Isn't the neck already sealed because of the satin finish? I mean I have had 10 or so EBMM 5 string SR5 and ST5 basses with unsealed neacks, and NEVER had this problem.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Music Man Bongo Truss Rod Issues
- Thread starter Epitaph04
- Start date
Isn't the neck already sealed because of the satin finish? I mean I have had 10 or so EBMM 5 string SR5 and ST5 basses with unsealed neacks, and NEVER had this problem.
I would think so. Mr. Black on page one said that he talked to AJ from EBMM CS (right?) and he says the satin finish is to blame for the twitchy neck. I've looked around the web and it seems I'm not the only one with an unstable Bongo.
Getting a new neck seems like a no brainer but the reason I havent yet done it is because I'm afraid of tossing away 500 bucks on a neck that will just be as unstable as the one I have now. I absolutely LOVE my Bongo bass so theres no way I'm selling it, but damn it I wish I could fix its one real flaw...
Getting a new neck seems like a no brainer but the reason I havent yet done it is because I'm afraid of tossing away 500 bucks on a neck that will just be as unstable as the one I have now. I absolutely LOVE my Bongo bass so theres no way I'm selling it, but damn it I wish I could fix its one real flaw...
I also recalled reading something on the EB forums where Sterling Ball was aware with the problem of unstable necks on Stingrays or something, but that because people like the oiled necks so much more than the gloss necks that they just make them like that anyway. Something like that...dont take my word for it!
I just wonder why so many people seem to have trouble with a satin finished neck...
I just wonder why so many people seem to have trouble with a satin finished neck...
Don't Bongos have a painted neck? The thing with normal MM necks is they don't have a proper finish, just the oil and wax combo which leaves the wood more exposed to temperature changes than a poly or nitro 'hard' finish at least as I understand it.
I had a Bongo 6, the neck was rock solid here in Champaign that goes from 100 degrees and humid in the summer to cold and dry winters. Maybe I was just lucky?
Sure hope not; I have 2 Tom Clement basses now with thinner necks than the Bongo's and they are fairly stable and I love me some low action. I'd say go for the new neck, and make sure they give you a warranty for it in case you have any more issues.
Sure hope not; I have 2 Tom Clement basses now with thinner necks than the Bongo's and they are fairly stable and I love me some low action. I'd say go for the new neck, and make sure they give you a warranty for it in case you have any more issues.
- Dec 28, 2009
- 2,053
- 1,380
- Disclosures
- Endorsed by K.B. Guitars, Nordstrand Audio Pickups, Von York Strings and Gallien-Krueger Amps.
Sorry that you are having the problems that you are. I have 3 Bongos with a fourth being built and have never had an issue once. I've also never heard of them having issues due to the type of finish on the neck that they have.
If they will provide a warranty on the new neck, get it. If they won't you may want to try any of the other means listed above.
Yep, I talked to him. And those were his words.
I too was under the impression that a satin finish is still a sealed neck and I expressed that to him, but he seemed to disagree. He said I could send it back to Southpaw, who in turn would send it to them and they would check it out.
But, after all that, AJ said that it probably wouldn't fix my problem. That was just part of a satin finished, 1 piece neck. And their mitigation for it was the easy access truss wheel.
So basically, I was just stuck. Jimmy at Southpaw helped me out though. I returned the bass and I guess he hashed it out with EBMM. I'm not really sure.
Don't get me wrong, the bass was great. If EBMM can get the neck on that thing to stay still it would be awesome. I am just a "set and forget" kinda guy. I don't have time to be constantly fiddling with neck relief.
I believe that's what they said about the satin, but it doesn't make sense to me. A satin finish is a poly finish, just not as thick and sticky as a regular painted neck.
But as cfsporn said, if the new replacement neck comes with a warranty (which it should) I would let EBMM replace the neck and set it up and live with that warranty.
But as cfsporn said, if the new replacement neck comes with a warranty (which it should) I would let EBMM replace the neck and set it up and live with that warranty.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I grew up right there on the Central coast...believe me when I say you guys have very stable weather and humidity (very low).
Finished necks are more stable than unfinished ones, you have it backwards.
Stable weather? Well sure it doesnt usually snow and acid rain seems to be rare but for a while now the weather has been fluctuating quite a bit. This past week it got cold but then out of nowhere it got pretty damn warm about two days ago. Now its getting windy. Either way the Bongo neck seems to shift every other day regardless.
Also i never said unfinished necks are more stable.....im wondering if by adding another layer of finish to the neck id be able to get a more stable neck!
Also i never said unfinished necks are more stable.....im wondering if by adding another layer of finish to the neck id be able to get a more stable neck!
No, because it already has a hard finish on it...that's what a satin finish is that's already on there.
Soft necks exist, it's not a result of the manufacturer, it's a result of the tree it came from.
The nice thing about a bolt-on bass, is simply replace the neck.
I had a very nice Carvin that was neckthru, but unfortunately had a soft neck. I couldn't tour with that bass at all.
Soft necks exist, it's not a result of the manufacturer, it's a result of the tree it came from.
The nice thing about a bolt-on bass, is simply replace the neck.
I had a very nice Carvin that was neckthru, but unfortunately had a soft neck. I couldn't tour with that bass at all.
Sorry to hear that. Though to be realistic. Socal is pretty moderate as far as weather compared to New Orleans, New York City, or DC.
As far as stain finished necks, I own a glossy neck stingray, a painted neck sub and a oil finished neck Sterling. The painted neck sub has the worst action of those three. Not that it's bad, just the Sterling is great and the roasted Stingray is perfect.
All 3 have been stable through 45 degree temp changes.
As far as stain finished necks, I own a glossy neck stingray, a painted neck sub and a oil finished neck Sterling. The painted neck sub has the worst action of those three. Not that it's bad, just the Sterling is great and the roasted Stingray is perfect.
All 3 have been stable through 45 degree temp changes.
Yes I know but its also not as stable as youd think! OKAY OKAY look I still have a noodle necked Bongo and thats the real issue here! As much as I hate to do it I'm probably just going to fork over the dough for a new neck......there goes all that cash I saved up for a new bass.....
Well an interesting tidbit here. Over the past week or so the weather here has remained very much the same...ranging from kind of cold to sort of cold with the odd sunny day here and there. Hell it even rained a couple of days. Each time I took the Bongo out of its case (I keep it in a Mono M80 case) I noticed the neck kept getting more and more relief. I could feel the string action raising every couple of days. I of course couldnt do anything about it due to the truss rod being maxed out.
Interestingly I noticed the back of the neck had a very dry feel to it. Not sticky in any way, just very dry, solid. Anyway I basically ignored the bass for a few days and finally took it out again today. Same type of weather as the last week or so. Chilly. This time though, the neck seemed to have a back bow (everything would fret out immediately) and this time the neck felt almost moist...tacky to the touch.
I gave it some relief (of which I have plenty to give!) and began to think about it....whats up with that? Why does the back of the neck feel moist now while it felt dry all last week? Is it that humidity thing again...and is it normal? The back of the neck does have a few chips in the finish...no idea if that could have anything to do with it!
It's a satin finish for those who may not know! Also I don't keep the thing next to a boiler or anything like that.
Interestingly I noticed the back of the neck had a very dry feel to it. Not sticky in any way, just very dry, solid. Anyway I basically ignored the bass for a few days and finally took it out again today. Same type of weather as the last week or so. Chilly. This time though, the neck seemed to have a back bow (everything would fret out immediately) and this time the neck felt almost moist...tacky to the touch.
I gave it some relief (of which I have plenty to give!) and began to think about it....whats up with that? Why does the back of the neck feel moist now while it felt dry all last week? Is it that humidity thing again...and is it normal? The back of the neck does have a few chips in the finish...no idea if that could have anything to do with it!
It's a satin finish for those who may not know! Also I don't keep the thing next to a boiler or anything like that.
