$50 canoe paddle?

[Ric5]

Seems like $50 well spent if you want the project. Just my opinion.

I agree

 

[jamro217]

Whenever I encounter this kind of project instrument, I mentally part it out and price it. If it's worth the asking price with non working electronics, I buy it. If it makes a sound when it's plugged in, you win. If not, try the usual suspects to get it to work. Bad ground, broken toggle, etc. In the event the truss rod is frozen but the action is good and the neck seems straight, I'd still consider it for that low a price. If the rod is working and you have a bow, the same. In some cases a bad neck can be a boon. If it's on a vintage Jazz Bass with everything else perfect, for instance. Usually, though, it's an indicator that the bass may have other issues. It all depends on the actual instrument. Is it a model you're interested in and long for, or just a poor orphan that followed you home?

 

[retslock]

I’d be inclined to take the gamble. The project could turn out to be very fruitful and if not, it didn’t cost that much. Go for it.

 

[Pops OB]

Check the neck for relief or backbow. Then attempt to make a quarter turn in the appropriate direction of flat. That should tell you whether or not to buy it because of truss rod issues.

 

[Mister Boh]

Cheap bass with nonworking truss rod? Seems like a waste of time even to drive out to see it.

 

[MattZilla]

If nothing else, it looks sweet. But it also looks like it would wear TIJFs real nicely.

 

[dab12ax7ef]

Hey, I have one of these as a project bass! I paid like $85 from a used music store years ago. I did a poor defret on it. But recently leveled it out and changed it to a PJ. My truss did moves a little, but not easily, and I was leveling t anyways so it’s ok enough. It’s a heavy ply wood body, and the pick guard is not compatible with a standard Fender shape FYI. But if you need an original turner, I have at least a few that are probably serviceable.
Here are some pics of my monstrosity. To me, it’s not an instrument I’d choose to play out over other options I have for what that’s worth, but it’s been a ton of fun as a project!

 

[mongo2]

I always try to loosen a trussrod before tightening it to guard against breaking the rod by overtightening.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Might just be a little rusty at the TR adjuster end, drop of liquid wrench might break it free, as said, loosen first. If it’s no good, the body and parts are probably worth $50.

 

[Matthijs]

Definetly worth more as a bass than as a paddle.

Chances are you can get that trussrod to work if you detach the and loosen it first.

 

[dab12ax7ef]

Also, the pickup... it’s not great. The sound as I recall wasn’t terrible, just not that distinctive in any good way. Also, mine was quite microphonic. It would pick up finger noise from tapping on the pick guard and pickup cover. So that’s not so good...

 

[DJ Bebop]

Hey, I have one of these as a project bass! I paid like $85 from a used music store years ago. I did a poor defret on it. But recently leveled it out and changed it to a PJ. My truss did moves a little, but not easily, and I was leveling t anyways so it’s ok enough. It’s a heavy ply wood body, and the pick guard is not compatible with a standard Fender shape FYI. But if you need an original turner, I have at least a few that are probably serviceable.
Here are some pics of my monstrosity. To me, it’s not an instrument I’d choose to play out over other options I have for what that’s worth, but it’s been a ton of fun as a project!

View attachment 3274606 View attachment 3274607 View attachment 3274608 View attachment 3274609 View attachment 3274610

I was going to mention the plywood body and non-fender pickguard also. The pickguard has more of a curve at the jack that a fender guard doesn't have and its routed under there. the plywood body thing is not a deal breaker. My son's sounds and plays fine.

 

[Fumble Fingers]

Cheap bass with a potential neck/truss rod issue? Nah....pass.

 

[TreySonagras]

Get it. You don't want to be up a creek without a Hondo bass.

 

[Hopkins]

If the truss rod is stuck, it can most likely be freed up, for $50 I would go for it.

 

[bolophonic]

Would.

 

[klejst]

Never owned one of their basses, however I have a one of their guitars and it rocks! Very well made and great tone if that is worth of an creditability. For $50 it may be worth a shot on it if it sounds decent and plays alright.

 

[ToneMaven]

I am always buying and selling guitars, basses, amps that I find dirt cheap. I just like working on stuff. I also like turning a profit to fund other instrument purchases. Most of the time, I fix it and sell it for 2x to 4x what I paid. Sometimes, I find a keeper. Other times, I'm just polishing a turd. At all times, I am having fun doing the stuff I love to do.

 

[alanolynn]

I saw this style on an old Parker electric tele copy I had. I actually enjoy this style. Less possibility of slipping or rounding out the adjuster, in-turn rendering the whole thing useless.

Slick looking bass though, I dig the look.

 

[johnson79]

My old Japanese Cameo has the same truss rod nut. Basically it's the precursor to what Ernie Ball and Fender use for their wheel. Mine is really tight as well, haven't given it much attention though. For $50 I'd monkey around with it.