New bass or New neck- what would you do?

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, I think I'd buy the Squier and save the other bass for another day. Someday a suitable neck might fall into your hands, and in the meantime, you've got a gig-worthy instrument.

I personally think that once you've changed something on a bass, everything changes. Maybe not a lot, but it changes. And if you swap out the neck, it's highly unlikely that it will sound/feel exactly the same. Better/worse...who knows? But it will probably be different. That's why I've usually keep my instruments as stock.

Except for the USA sticker on my Rickenbackers. Those had to go.

 

[mike buzzetti]

Ok,

the question is: I’m playing an 80s ESP 400 precision, a true beauty, great sound, but with a neck twist.

With the equivalent of USD 580 at your disposal, what would you do? Replace the neck with a genuine Fender P neck, or spend the money on a new squier fsr 50s precision (sonic Blue, a beautiful and very tempting bass I’ve already tried and do like quite a bit)?

Hit me, talkbass.

Best
Sidecar

Have you sent it to a tech to see if it can be fixed "?:?? I've had guys do amazing things with warped necks

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Ok,

the question is: I’m playing an 80s ESP 400 precision, a true beauty, great sound, but with a neck twist.

With the equivalent of USD 580 at your disposal, what would you do? Replace the neck with a genuine Fender P neck, or spend the money on a new squier fsr 50s precision (sonic Blue, a beautiful and very tempting bass I’ve already tried and do like quite a bit)?

Hit me, talkbass.

Best
Sidecar

If some misfortune happened to my beloved MIA PJ, I’d replace the neck, and have it set up by the best luthier in town.

 

[Geogio]

I have a South Korean goto Pbass that are still avail and reasonably priced.
I've done this once before. I've picked up another bass of the same model and swapped out the upgrades. Then sold the old bass as a fixer upper.

 

[Killing Floor]

If you get a new bass you can always go back later and get a new neck. If you just get the new neck you won't have another bass. It's pretty simple TB math.

 

[40Hz]

All factors considered, I’d opt for the new Squier unless I could locate an ESP replacement neck.

As someone else mentioned earlier, a Fender neck might not be an exact enough fit without needing some rework. Neck pockets are fussy when it comes to neck fit. If you’re comfortable with the distinct possibility you’ll have to mod the neck to fit the body, then go for it if you really want to hang onto the ESP. Otherwise I’d definitely go with the Squier. New instrument with a warranty - and you said you already like it? No brainer if it were me. But that’s me, not you. How do you feel about it?

Note: If you do get the Squier you might also want to consider swapping pups back and forth to see which you like better.

 

[castlev]

Can you describe the twist? Is there more relief on the bass side? That would actually be desirable, at least to someone like me. Even if the extra relief is on the treble side, it might not be bad enough to affect play ability. I would even suggest taking off the strings, backing off the truss rod a 1/4 turn, let it sit over night, then throw on a balanced tension string set and set the relief again. It might not fix the issue, but possibly lessen how noticeable it is? I hate seeing old school ESP's destined for the trash bin, those old Japanese instruments are incredible.

 

[JRA]

what would you do?

i'm a parts-bass guy so i'd get the neck i wanted and be done with it. but if you've got GAS burning: a new ax is always in order!

hope you get what you want!

 

[BassFalcon]

Tell us more about this twisted neck. Are you sure it’s beyond repair? Buying new basses is always cool, but if saving this bass is what you want, what makes you think this neck is beyond repair?

 

[ChrisBowsman]

You wouldn’t , of course. Getting the squier would be an upgrade over the Japanese esp.

Ummm.... what?

There's nothing wrong with Squier, and I know nothing of ESP basses, but if we were talking about guitars, MIJ ESP is worlds beyond Squier.

 

[wango55]

Have you sent it to a tech to see if it can be fixed "?:?? I've had guys do amazing things with warped necks

Ive had a couple necks repaired at warped neck.com. Might be worth checking them out. Would be cheaper than the warmoth route, and also the squier route.

 

[FunkHead]

Ok,

the question is: I’m playing an 80s ESP 400 precision, a true beauty, great sound, but with a neck twist.

With the equivalent of USD 580 at your disposal, what would you do? Replace the neck with a genuine Fender P neck, or spend the money on a new squier fsr 50s precision (sonic Blue, a beautiful and very tempting bass I’ve already tried and do like quite a bit)?

Hit me, talkbass.

Best
Sidecar

MusiKraft!

 

[Ric5]

Ok,

the question is: I’m playing an 80s ESP 400 precision, a true beauty, great sound, but with a neck twist.

With the equivalent of USD 580 at your disposal, what would you do? Replace the neck with a genuine Fender P neck, or spend the money on a new squier fsr 50s precision (sonic Blue, a beautiful and very tempting bass I’ve already tried and do like quite a bit)?

Hit me, talkbass.

Best
Sidecar

mighty mite makes good replacement necks

 

[burgerdj]

+1 on fitting a new neck, especially if you really like the bass, its pickup, weight, etc.

 

[Auspuff]

Ok,

the question is: I’m playing an 80s ESP 400 precision, a true beauty, great sound, but with a neck twist.

With the equivalent of USD 580 at your disposal, what would you do? Replace the neck with a genuine Fender P neck, or spend the money on a new squier fsr 50s precision (sonic Blue, a beautiful and very tempting bass I’ve already tried and do like quite a bit)?

Hit me, talkbass.

Best
Sidecar

Get an SVT810.

Oh, and ditch that Bass.

 

[BobKos]

If you search the forums, there are magicians that repair necks and IIRC it is actually pretty reasonable cost-wise compared to buying a new custom neck. Maybe somebody can chime in with a direct recommendation and contact. That would be my first consideration if I like the bass otherwise. I am a big believer in the idea that some of a bass' character comes from the neck. Change that part all bets are off. JMHO.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

New bass.

 

[ejaggers]

If you get a new bass you can always go back later and get a new neck. If you just get the new neck you won't have another bass. It's pretty simple TB math.

I'm gonna have to agree with the mathematician.
The only way I'd pass on the Squier is if the ESP has sentimental value.

Since the neck is non-standard, a custom neck may be costly,
plus what @Hurricane Jimmie said about swapping parts changes a bass is also true.
So, I agree with this part of his statement.

On the other hand, swapping parts has made basses better and more customized
to my liking in my experience.
So I'd go all out on the "Right" neck if it's sentiments that you're after,
otherwise, parting it out, and the Squier are no-brainers IMHO....057912

 

[jd56hawk]

or spend the money on a new squier fsr 50s precision (sonic Blue, a beautiful and very tempting bass I’ve already tried and do like quite a bit)?

There's your answer right there.
No need to listen to the Squier detractors, no need to listen to me if I tell you "Hey, try a G&L Tribute LB-100," no need to find a neck and hope it fits and wait for the job to get done.
Buy the Squier and play the minute you get home.

 

[roller]

I'd go with a new neck... but it wouldn't be a Fender.

Why not send it back to ESP and let them install an updated neck, maybe with a truss rod wheel?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Ok,

the question is: I’m playing an 80s ESP 400 precision, a true beauty, great sound, but with a neck twist.

With the equivalent of USD 580 at your disposal, what would you do? Replace the neck with a genuine Fender P neck, or spend the money on a new squier fsr 50s precision (sonic Blue, a beautiful and very tempting bass I’ve already tried and do like quite a bit)?

Hit me, talkbass.

Best
Sidecar