Neck/Body joint question

CamMcIntyre · #1 03-17-2003, 09:23 PM

Hey guys-i'm a doubler and have a question. I use a school bass-a Kay Bass Viol [don't know the exact model number]. Where the neck joins the body it looks as if the neck is coming off or at least leaning from straight to more of an acute angle. I can also fit my school ID in portions of the gap taht is created. Should i be alarmed or is this normal? The bass is i believe one of the lesser in terms of appearance and setup in the corporation but has a great sound. Thanks for the help.

CamMcIntyre · #2 03-18-2003, 12:58 PM

Thank you kindly Ed. I'll pass the word onto my band director about the cost and see if i can get it looked @ by one of the guys at the local shop. Thanks again.

arnoldschnitzer · #3 03-25-2003, 07:17 AM

The neck joint is a weak spot on Kays. Many were built with a gap between the neck and block which is visible if you look under the fingerboard. Unless that gap is filled in with hardwood when the neck is reinstalled, the situation will repeat itself in short order. Sorry to disagree, Ed, but this can be an expensive job if done right. If space is showing on the sides of the joint, there is damage to the dovetail joint, which will have to be shimmed, repaired, re-aligned and then the neck re-glued. The cheap way is to yank the neck out, slop THICK glue all over everything and just clamp together. In a few months you'll be looking for someone to repair it the right way.

tsolo · #4 03-25-2003, 07:42 AM

Mr. arnoldschnitzer, that's what I'm finding out. Last year, i had someone reglue a neck. After a few months, the glue crystalized and began to fall out of the joint. after a few more weeks, i was able to rock the neck from side to side, the scroll would move almost an inch. My new luthier reglued it again on my request but told me to fix it right would be quite expensive. Top has to be removed etc. - just as you described. Neck has other problems and she suggested neck replacement. For now it holds. I use it for a backup.

Bob Branstetter · #5 03-25-2003, 02:49 PM

Ed - it's a pretty safe bet that your carved bass does not have a dovetail joint like the Kays and what it does have was probably fitted correctly in the first place (unlike most of the Kays). Believe me - there's a big difference.

CamMcIntyre · #6 03-25-2003, 08:51 PM

Thanks guys for all the advice and information. I asked my bass teacher about it. He told me if it gets much worse tell the head director about it. note: my bass teacher is the school corps low brass/low end specialist who plays DB, BG, tuba, trombone, baritone/euphonium. Thats all thanks for the info.