hello all, Forgive my ignorance if I’m massively overthinking this...but I was getting very close to pulling the trigger on an American standard jazz from 2015 when I noticed the e string past the nut is not entirely straight to the tuning machine. From what I understand this could cause side load which may hurt the nut down the road. Is this significant to anyone’s eyes or nothing to worry about? Here is a pic of the headstock. I hope I’m just way over thinking it Because the bass is beautiful. Just wanted to be sure before I lay down a good chunk of change on what would be my first American fender!
There might be a little bit of an angle but it could also be an optical illusion from the camera position. I don't think it's anything that will cause problems.
Pleanty of basses have less than optimal streight line from the tuner to the nut. If it sounds good and doesn't habe tuning issues you are good to go.
Here are photos of my American Deluxe P, and J. These are spectacular instruments, and have not given me any trouble at all. I think it's normal for there to be a slight angle from the nut to the tuner post. (Or, they all photograph this way).
Thanks guys for the feedback! Was thinking it could be the camera angle as well. Always helpful to have another set of eyes. Might just have a NBD incoming shortly...
It might become straighter once the E string is tightened more, or settled in. It does look like it's not quite tight to the tuning post. That slight angle I wouldn't worry about one bit. Really there are a lot of basses that some angle there, and some even have a ridiculous angle. Even though it drives my OCD nuts, I'll play it. But if it was my build they would all be straight.
That's an illusion caused by the break angle over the nut. If you center your eye/lens over the string instead of over the headstock that angle goes away.