Is my neck dead?

XansNiceSweater · #1 12-12-2008, 10:13 PM

The neck on my MIM P-Bass has some of the worst upbow I've ever encountered, EVER. No matter what I do to the trussrod, no matter what technique I use, the action ends up being about 1" high at the 14th fret - literally. This has been going on for about a year, and I've had enough adjusting.

Anyone know any drastic measures?
The neck has no special significance to me, I'd have no problem replacing it.

Pictures will be up soon.

SuperDuck · #2 12-12-2008, 10:38 PM

You could try shimming the neck.

XansNiceSweater · #3 12-12-2008, 10:58 PM

yeah - the problem is that the neck itself is bent, though.

XansNiceSweater · #4 12-12-2008, 11:07 PM

here. With only two strings on it, not tuned.

bassbully · #5 12-13-2008, 12:45 AM

Its kinda hard to see from the pic but if its is really 1" at the 14th fret that necks shot and badly warped. I have never had a problem like that with a MIM. Did this start all at once or since you bought it?

XansNiceSweater · #6 12-13-2008, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbully

Its kinda hard to see from the pic but if its is really 1" at the 14th fret that necks shot and badly warped. I have never had a problem like that with a MIM. Did this start all at once or since you bought it?

not really all at once, but probably not just "since I bought it" either. It was a little less than a year ago, but I didn't do anything to bring it on - I just noticed it one day and it's gotten worse.

atheos · #7 12-13-2008, 01:14 AM

Tune your bass down to B or A and let it be so for a couple of days - this will loosen the strings and if the truss rod works the neck will bend down. If not it could be that the truss rod is damaged somehow.

EDIT: Oops, looks like you already did that. You could try pushing the end piece of the truss rod "inside" the neck while turning it clockwise. If you see any effect, stop. Then tighten it by the general instructions so you won't break the neck. It could be that the end piece of the truss rod has come loose and does nothing. Can't really be sure since I can't see it myself.

XansNiceSweater · #8 12-13-2008, 01:18 AM

Okay, so it's not 1", but it's right at 3/4"

XansNiceSweater · #9 12-13-2008, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atheos

Tune your bass down to B or A and let it be so for a couple of days - this will loosen the strings and if the truss rod works the neck will bend down. If not it could be that the truss rod is damaged somehow.

I've been trying stuff like this for a year.
I even tried Dan Erlewine's favorite, clamping the neck into a backbow with the trussrod loose and then tightening it.

atheos · #10 12-13-2008, 01:38 AM

Well, I can't think of anything else than damaged truss rod then. Tightening should always push the neck down but since it doesn't, well... Show it to a luthier or get a new neck right away, a new one might be cheaper than repairing the old.

XansNiceSweater · #11 12-13-2008, 01:40 AM

just when I learn that I can't afford a new neck >:[

202dy · #12 12-13-2008, 02:45 PM

There really isn't enough data here to make an accurate (for the internet) diagnosis of the malady. If you could answer some questions it might get you closer to a solution. But it doesn't look as bad as you think it is, from the picture with the ruler.

1. What is the string heights at F12 and the last fret? Measure from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string.
2. How much relief is in the neck?
3. What are the saddle heights of the E and G strings, measured from the plate to the top of the saddle?

With this data it will give a clearer picture of the geometry of your instrument. Post it. Someone will help you.

Dbassmon · #13 12-13-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

There really isn't enough data here to make an accurate (for the internet) diagnosis of the malady.

202dy is correct. We can not tell what is going on from your pics. The thing that tells me there is little or no tension on the truss rod is that, even with just 2 strings on the bass, you have a significant bow. With proper tension on the truss, that neck should have a reverse warp with only 2 stings on the bass. Remember, the purpose of the truss is to counter the pull of the string, I see no evidence there is any upward pressure being exerted by your truss rod. The string tension wants to pull the head stock forward,(which it is... big time) the truss rod is supposed the pull the head stock back... it's not.

With a warped neck, you would still see proper truss action, the warp manifests itself as a twisting or roller coaster neck line. I can not make that diagnosis from these photos.

Go see a repair man, This may not be very hard to correct with a proper set up provided the truss rod has not snapped, which it may have.

If you would like to try in fix this yourself, turn the truss rod clockwise. I would think it should feel very loose bassed on the bow you have. Once you feel tension, increase in 1/4 turn increments with string tension. It should slowly flatten out that neck. Easy does it.

stewart8980 · #14 12-13-2008, 03:11 PM

same thing happened to me back in August. If you were thinking about taking it back to a store for warranty DONT. I made the mistake of trying it, and they ended up saying it was a user error, from overadjusting the truss rod, even though I NEVER TOUCHED THE DAMN THING. best bet is to hit the 'bay and find a good replacement. maybe even an MIA or MIJ. Trust me I know how much it sucks. On the bright side is once you get a good neck with low action, you'll be amazed how easy it is for you to play after dealing with that monster.

Pilgrim · #15 12-13-2008, 06:29 PM

If your strings are 1 inch or close to it off the fretboard and you've attempted to increased tension on the truss rod, IMO the neck is bad. ANY adjustment should have moderated the relief, which is extremely high. That pic is scary. Find a replacement.

XansNiceSweater · #16 12-13-2008, 08:47 PM

The truss rod can't go any tighter, and I've had the bass professionally set up twice in the last year - this problem returns soon after.

Busker · #17 12-13-2008, 09:08 PM

Could it be that the nut has run out of threads? I mean, the nut is tightened all the way, and he's getting no adjustment. I had a similar, but not nearly as drastic problem with a MIM P bass. The truss rod nut can somewhat crush the wood it is supposed to bottom out on, and the nut can thread all the way down and "run out" of threads so it can't be adjusted further. Maybe three or four (or more) tiny washers under the nut would fix it.

Hey Xans, I'll buy the dead neck if you decide to replace it.

jfenderp · #18 12-13-2008, 11:09 PM

Whoa, I personally don't see how you've been playing with it set that high. I think that the you've gotten some pretty good responses so far but I would shim the neck which I think would still give you a funky string height with the bow in the neck......if that doesn't work, get a neck from the accessories classifieds, there are usaully some good deals in there. On the plus side........I bet you have some awesome finger strength from fretting your strings 3/4".