Cherished Bass + Twisted Neck =

[BASSnSAX]

Hey everyone!

I just got my favorite, trusted, cherished, Go-To-Bass back from the shop from getting a new set of DR Flats put on and set up for the first time in 2 years. Got it back home yesterday and was playing around, and the strings were buzzing on the A&D strings from fret 10 up the rest of the neck. I gave the shop a call today about getting it readjusted, and I brought it in and the tech told me that the neck has twisted.

Now, yes I know, it is a Fender MIM standard Precision. However, I've had this bass since high school, it feels spectacular and plays like a dream. The tech said to keep the same neck, I would have to have the bass refretted so he could sand down the fingerboard to make it seem like the neck is straight - a seemingly normal practice. However, since the fingerboard is so thin on this era of MIM's, I'd have to get a new fingerboard. The tech also said I could get a replacement neck (like a Warmoth, Mighty Mite, or maybe even an SX), or buy a new bass.

I have been considering getting a Lakland 55-02, which I'm no where near saving towards. My fiance said that this might be a sign that it's time to get a better quality bass.

What are your thoughts?

 

[LedBelli Bass]

I had a Lakland 55-02 and it was a VERY nice bass. I also had a MIM j-bass that I got rid of after two months.

I'd go with the Lakland in a heartbeat while your fiance' is still supportive!!! (That will all change later with the ring.)

 

[phatbass]

You can pick up new Mexi Fender necks off eBay pretty cheap. I remember seeing a few months ago a couple of guys had heaps of 'em.

I'd say that's gonna be a bit cheaper than a fingerboard/neck re-planing.

 

[line6man]

If this bass means alot to you, do everything in your power to fix it. If you have to get a new fretboard, then get a new fretboard.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

I was going to suggest a replacement neck, but the last paragraph makes this a no brainer .

I have been considering getting a Lakland 55-02, which I'm no where near saving towards. My fiance said that this might be a sign that it's time to get a better quality bass.

What are your thoughts?

GET a new bass while You still can. Women like that don't grow on trees You know .

That way You have the time to perhaps score a similar replacement neck from CL or e-bay for peanuts. Or try the 50/50 success rate and time consuming pressure straightening method for the old neck if it's not too badly twisted. The less its twisted, the better the odds of success.

Regards
Sam

 

[otis_thick]

I had a Pbass maple neck that was S twisted. I took it to a local store and a local luthier just happened to be there. He told me he may have been able to repair the neck by steam heating it while in a vice jig for about a week. Then a customer who had ordered a 4 string Fender P and wanted it converted to 5 string with a conversion kit (I forgot who made those) came in saw how narrow the string spacing would have been then changed his mind and traded for a used 5 string instead. It turned out the luthier wanted the new 4 string but with a maple neck. So the store owner sold me the neck from the new bass (Installed it shimmed and set the action) for $18.00, what he paid in shipping and sold the new bass and my twisted neck for cost to the luthier since he could fix it. The reason luthier was there in the first place, was to pick up the new bass and do the conversion for the guy who came in and changed his mind. Since the order was paid for. The owner didn't lose anything on the deal when he let the guy trade for a used bass. I got a brand new Fender neck with new nut and tuners installed and setup for $18.00...It was just one of them moments when the stars were alligned.

 

[BASSnSAX]

Thanks for the replies so far!

Yes, it does seem pretty ludicrous that I want to fix up a MIM P-bass, but this bass means quite a bit to me. To me, it outplays most MIA Fenders that I've played, albeit not nearly as smooth feeling, but close. I've had this bass since high school, and it's seen me through all my musical adventures so far. StewMac has a plain rosewood fingerboard for $30, so I might go for that down the road - the only thing I'm hesitant about right now is the cost. The shop I went to charged me $35 for a set up and nut reattachment, so I can only guess how much attaching the new fingerboard will be.

The 55-02 seems like an option that I might pursue sooner, but I don't have any money towards one right now. I was out of a job from October until just after Christmas so my account was pretty much drained, and I'll need to replace my car ASAP. It's not too much of a priority for an electric, because I already have an SX Jazz and I've been playing mostly DB for all my gigs, which have been mostly jazz and playing in the local symphony. I also just graduated this past May, so I've got 5 years of student loans just itching for me to throw all of my money at too.

 

[line6man]

The shop I went to charged me $35 for a set up and nut reattachment, so I can only guess how much attaching the new fingerboard will be.

My luthier charges $50 for a setup, and $90 for a setup and nut replacement.
I would be jumping for joy if i could get a setup for $35.

 

[BASSnSAX]

My luthier charges $50 for a setup, and $90 for a setup and nut replacement.
I would be jumping for joy if i could get a setup for $35.

Ahh yes, but compare geographic locations! Something tells me that rent, food, etc. is also priced more in LA! I was going to get charged $45 for a nut replacement (bone), but I just opted to get my brass nut reinstalled.

 

[Eilif]

I completely understand wanting to save the MIM p-bass. I have one from the mid 90's. It was my first bass also, and it's got a new pup, guard, bridge and covers, and my wife's name carved in the back. I'll have it forever. Actually, I like how slim it is front to back, and the thin fingerboard definatley contributes to that.

Definatley go with the new neck. Even if you have the fingerboard replaced, you are still going to have a neck that might have the tendancy to warp in the future. A new MIM neck should cost you less than having a new fingerboard fitted, fretted, and leveled.

 

[Sub5ound]

Try US Customs's website. I great neck for life. It will make your beloved P into an even MORE beloved P.

 

[bThumper38]

warmoth necks

 

[Alienation]

warmoth necks

+1 Tell your fiance you want the cheaper option because you are thinking of your future together, see what that gets you.

 

[Decker]

Get a new Warmoth/mighty mite/ whoever neck, but put your old neck away. If in the future you are feeling a little bucks up, and are feeling nostalgic, then get the original neck straightened/ planed/ re-fretboarded/whatever.

 

[NORAMACTIVE]

Hey everyone!

I just got my favorite, trusted, cherished, Go-To-Bass back from the shop from getting a new set of DR Flats put on and set up for the first time in 2 years. Got it back home yesterday and was playing around, and the strings were buzzing on the A&D strings from fret 10 up the rest of the neck. I gave the shop a call today about getting it readjusted, and I brought it in and the tech told me that the neck has twisted.

Now, yes I know, it is a Fender MIM standard Precision. However, I've had this bass since high school, it feels spectacular and plays like a dream. The tech said to keep the same neck, I would have to have the bass refretted so he could sand down the fingerboard to make it seem like the neck is straight - a seemingly normal practice. However, since the fingerboard is so thin on this era of MIM's, I'd have to get a new fingerboard. The tech also said I could get a replacement neck (like a Warmoth, Mighty Mite, or maybe even an SX), or buy a new bass.

I have been considering getting a Lakland 55-02, which I'm no where near saving towards. My fiance said that this might be a sign that it's time to get a better quality bass.

What are your thoughts?

I'd listen to that woman! .............this time