Neck-swapping for Dummies

[Richie Se7en]

Okay - I have a 1996 Am. Deluxe P-Bass that I may or may not ever play again, but that's a thread for the future, maybe. For the record, the bass is in excellent head-to-toe (heel?) shape and problem free, since I've only played it for a combined total of about 4 months time.

Anyway, I recently ran across a thread in which someone is looking to swap a Maple P neck (my preference) for one with a Rosewood fretboard (what's currently on my P) and I posted interest. Now, I don't know if he even wants my neck, or if his would even fit, but I'd like to eventually swap it out for Maple either way.

My question is, will it hurt the value, if anything substantial, of my bass by changing out the neck? It does have a little sticker that says 'Fender 50th Anniversary' or the like, and like I said, it's in super condition, especially being over 20 years old (unlike myself).

Any thoughts by my knowledgeable TB brethren would be much appreciated.

 

[Warhawk]

It will hurt the value but not by much. Just make sure the neck you're trading for is from a US bass. If it were mine, I'd buy a neck and keep the original one.

 

[Richie Se7en]

It will hurt the value but not by much. Just make sure the neck you're trading for is from a US bass. If it were mine, I'd buy a neck and keep the original one.

That's an excellent point... I hadn't even considered that. Thanks, I really am a dummie!

 

[Warhawk]

That's an excellent point... I hadn't even considered that. Thanks, I really am a dummie!

You're no dummie...you asked about it.

 

[Richie Se7en]

Buying a neck works out better all around, because I prefer a thinner Jazz-style neck - which is what I'll get. That might allow me to play the P comfortably, plus I'll have the original neck if I decide to sell.

And, I doubt I'll have a problem selling a J neck for close to what I paid, so it's a no-brainer.

 

[TDR1138]

Don't the deluxes have 22-fret necks, as opposed to the regular 20-fret standard necks? Something to be aware of...

 

[Richie Se7en]

Good lookin' out, TDR - I pulled it out of the case and it sure does have 22 frets. That's probably a good fact to know before I go buying another neck for it.

I almost forgot how nice this thing is... think I'll bring it into the rotation for a bit to see if my fingers will make nice with 34" scale these days.

Thanks for the heads up.