uneven neck?

ScottW · #1 10-18-2010, 01:36 PM

Hi All,

The neck on my Squier Bello bass seems to be uneven. By this I mean that when I adjust the truss rod, the low E string edge of the neck will be almost string-straight from the head to the body, but the G string side of the neck shows definite, clearly visible concavity when looking from the head towards the body. I realize this is a low-end instrument, but I really like the feel and overall build quality of the bass compared to other brands in the same price range, and to tell the truth, the unevenness won't make much difference in my playing...but, I thought I'd ask to see if there is a remedy, short of replacing the neck.

Thank you in advance,
Scott W.

FunkMetalBass · #2 10-18-2010, 02:14 PM

If it's a warped neck, there's not much that can be done short of replacing the neck, although a fret level to compensate may help.

If it doesn't make a difference, get it set to a good position and don't worry about it. If it bothers you, I'd look into getting a new Squier or a new neck for it.

ScottW · #3 10-18-2010, 02:26 PM

FMB,
Thanks for the reply. The little bit of bow in the neck on one side doesn't really make any difference in my playing, and the only person that will ever see it is me, so all the other positives about the instrument make up for that one negative. But now that I know it's there...

James Judson · #4 10-18-2010, 02:29 PM

A good luthier can fix it. He should be able to give an estimate before he begins.

FunkMetalBass · #5 10-18-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Judson

A good luthier can fix it. He should be able to give an estimate before he begins.

To fix a legitimately warped neck is no easy feat, because it means that the wood did not have enough time to cure before it was carved. As the moisture slowly evaporates, it will warp more. Similarly, it's more susceptible to changes in humidity.

I suspect, if you could stabilize it and firmly keep it in position, you might be able to do some steaming and potential oven drying to get it back to normal, but the cost of all that would be substantially more than a new MightyMite neck and some sanding. Hopefully one of the lutherie guys could chime in, as they know way more about wood than I do.

SnakeKappele · #6 10-18-2010, 02:58 PM

If it only dips on one side it doesn't sound like a warped or twisted neck. It sounds like the neck, fretboard, or both was cut wrong.

Do the frets dip too?

How deep is the dip?

How long is the dip?

Mastermold · #7 10-18-2010, 02:58 PM

How does one look for this problem on the neck?

SnakeKappele · #8 10-18-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

How does one look for this problem on the neck?

You can use the strings as straightedges. Press the string down on the first and last frets and look at the distance from the string to the fretboard.

There will most probably be some relief in the neck. You should have about the thickness of a business card between the E (or B) string and the 8th fret.

darkstorm · #9 10-18-2010, 10:58 PM

If its very minor as your post suggest. You might also eliminate the little bit of twist via useing little bit lower tension D & G strings. As in light D&G and medium E&A. What your describing is a twist such that theres more bow on the treble side then there is on the bass side. Lighter gauge strings on that side might result in the bow on both sides becoming even like its supposed to be.

SnakeKappele · #10 10-18-2010, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkstorm

If its very minor as your post suggest. You might also eliminate the little bit of twist via useing little bit lower tension D & G strings. As in light D&G and medium E&A. What your describing is a twist such that theres more bow on the treble side then there is on the bass side. Lighter gauge strings on that side might result in the bow on both sides becoming even like its supposed to be.

A twisted neck would affect both sides which is not what he is describing.

Can we get a picture?

FunkMetalBass · #11 10-19-2010, 12:10 AM

I can't comprehend how a neck on a 4-string could only be noticeably bowed on one side without being twisted. Surely that violates a few laws of classical physics.

I'll come back to it tomorrow when I don't have a gin & tonic next to me.

lowendgenerator · #12 10-19-2010, 12:20 AM

I think anyway ya look at it, be it warped or poorly made, you're screwed. For what you'll pay to have a luthier fix it, you'll be halfway to a new one.

SnakeKappele · #13 10-19-2010, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendgenerator

I think anyway ya look at it, be it warped or poorly made, you're screwed. For what you'll pay to have a luthier fix it, you'll be halfway to a new one.

I think you are absolutely correct.

Still want to see a picture though.

JLS · #14 10-19-2010, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnakeKappele

I think you are absolutely correct.

Still want to see a picture though.

I'm of the opinion that money put into a Squier neck, is wasted money. Disposa-necks, IMO.