Don't know what to do.................need advice!

[Fassa Albrecht]

This might be in the wrong forum so if you are a mod, feel free to move it.

Anyway, 6 months ago I bought my first bass (the one I have at present). More recently I started having problems with it- the frets were lifting from the fretboard. I took it to the nearest music technician who sorted it.What he then told me was quite suprising. He said my neck was not aligned with the body, the truss rod needed some serious work to it, the electronics of the bass were shoddily made and generally my bass was virtually unplayable.
Tell me- this bass was a cheap learner instrument, is it worth sorting out? I only paid £130 ($260 according to a currency converter) including an amp and have the money to replace it if needed.
Help me please!



PS It'll cost about £30 ($55-ish) to sort out, and that does not include any parts if they need replacing. I will post pics when I get them...................

[Sarbecue Boss]

How much will it cost for him to do the job?

some of the probles he mentioned are ones that with little guidance you can do yourself for little or no cost but if the is a serious gap in the neck pocket it might not be worth it, can you get pics?

[afinalfantasy]

I'd say you could fix it up but you'd be better off saving for a better bass if it's just a beginner one.

[T-Bird]

Hi, Fassa

The problem with entry level instruments in general is that the quality is often quite bad and the setup that's done by the "manufacturer" is often equally as bad.

IMHO the entry level instruments are not so good for starting out playing, but rather valuable fot those who can do their own setup and repairs. Those instruments are also fine "platforms" to learn to do repairs and modifications, so I wouldn't advice dropping any more money to that bass for repairs that can be done by You after doing a little studying.

All of the problems You pointed out, except for the frets, are pretty easy to repair by yourself. The instructions for doing so can be found searching the setup and repair section.

If all of the frets are "lifting" that might indicate humidity changes in the fretboard wood and can be controlled somewhat by oiling. And if the fret slots are deep enough, a tap with a soft wooden/plastic mallet will drive 'em back down.

As all of the wooden instruments react to temperature and humidiy changes, the need for the neck setup is usually bi-annual for the dry/wet & warm/cold seasons so IMO it's something every palayer shoud learn to do. Some English friends of mine could actually argue about those warm & dry .

As for the electronics, re-soldering all the connections should do the trick unless something is broken.

There's also a chance that there's someone that can teach how to do the setup, just ask around, most advanced musicians should know how.

Just my 0.02€
Sam

[Munjibunga]

I think I'd pay for the setup and keep the bass, but start saving for something that's going to last a while.

[Michael Jewels]

Frame of reference.

This was your first bass, and as you've said, it was a cheap, learner instrument.

Now that you know how this instrument feels and sounds, you'll be able to tell how much nicer a better instrument will feel and sound without needing anyone else's advice, because the characteristics of this bass are already in your frame of reference.

I, personally would not put another cent into a starter instrument. I don't believe in saving/improving inexpensive instruments, because after you do this, you'll still want a better instrument sooner or later, and whatever money you sank into the starter bass will not be recovered.

On the other hand, if you like to tinker or would get the feeling of having accomplished something by straightening out this, your first bass, then I'd say go ahead.

When I was younger, I replaced pickups, bridges, nuts, et cetera on some of my basses to try and get the sound I wanted, but nothing equaled the satisfaction of trying and buying a well-made, factory fresh bass that had the sound I liked right off the rack.

I'd even recommend borrowing (a little) money if necessary to get something you know you really like, and be done with it.

That's my advice.

Good luck.

Mike