Fix for Kramer/Bean bowed aluminum necks - Paul Unkert!

[Maikel]

Thanks @GIBrat51
The lefty neck ist the same as the rh neck, only the nut differs. My lefty was modded to lh and then modded to rh again. Meanwhile the body is broken.
Understood that wood does not have the energy to bend aluminum.
I have to check for somebody with a hydraulic arbor press.

 

[Bazzyface]

I came to master luthier, Kramer/BC Rich builder Paul Unkert a couple weeks ago to see about straightening out the severely bowed neck on my beloved Kramer 350b bass. We all know, Paul’s the guy that can do this. But the only means for him to do so requires the dragging out and setup of an *extremely* heavy industrial vice like machine which is tucked away in his shop. It would take *several* able bodied (perhaps hulk like) individuals to do this, but not before he’d have to pretty much clear out his entire shop to make room. In short, a major logistical undertaking.

As we discussed it, Paul indicated that one job is not enough to warrant such an undertaking, but if there were enough aluminum neck guitar/bass owners in need of this fix, *and* we could get them all rounded up to make it worth while, he’d take a weekend, clear the shop, get the machine setup and do them all in one fell swoop so to speak.

SO, I know it’s a long shot and a logistical challenge in itself, but I’m beginning my quest to seek out other Kramer/Bean aluminum neck owners who need their necks straightened and see if we can’t organize a mass aluminum neck straightening weekend with Paul. Those of you around the country would of course have to ship yours to his shop in Tom’s River, NJ. Paul’s website was overtaken by hackers so his only online presence right now is a Facebook group started by friends and clients. I’m the one spearheading this quixotic endeavor with Paul’s approval (“if you can get enough to participate, I’ll do it.” So anyone out there (or if you know anyone) who wants to get their aluminum neck instrument back into service as much as I do and is interested in pursuing this you can PM me here. The quest begins!

 

[Bazzyface]

I came to master luthier, Kramer/BC Rich builder Paul Unkert a couple weeks ago to see about straightening out the severely bowed neck on my beloved Kramer 350b bass. We all know, Paul’s the guy that can do this. But the only means for him to do so requires the dragging out and setup of an *extremely* heavy industrial vice like machine which is tucked away in his shop. It would take *several* able bodied (perhaps hulk like) individuals to do this, but not before he’d have to pretty much clear out his entire shop to make room. In short, a major logistical undertaking.

As we discussed it, Paul indicated that one job is not enough to warrant such an undertaking, but if there were enough aluminum neck guitar/bass owners in need of this fix, *and* we could get them all rounded up to make it worth while, he’d take a weekend, clear the shop, get the machine setup and do them all in one fell swoop so to speak.

SO, I know it’s a long shot and a logistical challenge in itself, but I’m beginning my quest to seek out other Kramer/Bean aluminum neck owners who need their necks straightened and see if we can’t organize a mass aluminum neck straightening weekend with Paul. Those of you around the country would of course have to ship yours to his shop in Tom’s River, NJ. Paul’s website was overtaken by hackers so his only online presence right now is a Facebook group started by friends and clients. I’m the one spearheading this quixotic endeavor with Paul’s approval (“if you can get enough to participate, I’ll do it.” So anyone out there (or if you know anyone) who wants to get their aluminum neck instrument back into service as much as I do and is interested in pursuing this you can PM me here. The quest begins!

 

[Bazzyface]

Hi
Just came across this.
I have 2 Kramer Bass Aluminum necks that need to be straightened. DMZ-5000s
I'm in if you're still looking. I'll even help move the large equipment to get the job done!

 

[Bazzyface]

I came to master luthier, Kramer/BC Rich builder Paul Unkert a couple weeks ago to see about straightening out the severely bowed neck on my beloved Kramer 350b bass. We all know, Paul’s the guy that can do this. But the only means for him to do so requires the dragging out and setup of an *extremely* heavy industrial vice like machine which is tucked away in his shop. It would take *several* able bodied (perhaps hulk like) individuals to do this, but not before he’d have to pretty much clear out his entire shop to make room. In short, a major logistical undertaking.

As we discussed it, Paul indicated that one job is not enough to warrant such an undertaking, but if there were enough aluminum neck guitar/bass owners in need of this fix, *and* we could get them all rounded up to make it worth while, he’d take a weekend, clear the shop, get the machine setup and do them all in one fell swoop so to speak.

SO, I know it’s a long shot and a logistical challenge in itself, but I’m beginning my quest to seek out other Kramer/Bean aluminum neck owners who need their necks straightened and see if we can’t organize a mass aluminum neck straightening weekend with Paul. Those of you around the country would of course have to ship yours to his shop in Tom’s River, NJ. Paul’s website was overtaken by hackers so his only online presence right now is a Facebook group started by friends and clients. I’m the one spearheading this quixotic endeavor with Paul’s approval (“if you can get enough to participate, I’ll do it.” So anyone out there (or if you know anyone) who wants to get their aluminum neck instrument back into service as much as I do and is interested in pursuing this you can PM me here. The quest begins!

 

[gb138]

BTW, just as an update: I’ve already had four respondents who have expressed a keen interest in doing this and asked me to please keep them in the loop. So I think it’s a good start. The question everybody keeps asking is what the fee is going to be. I’ve been explaining that I wanted to see what kind of response I got first before I went back to Paul and we really started working on details. - fees, logistics, etc. . But next time I talk to him, I’ll ask him about the fees and post it here.

BTW, just as an update: I’ve already had four respondents who have expressed a keen interest in doing this and asked me to please keep them in the loop. So I think it’s a good start. The question everybody keeps asking is what the fee is going to be. I’ve been explaining that I wanted to see what kind of response I got first before I went back to Paul and we really started working on details. - fees, logistics, etc. . But next time I talk to him, I’ll ask him about the fees and post it here.

I just picked up a 650s that has a pretty severe up bow with way too much relief. Any progress on your quest, or am I left with standing on the neck itself? I appreciate you!