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Stringray's maple neck unstable (with weather changes)?

improvpwnd

improvpwnd

Jun 20, 2000
976
8
San Francisco, California
#1
I have noticed my Stingray's neck changes with the weather--not dramatically, but noticeably. In these winter months, relief has been added. It is an easy fix, but I have noticed other Stingray owners boasting about how stable their neck is and am wondering if this is normal for everyone. I have adjusted the neck back to where I like it when it first got colder--but I recently took a trip to a warmer part of the state and I noticed there was even less relief. When I came back it is like I never adjusted it in the first place...so I am reluctant to tighten the truss rod yet again because it will be the furthest I have ever had to turn it to produce the amount of relief I like. What should I do? It's a maple neck/fingerboard.
 
#4
rusty66 said:
I had a SR5 and just the difference in temp off stage (in case) and onstage (under lights) was enough for it to shift nearly 1/2 a semitone in pitch. Second reason I got rid of it!

Cheers
Rusty
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Wow that is completly wacked and completly atypical for EBMM basses. I don't think the OP's problem is that severe. btw, what was the first reason, tone?
 
#9
I've had many Stingrays, a few Sterlings...traveled across the country with some of them and I would constantly have to adjust most of them. The only one that rarely moved was a late 80's Stingray I had, it was probably because it had a thick finish on the neck.
 
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#11
I have an SR-4, and it's like a rock!!

I live in N.C. so we see pretty hot and humid summers followed by some cold winters, so I was expecting to have to do constant tweaking on the stingray like I did my other basses.

I had it set up when I first got it and havent had to adjust anything,

But I assume your action is pretty low, making slight changes more noticible.
 
#12
Bluedevilxx said:
I have an SR-4, and it's like a rock!!

I live in N.C. so we see pretty hot and humid summers followed by some cold winters, so I was expecting to have to do constant tweaking on the stingray like I did my other basses.

I had it set up when I first got it and havent had to adjust anything,

But I assume your action is pretty low, making slight changes more noticible.
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Your assumption is correct. Do you have a rosewood or maple fingerboard? Even though maple is more dense (I think), my rosewood basses seem more stable. Maybe I'm trippin'.
 
#17
Totally sealing a neck with poly or lacquer , like fender , Gibson etc...?????? I don't have all the frequent adjustments to make

I think this has something to do with it , I have the same problem.

maybe you need to re-treat your neck ?

from the ebmm site.

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Since the neck is finished only with gunstock oil and wax blend, it is more susceptible to humidity changes. An occasional truss rod adjustment will halp keep your bass playing factory-new. If you are getting fret buzz (plugged in only, of course) raise the action by turning the trussrod wheel counter-clockwise, to lower the action turn it clockwise.

An infrequent dose of gunstock oil will help to keep the neck maintained; we recommend and use Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil, but any good quality gunstock oil will work. Clean neck first. Use a small amount of Tru-oil, leave it on for 5 minutes, then wipe it off with a paper towel. Then apply Birchwood-Casey Gunstock Wax. Be sure to douse the paper towel with water before disposing of it! Read the wax and oil manufacturer's instructions regarding disposal of these used paper towels.
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#20
Get used to neck movement on Sterlings and Stingrays. High quality, but having no finish on that neck just makes them really susceptible to humidity changes. Even if you keep them in the case I've noticed they tend to shift. Easy fix but annoying, especially for the price you are paying for these basses.
 

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