NEED SERIOUS HELP WITH MY DEAN!

[Theshiggityshwa]

So, long story short...
Can I fix something like this?




I've had my Metal man for 3 years now. I dropped it playing at a gig one night and this has me sweating bullets. The problem with this is that the neck actually tilts to the right causing an offset of the strings. I need to know if something like this can be fixed because I put alot of time and money into buying new parts and pickups. I don't really feel like simply giving it away.

[mongo2]

You should take that to a tech to have checked out. IMO, it can be fixed.

[202dy]

It can be fixed. Does it need to be?

First the problem needs to be sorted out. Are the cracks merely in the finish? That is a relatively simple touch up. Left alone it, will not affect the playability of the instrument. If the cracks are in the wood it is a structural problem. Clamps and glue are in order.

Either way, it is a job only for the seriously handy. If you close your eyes and imagine "tool" and a picture of a sledgehammer pops into view please seek professional assistance for this repair.

[mr.black]

there is maybe the possibility of glueing in that bolt on neck? hear a few have done that for stability... why not to fix yours.

[202dy]

If the problem is structural, gluing the neck in the pocket does not address the problem at the root. The cracks must be opened, glue applied, clamped, and cleaned up. That is most easily accomplished with the neck out of the pocket.

[mech]

Originally Posted by Theshiggityshwa

The problem with this is that the neck actually tilts to the right causing an offset of the strings.

Fixing the neck offset is relatively simple. Loosen the strings, loosen the neck bolts, move the neck back where it should be, tighten the neck bolts and tune the strings. The crack is a different matter as others have stated.

mech

[Stilettoprefer]

Yeah, take it to a good luthier or get a new body and just transplant all of your part onto it.

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by john grey

This issue is not uncommon.
Often this is the result of using a power screwdriver to drive the screws tight and the crack is a superficial issue in the clear-coat. Frankly I have seen this type of thing several times and when the neck was taken off the crack was a clear-coat only issue. However that doesn't mean this is the case in every situation; obviously! Of course you should check and determine the extent of the crack. But this happens when power screwdrivers are used and the screw cranked down on many instruments.

The issue, if it IS a superficial clear-coat crack, is that if sold in that condition a macro photo should be shown to assure the buyer that (obviously) the crack doesn't extend into the body.
I have seen some luck with quality buffing abrasives from light to "swirl-removal" light in texture. However the work is often undone when the neck is taken off and put back (the crack is very light but still visible). The ideal method would be to re-spray, but that's some work and time for a clear-coat crack. IF it DOES extend down to the wood there would be indication of impact or an odd replacement using over-sized screws or even harsh wiggling of the neck in a semi-tightened condition.
However I have seen these same cracks in Basses and guitars perhaps half a dozen times. It's not unique.

He said that he dropped the bass then the cracks showed up. It could be just finish cracks, but it could just as easily be in the wood in this case.

EDIT: if/when you do get it repaired, I highly recommend some form of strap lock to prevent this from happening again. Assuming that you dropped it because the strap fell off...

[john grey]

I didn't see the second section of text; I suppose a great deal depends on how high the thing fell and on what & in what position. Shame, I suppose it's a real toss-up.

[Theshiggityshwa]

I would also like to know how to remedy the slight tilt in the neck. The neck slants to the right which offsets the E and G string. I've tried solving it by removing the neck and mixing baking soda with super glue inside the screw holes and placing the neck back on but it still has the slant. That's the biggest problem I have. I'd like to know if an offset fretboard can be straightened.
Also, when I got the bass, the truss rod was stripped. Should I just go all out and replace a lot of the hardware?

[202dy]

By "tilt" do you mean that the result is that the string margin on the edge of the neck is not equal on both sides?

[lonote]

I think I'd step back and think for a minute. Is it really worth the time and expense it is going to take to handle this problem? It is an inexpensive instrument that appears to need quite a bit of work; I don't think I'd do it if it was me but that's just me.

[Stilettoprefer]

Is the neck bent, or just shifted in the pocket? If its bent you're SOL.

[Pilgrim]

Agreed, you need to figure out whether those are finish cracks or actual cracked wood.

I glued cracks in the wood which appeared similar to those in a Univox Hi-Flyer type body....it required opening up the cracks enough to get Titebond into the gaps, then some creative clamping.

[Theshiggityshwa]

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

Is the neck bent, or just shifted in the pocket? If its bent you're SOL.

It's shifted in the pocket.

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by Theshiggityshwa

It's shifted in the pocket.

Loosen the screws holding the neck in, grab neck, and pull it back straight. Then tighten the screws again. Check the string alignment and repeat if necessary. Most fenders need this done, so it's no big deal.

[Theshiggityshwa]

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

Loosen the screws holding the neck in, grab neck, and pull it back straight. Then tighten the screws again. Check the string alignment and repeat if necessary. Most fenders need this done, so it's no big deal.

I've tried this already. countless times. The neck still moves over. I've tried the super glue/ baking soda thing. It still moves over.

[K-Frog]

How about a pic from the front showing string offset and another of the potential neck pocket gaps.

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by K-Frog

How about a pic from the front showing string offset and another of the potential neck pocket gaps.

+1....