Warwick Corvette six string $$ Crack

yanni · #1 03-04-2010, 10:07 AM

I've recently bought a Warwick Corvette six string bass on ebay for £720. On arrival I discovered a crack where the body meets the neck. The package was excellent and the seller didn't notice anything before sending it.

I'm wondering whether I should worry about it in case it develops into something worse in the future.

The seller has offered £100 compensation for the crack.

Shall I accept it or return the bass ?.
It retails for around £1380 here in the UK.

Many Thanks
Yanni

ettsn · #2 03-04-2010, 01:37 PM

If he's refunding a hundred quid, I'd take the deal. Looks like a dead simple repair. A decent luthier will probably charge no more than a few fivers to glue and clamp it, if you don't want to give it a go. Were me, I'd get a good bottle of luthier grade wood glue or some hide glue and a good clamp. Should be nothing to repair, unless the pictures aren't showing the real damage.

JimiLL · #3 03-04-2010, 01:47 PM

He didnt see that?

Meatrus · #4 03-04-2010, 03:28 PM

Maybe take the neck off, to see how far the crack extends under it? It looks like that piece could be completely detached, and the neck is keeping it in place, that just a guess though.

yanni · #5 03-04-2010, 04:37 PM

Ok, thanks guys, I'll take the 100 quid and keep the bass as you have suggested.
She said she inspected the bass thoroughly and nothing was there. However I'm quite puzzled how was that crack created through transport? Do you need to release the string tension before sending a bass in the post ?

Is the neck glued as well as bolt on so maybe string tension has snapped that bit ?

Is it ok to take the neck off, do the screws tight up properly after or you need to use glue around them for a tight fit...I'm a bit sceptical to remove the neck...

I'll take a chance and keep it for the hundred quid refund.

grifff · #6 03-04-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yanni

Ok, thanks guys, I'll take the 100 quid and keep the bass as you have suggested.
She said she inspected the bass thoroughly and nothing was there. However I'm quite puzzled how was that crack created through transport? Do you need to release the string tension before sending a bass in the post ?

Is the neck glued as well as bolt on so maybe string tension has snapped that bit ?

Is it ok to take the neck off, do the screws tight up properly after or you need to use glue around them for a tight fit...I'm a bit sceptical to remove the neck...

I'll take a chance and keep it for the hundred quid refund.

The neck is not glued on, only bolted. It's fine to take the neck off.

Turnaround · #7 03-04-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yanni

Ok, thanks guys, I'll take the 100 quid and keep the bass as you have suggested.
She said she inspected the bass thoroughly and nothing was there. However I'm quite puzzled how was that crack created through transport? Do you need to release the string tension before sending a bass in the post ?

Is the neck glued as well as bolt on so maybe string tension has snapped that bit ?

Is it ok to take the neck off, do the screws tight up properly after or you need to use glue around them for a tight fit...I'm a bit sceptical to remove the neck...

I'll take a chance and keep it for the hundred quid refund.

It's a pretty decent bass. And given your questions, you are unsure as to how to proceed. It's likely a minor issue, but there may be more to it. I would recommend taking it to a good technician and ask for an appraisal of the situation. Then you can decide whether to do it yourself or farm it out to higher-qualified resources.

Meatrus · #8 03-05-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yanni

Ok, thanks guys, I'll take the 100 quid and keep the bass as you have suggested.
She said she inspected the bass thoroughly and nothing was there. However I'm quite puzzled how was that crack created through transport? Do you need to release the string tension before sending a bass in the post ?

Is the neck glued as well as bolt on so maybe string tension has snapped that bit ?

Is it ok to take the neck off, do the screws tight up properly after or you need to use glue around them for a tight fit...I'm a bit sceptical to remove the neck...

I'll take a chance and keep it for the hundred quid refund.

The strings should have been slackened, I always do so when posting basses. But I cant quite see how this damage would happen in transport either, I wouldnt think a knock on the neck (back) could cause it, but thats about all I can think of. Was it well packed?

Taking the neck off is no big deal, theres no glue, and its very simple. Just slacken the strings a lot (you shouldnt need to remove them, but if its becomes a pain you could) un do the screws and it will lift out. I probably wouldnt tell the seller that you have removed the neck if you plan on returning it, just in case they think its a big deal.