pretty good neck.

Any guess if this could be remedied with lighter gague strings up top and heavier B, E?

Sorry, don't know what I currently have on there.

PBass101 · #2 10-14-2009, 12:14 PM

This happened to my MIA 2008 Fender Precision. I ordered a Status replacement neck and am hopefully going to forget all about Fender once I get it on my bass.

You might consider taking it into a pro technician to see what they have to say. They might even recommend a fret dressing if it's only a slight difference, and then it's only an issue if it affects playing.

Ric5 · #3 10-14-2009, 12:17 PM

Wood in its natural state wants to twist and warp and curve. We make wood do unnatural things by making it stay straight and resist string tension.

ByF · #4 10-14-2009, 10:07 PM

Twisted necks are generally not considered to be "pretty good necks," though.

Ed

kalle74 · #5 10-15-2009, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByF

Twisted necks are generally not considered to be "pretty good necks," though.

Ed

+1.

A Tobias KillerB 5 I once had, had the same problem. I took it back to the store I bought it from...

Anesthesia · #6 10-15-2009, 04:35 AM

put the head stock in a vice and twist the neck back.

just kidding, really dont try that. get a pro to have a look and advise you what is doable if anything.

micximus · #7 10-15-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByF

Twisted necks are generally not considered to be "pretty good necks," though.

Ed

Ha ha ha.

So nobody thinks changing up string gagues is going to help?

mongo2 · #8 10-15-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micximus

My Ibanez EX 5 has slightly more relief on the treble side of the neck. Other than that it's actually a pretty good neck.

I've played a neck with that same issue for years. Never noticed a problem with it in use.

202dy · #9 10-15-2009, 07:54 AM

It depends on the neck. Some will respond positively to a different set of strings. Some won't.

Sometimes a different set of strings can bring the neck into line. If that doesn't work, putting together a custom set might.

Heat treatment might also be an option, albeit and expensive one.

By the way, different relief measurements does not imply that the neck is twisted. Often it is a function of the fingerboard. If the fingerboard is stiffer on one side than the other the defect will manifest itself in this condition.

The bottom line is that if acceptable action can be achieved it doesn't really matter that the neck has differing relief on bass and treble sides.

Ric5 · #10 10-15-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micximus

My Ibanez EX 5 has slightly more relief on the treble side of the neck. Other than that it's actually a pretty good neck.

Any guess if this could be remedied with lighter gague strings up top and heavier B, E?

Sorry, don't know what I currently have on there.

If it is just slightly then adjust the bridge to compensate and play it.

I don't think strings will fix your neck.

Benjamin Strange · #11 10-15-2009, 10:59 AM

This is pretty normal, actually. Very rarely do you come across an instrument that has the same relief across all strings. It's only a problem if you are getting unacceptable buzzing on the neck.