Neck Screw 1972 Fender Jazz

[Rando McNally]

I recently got this baby from a friend who had it in a closet and wanted it well cared for and played. After a truss rod adjustment and a bridge adjustment the action is great, and the thing is playing like a dream.

When I got it the bass was missing one of the neck screws in the back. It looks like the hole is stripped out and will need to be drilled out, filled with a dowel and re-drilled. No problem. I even have the ash to match the body.

The problem is, how far do I go to replace the screw?

On ebay, I can get a neck plate and four screws off an original 1972 Jazz bass for $200 (!!!!!). I really want to take care of this thing, and do right by a sweet old instrument. I got it for nothing, and it's not really mine, but I'll probably always have it.

I don't want to spend $200 to get one screw, but I'd gladly drop $25 or so on original hardware. Anyone point me in the right direction? Anyone have a screw in a drawer that they're willing to part with?

Advice? Pitfalls? This is my first true vintage axe, and I'm not gonna cut corners, so I'm really looking for some sage advice.

[bassmanrocke]

Most repair guys will have a pile of old screw and other parts that have come off various guitars and basses. Since most Fenders had the same neck screws it should be an easy find. Take either the bass or one of the screws to a local shop and they will probably let you go through a box to find a match for next to nothing. By the way, there is nothing magical about original Fender neck screws. If you found a chrome plated screw with the same dimensions it would make no difference to the sound or desireability of your jazz.

[Rando McNally]

Yeah, I'll probably end up going to the shop and getting one that just matches, but let's just say, for the sake of argument, that I'm sooooo grateful to have been permanently loaned this bass that I'm willing to take ridiculous steps to demonstrate that it is in good hands to its actual owner.

So, I'm willing to part with some cash to swap this replacement screw out with an original when one becomes available, but I'd rather just find one now and do it. I'm not saying I'd be doing this if the bass was mine.

Is this something to just keep my eyes open for on eBay and in the classifieds here? Are there resources for this type of thing?

[JustDavid]

I don't know enough about relic Fenders to opine on that obvious sub-topic. A thread in the Basses forum might be worthwhile.

For the Repair portion of the thread, dowel the neck, pre-drill a pilot hole, take one of the screws down to Home Depot & match it, screw 'er in.

[Rando McNally]

10-4, I'll post an thread in the basses forum.

thanks!!!