neck repair

[pygmalioin]

this morning my bass fell over and the neck snapped. i am freaking out about the possible price tag and wonder if you can give me any estimates. the break is really clean; the surface is a bit uneven but it looks flat until you are close up - almost no jags or teeth or anything. it is an englehardt and i got it used for $800. here is a picture:



also - any suggestions for a repair shop in the Baltimore/Washington area?

many thanks

[Cody Sisk]

Check here for a luthier in your area.

The proper way to repair this neck is to remove the fingerboard, glue the neck and reinforce with a dowel. There is much debate here as to the type of dowel and the type of glue used. Fortunately you have a number of well-qualified luthiers in your area so finding someone to repair it properly shouldn't be too difficult. As far as price, unfortunately I wouldn't be surprised if the repair cost you at least half of what you paid for your bass. Good luck.

[michaeln]

Is that the very common Kay / Engelhardt neck break?

[TheSuzie]

If the fingerboard does have to come off, you may want to take the opportunity to have a tapered shim fitted between the neck and the fingerboard. This will allow for a higher bridge height which can improve sound, make thumb position an easier reach and possibly make bowing easier. It also thickens up the skinny Engelhardt neck which some people will find is an improvement.

[forester]

Originally Posted by michaeln

Is that the very common Kay / Engelhardt neck break?

yes...cello and bass,sometimes higher/ lower on the heel.

[bigolbassguy]

Originally Posted by michaeln

Is that the very common Kay / Engelhardt neck break?

An old Kay without a neck repair is something of a novelty.

[downunder]

Originally Posted by DallasStrings

Check here for a luthier in your area.

The proper way to repair this neck is to remove the fingerboard, glue the neck and reinforce with a dowel. There is much debate here as to the type of dowel and the type of glue used. Fortunately you have a number of well-qualified luthiers in your area so finding someone to repair it properly shouldn't be too difficult. As far as price, unfortunately I wouldn't be surprised if the repair cost you at least half of what you paid for your bass. Good luck.

I used to work in a shop that did these repairs. We would remove the fingerboard, glue the neck back on, clamp it overnight and then reinforce the neck by countersinking a hex head screw and washer ( not a dowel). this worked every time.

[michaeln]

What is it about the Kay & Engelhardt design that makes them so susceptible to this neck breakage?

[arnoldschnitzer]

Originally Posted by michaeln

What is it about the Kay & Engelhardt design that makes them so susceptible to this neck breakage?

1) The neck is made from slab rather than quarter sawn wood.

2) The neck joint does not adequately support the bottom of the neck, where the torque is severe.

[michaeln]

Thanks Arnold! Am I correct in assuming these are weaknesses not shared by my Shen SB90?

[downunder]

http://picasaweb.google.com/dylantay...eat=directlink

found some photos of a repair i did in 09. this is not really a DIY job IMHO but if you want to try i can give details