Twisted Neck Advice...

Bottoms_Up! · #1 06-25-2009, 04:43 PM

Hi all.

I looked here and the Luthier's Corner and couldn't find anything that matched my dilemma, so here's my post. Apologies if I missed a past thread.

I just received an Electra Corsair (Ric copy) which I have been jonesing to use as my first project bass. I had this exact bass as a kid and thought it would be really fun to soup her up a little.

Right away, I noticed something odd that I did not catch right away in the seller's photos. The G string was almost at the edge of the neck. Then I noticed some fairly severe warpage...but not in the traditionally adjustable variety...or at least not that I'm aware of. Its warped or bowed right to left (see pics below).

Funny thing is, the action was superb and there were no frets buzzing. LOL

Can this be remedied? I'm by no means a pro, as like I said this will be my first project bass. I don't mind having a pro fix it, but at the rate I'm going (Hipshot hardware, Bartolini PUPs/Preamp, new PG/truss badge, and a pro refinish), I'm already approaching "used Ric" territory investment-wise. So I'm also wondering if anyone has any ballpark for this type of repair...if it can be repaired that is.

I'm not opposed to approaching "used Ric" territory as this is more of a personal *fun* thing, but I would like to keep costs down if at all possible.

Its not like I can go get another neck either as that would defeat the purpose of having that trademark headstock.

Anyway, please check out my pics and any advice would be greatly appreciated. If I have to scrap the project, so be it, but I was so looking forward to this.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

What say yous?

RicoDirenzo · #2 06-25-2009, 09:14 PM

Replace the nut. Get measurements outside diameter of the neck at the nut and order one that is congruent (same size).

The lateral bowing is a sticky wicket but you might make it playable with a new nut.

JLS · #3 06-26-2009, 07:12 PM

Did you use Paypal? Was this a "no-return", auction?

If it plays well and sounds good, and you don't have much in it, well, fine, but I wouldn't put the kind of real money into it, that you're talking.

ByF · #4 06-27-2009, 12:55 PM

Was it playable when you received it? That's the worst neck I've ever seen!

I would guess you could improve it with a new nut, maybe make it play well in one part of the neck, but it's never going to be right along the whole length of the neck.

I'd be looking for a refund, personally. That neck looks pretty bad.

Ed

mongo2 · #5 06-27-2009, 01:43 PM

Try a new nut?

Sideways neck press?

Echovox · #6 06-27-2009, 01:46 PM

Their really is not much you can do to fix this. The neck is done.
Send it back for a refund for sure.

Pilgrim · #7 06-27-2009, 01:52 PM

If the action is good now, and all you need to do is move the strings over, I vote for the new nut - and then ignore it! If it plays well, that's all you need. You already know this is an inexpensive bass, and going for perfect doesn't make sense if it's going to cost a lot. Just replace the nut, move the string slots over and play it.

Meatrus · #8 06-27-2009, 01:58 PM

I vote new neck, but keep the bass (I like it!)

JLS · #9 06-27-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

If the action is good now, and all you need to do is move the strings over, I vote for the new nut - and then ignore it! If it plays well, that's all you need. You already know this is an inexpensive bass, and going for perfect doesn't make sense if it's going to cost a lot. Just replace the nut, move the string slots over and play it.

Ditto that!

Bottoms_Up! · #10 07-05-2009, 09:26 PM

Back from vacation. Thanks for all the feedback!

I've been in touch with a local (Boston) luthier who says he would give it a go, but warns that it might be tough & ruthless (as opposed to rough and toothless to all you Fist Full of Yen fans).

He said that he could get it right, but feared that it would be short-term.

I've also been looking into a graphite custom neck solution, but so far, I've only received one reply who said it was impossible to do a one-off mold (I'm thinking financially impossible).

The only other thing I was considering was to go headless with an off-the-shelf neck.

Am I f'kn insane??

ByF · #11 07-05-2009, 10:35 PM

How much did you pay for this bass? And how much is this custom neck solution going to cost? When we have those figures, we'll tell you whether or not you're f'kn insane.

I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt, for now.

Ed

Bottoms_Up! · #12 07-06-2009, 11:25 AM

Moses is looking into it for me as we speak, so I don't have a $$ figure yet.

I paid $450 for her. The original plan was to simply refinish the body and face of the headstock in gloss black but keep the rest of the neck natural. Then add new electronics and black hardware. I found black Hipshot tuners and a black brass Hipshot Ric replacement bridge on eBay for a steal.

I'm afraid the neck is the big monkey wrench.

I already removed the finish & binding on the body and added arm and belly contours (without compromising the original silhouette). Its really starting to look pretty darn sweet if I do say so myself.

Like I said in the OP, I'm not extrememly worried about cost as I've been patient with my purchases. Besides, I've been hankering for a fun project for a while now. What better project than to soup up the very model I owned as a kid? I guess there's a little sentimental value here, which ultimately, if I'm going to be honest with myself, may be clouding my judgment.

Bottoms_Up! · #13 07-06-2009, 04:10 PM

Ok, just heard back from Moses. They're gonna do this for me for $498. Sharkfin inlays and all. I'm going for it!

I think this is going to be a pretty damn cool project when all is said and done. Wallet be damned.