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Help- Can anyone replace a broken trussrod for me?

rogerbmiller

rogerbmiller

Gold Supporting Member
Sep 16, 2003
7,103
5,920
NYC
#1
Hi Fellow TB-ers.

I recently traded a perfectly good Warwick fortress for another that was fretless and it seems the trussrod came to me DOA. I did the trade about 2 months ago and only figured this out, so the odds are I am stuck with the bass.

It's a great instrument and worth the investment to repair except that I live in NYC where such work is cost prohibitive.

I was wondering if you folks can recommend anyone in the TB community who can do this work for me at a reasonable price.

It's a wenge neck Fortress Masterman with an ebony fingerboard if that info helps. I am happy to ship the whole bass or just the neck-- whatever is easiest.

Thanks much!


Roger
 
#9
Have you called Warwick? They know the exact construction strategy and thus the most direct way to replace the trussrod. I've done a lot of Fender trussrods but wouldn't have a clue about a Warwick since there are a number of ways to install one and a number of different trussrod types. They may quote a higher price but they'd do the job properly the first time.
 
#10
wrnchbndr said:
Have you called Warwick? They know the exact construction strategy and thus the most direct way to replace the trussrod. I've done a lot of Fender trussrods but wouldn't have a clue about a Warwick since there are a number of ways to install one and a number of different trussrod types. They may quote a higher price but they'd do the job properly the first time.
Click to expand...

First and foremost, a sincerer welcome to the forum.

Building and repair, while related, are two very different disciplines. They have different protocols. They people who do the work tend to have different thought processes.

Those that build are only occasionally good at repair.

Those that manufacture may or may not have a repair shop. If they do, rest assured it is regarded only as a necessary evil, designed to take care of everyday XYZ. For major surgery, be prepared to pay premium rates.

The average repair shop employs people who think in terms of repair rather than building. They will be far better equipped to handle this repair.
 
#11
wrnchbndr said:
Have you called Warwick? They know the exact construction strategy and thus the most direct way to replace the trussrod. I've done a lot of Fender trussrods but wouldn't have a clue about a Warwick since there are a number of ways to install one and a number of different trussrod types. They may quote a higher price but they'd do the job properly the first time.
Click to expand...

There is no benefit in using Warwick IMO. I would have to ship round trip to Germany for starters and this bass is not under warranty. I would rather find a Warwick authorized repair shop. I think Guitar Doctor might work for me. I spoke to them today and they seemed non plussed about the repair. Thought is was about a 3 hour job and something they have done before.

Any other suggestions are welcome though. Since I am shipping regardless of who i use, I might as well interview some folks.

Thanks.
 
#13
202dy said:
Building and repair, while related, are two very different disciplines. They have different protocols. They people who do the work tend to have different thought processes.

Those that manufacture may or may not have a repair shop. If they do, rest assured it is regarded only as a necessary evil, designed to take care of everyday XYZ. For major surgery, be prepared to pay premium rates.

The average repair shop employs people who think in terms of repair rather than building. They will be far better equipped to handle this repair.
Click to expand...


Good points. As a repair technician, I insist that I am not a luthier - a term I feel should be reserved for those who make instruments.

A local, internationally well-known luthier will not repair his own guitars. He feels that a proper repair person would do a far better job than he could. He says it's a different skill set. I agree.

Sort of like my mechanic - he's not much good at manufacturing an automobile, but he can darn well fix my car when it is misbehaving!
 
#14
Turnaround said:
Good points. As a repair technician, I insist that I am not a luthier - a term I feel should be reserved for those who make instruments.

A local, internationally well-known luthier will not repair his own guitars. He feels that a proper repair person would do a far better job than he could. He says it's a different skill set. I agree.

Sort of like my mechanic - he's not much good at manufacturing an automobile, but he can darn well fix my car when it is misbehaving!
Click to expand...

Points well taken folks. Was perhaps a bit liberal in using the word luthier. I definitely need a skilled repair specialist, and preferably one who has done a few of these types of repairs with positive results. I have gotten a couple o fnames from folks as a result of this post. Some I have been able to reach, others not, but it is the weekend.

If there are any other suggestions out there I am all ears. I always like to talk to folks first to see if they are experienced and confident with these types of things.

Anyway, thanks again to all for your responsiveness.


RBM
 
#16
stepswork4me said:
I honestly hope you've gotten in touch with Justin. The guy is just flat skilled. I actually got the opportunity to hang with him and Mike at Tom Weber's shop and hear some cool stories about EVH. Justin has been blessed enough to be trained by and to work with Tom for a long time.
Click to expand...

I PM'ed him this morning but haven't heard back. I sure hope to.

Thanks.

RBM
 
#17
Turnaround said:
Good points. As a repair technician, I insist that I am not a luthier - a term I feel should be reserved for those who make instruments.

A local, internationally well-known luthier will not repair his own guitars. He feels that a proper repair person would do a far better job than he could. He says it's a different skill set. I agree.

Sort of like my mechanic - he's not much good at manufacturing an automobile, but he can darn well fix my car when it is misbehaving!
Click to expand...

I don't think I've ever heard this stated quite as clearly!

(I fix 'em, don't build 'em)
 

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