Is my neck warped?

[Icculus]

So I just got a bass from eBay a few weeks ago. Haven't had much time to play it until lately. It buzzes quite a bit. I was once taught that if you play a note at one of the lower frets, and then squeeze the neck tightly (almost pulling back on the neck and pushing on it at the same time), a bad sound will indicate a shotty neck. I would definitely characterize what I hear as a "bad sound"...

I want to know if I need to return this bass or just get it set up.

[Eric Moesle]

Any wooden neck will do that if you yank on it like that.

It is very common for buzzing to occur after a bass has been shipped, especially if the two locations have different temperature and humidity factors.

Get the bass set up. Don't automatically assume there is something wrong with it just because it buzzes and needs a setup. Even when buying brand new, I always do a full setup.

[Chrisk-K]

Any wooden neck will do that if you yank on it like that.

+1. Hence, some players yank the neck to get vibrato on open strings and harmonics (e.g., Sheehan).

[Icculus]

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

+1. Hence, some players yank the neck to get vibrato on open strings and harmonics (e.g., Sheehan).

It doesn't take a lot of force at all to get this sound.

[carlos840]

completely normal!

[Mrdak]

This is ridiculous.
You don't say what kind of bass it is.
You say you were taught that if you squeeze the neck and pull back on it, a bad sound is an indication of a shotty neck..... Taught by who! Chuck Norris?

[TGLbass]

HA! That was great!!!! Chuck Norris! I think he worked for Norlin during the Gibson Norlin years! HA!