View attachment 3390182
So I just picked up this really nice Fender Precision Special Deluxe Series (I think those are all in the correct order). I’m a big G&L fan and haven’t had a “Fender” in a while. My two main basses are a JB5 and L-2500 (both USA). That was all for a bit but I was missing having a four and missing having a P, so...I pulled the trigger on this pretty bass. I didn’t want to spend too much on my third bass (keep it under a grand, it’s just a hobby). I remember the reviews on TB about how nice these were when they first came out (a Fender/Guitar Center special). Knowing the TB rep, I bought this used. Previous owner had already upgraded the pickups to a nice Aguilar set which was a BIG plus. It came with rounds on it but I threw some Labella LTFs on there and damn it sounds sweet! I really like the pickup! The weight is a nice 8.4lbs with just a small amount of neck dive.
Now for the neck. It sets up really low with no real buzz. I’m really impressed that it sets up to play so well! I assumed that if the previous owner spent good money on good pickups, it was likely on a bass that plays well. It does! But, the fret ends need to be filed and polished. I’ve read that this is common on these. I’ve done a little fret work myself under the supervision of a local luthier who is also a friend. I’m not worried about the fret ends as I know these can be cleaned up nicely. The neck has little to no edge roll on it. That isn’t a deal breaker but some edge roll would make a huge difference in feel. Does this neck have a “real” plastic binding or is that just painted on to look like a binding? If it were an unfinished wood I would just do the edge roll myself but it isn’t. If I sanded the edge of the “binding”, am I going to sand through the paint? What will happen to the finish that is left at the edge of where I sanded? Would it chip over time?
These are the things I’m considering as I’ve been tempted for some time to try a Warmoth neck. I could order a nice roasted maple and leave it unfinished (I’m not crazy about the gloss finish on the Fender neck but I can live with it, I prefer satin or oil). I think the roasted maple might drop some weight. I can install lighter tuners on either neck. These could help with the minor neck dive. Does Warmoth do a nice job finishing up their frets?
Sooo, what do you think? Do I work with the current neck (which does set up nice and low) or use this as a reason/excuse to pull the trigger on a Warmoth neck? Any idea what this neck is worth loaded (with full disclosure that the fret ends need a polish)? Any feedback appreciated.
So I just picked up this really nice Fender Precision Special Deluxe Series (I think those are all in the correct order). I’m a big G&L fan and haven’t had a “Fender” in a while. My two main basses are a JB5 and L-2500 (both USA). That was all for a bit but I was missing having a four and missing having a P, so...I pulled the trigger on this pretty bass. I didn’t want to spend too much on my third bass (keep it under a grand, it’s just a hobby). I remember the reviews on TB about how nice these were when they first came out (a Fender/Guitar Center special). Knowing the TB rep, I bought this used. Previous owner had already upgraded the pickups to a nice Aguilar set which was a BIG plus. It came with rounds on it but I threw some Labella LTFs on there and damn it sounds sweet! I really like the pickup! The weight is a nice 8.4lbs with just a small amount of neck dive.
Now for the neck. It sets up really low with no real buzz. I’m really impressed that it sets up to play so well! I assumed that if the previous owner spent good money on good pickups, it was likely on a bass that plays well. It does! But, the fret ends need to be filed and polished. I’ve read that this is common on these. I’ve done a little fret work myself under the supervision of a local luthier who is also a friend. I’m not worried about the fret ends as I know these can be cleaned up nicely. The neck has little to no edge roll on it. That isn’t a deal breaker but some edge roll would make a huge difference in feel. Does this neck have a “real” plastic binding or is that just painted on to look like a binding? If it were an unfinished wood I would just do the edge roll myself but it isn’t. If I sanded the edge of the “binding”, am I going to sand through the paint? What will happen to the finish that is left at the edge of where I sanded? Would it chip over time?
These are the things I’m considering as I’ve been tempted for some time to try a Warmoth neck. I could order a nice roasted maple and leave it unfinished (I’m not crazy about the gloss finish on the Fender neck but I can live with it, I prefer satin or oil). I think the roasted maple might drop some weight. I can install lighter tuners on either neck. These could help with the minor neck dive. Does Warmoth do a nice job finishing up their frets?
Sooo, what do you think? Do I work with the current neck (which does set up nice and low) or use this as a reason/excuse to pull the trigger on a Warmoth neck? Any idea what this neck is worth loaded (with full disclosure that the fret ends need a polish)? Any feedback appreciated.
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