New bass or New neck- what would you do?

[dasherf17]

I appreciate the points of view in the responses. To sort of combine some of them, I suggest you buy the Squier to get you back up and playing. Afterwards, when you have more of a budget, measure the neck pocket on the ESP body and order a Warmoth (or similar) neck to get that bass playable again. Now you have a main and a backup P. Both can have round wounds or one can have flat wounds (if that is something you want).

Two "new bass days"...great idea, sidecar...

 

[MrSidecar]

I would replace the neck if I was happy with the sound...

As said before, luthier advice and second hand experience tells me, if I buy a new neck and have it shipped here from the US or wherever, it’ll be fine the first weeks and then it’ll settle in, climate differences and all, and it will likely develop issues (a friend bought a brand new quality neck from overseas and within the first two months after having it shipped over, that one developed a twist, attributed to the wood’s reaction to the change) that require the attention of a luthier. Thus, fixing what essentially is a very good quality, but old and abused, neck is the better option.

The twist is actually not the only and not the worst thing, the frets are old and botched as well, and the fingerboard radius could be narrower for my liking.

So, the neck will be straightened and the fingerboard planed, and it’ll get a 7.25 inch radius (from almost 10 now) and new frets, and it’s going to be just perfect. Or so I’m promised, I hope it’ll work out that way.

Best
Sidecar

 

[dasherf17]

As said before, luthier advice and second hand experience tells me, if I buy a new neck and have it shipped here from the US or wherever, it’ll be fine the first weeks and then it’ll settle in, climate differences and all, and it will likely develop issues (a friend bought a brand new quality neck from overseas and within the first two months after having it shipped over, that one developed a twist, attributed to the wood’s reaction to the change) that require the attention of a luthier. Thus, fixing what essentially is a very good quality, but old and abused, neck is the better option.

The twist is actually not the only and not the worst thing, the frets are old and botched as well, and the fingerboard radius could be narrower for my liking.

So, the neck will be straightened and the fingerboard planed, and it’ll get a 7.25 inch radius (from almost 10 now) and new frets, and it’s going to be just perfect. Or so I’m promised, I hope it’ll work out that way.

Best
Sidecar

I understand...dealing with the neck at hand professionally make sense as well...pro'lly the best...

 

[MrSidecar]

I personally like the rebuild theory, especially as it’s a rare bird...if you have other basses to use in the meantime, that can buy you some tinker-time.

Exactly my thoughts. series 400 ESPs with Fender headstocks are not that common, and especially P-basses are on the rare end. It sounds great as well.

Plus, it’s from ‘83, which makes it almost 15 years older than ‘65 Precison was when I started playing .

Plus again, anything from Japan between 80 and 88, be it Greco or especially Tokai or ESP, IME blows US counterparts from that era out of the water.

Oh, and it only takes a week. I’ll be fine with my other bass in the meantime.

best
Sidecar

 

[dasherf17]

Exactly my thoughts. series 400 ESPs with Fender headstocks are not that common, and especially P-basses are on the rare end. It sounds great as well.

Plus, it’s from ‘83, which makes it almost 15 years older than ‘65 Precison was when I started playing .

Plus again, anything from Japan between 80 and 88, be it Greco or especially Tokai or ESP, IME blows US counterparts from that era out of the water.

Oh, and it only takes a week. I’ll be fine with my other bass in the meantime.

best
Sidecar

Good deal!

 

[Possum Willy]

The most fun option: buy the Squier now, then eventually get a new neck for your ESP… maybe consider a custom built one from Warmoth.

I encourage people to try to have fun in life

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Squire now, fix the ESP later. Win, win, best of both!

 

[two fingers]

If I had that kind of cash at disposI would bypass Fender and get a gorgeous flamed Maple Warmoth neck.

 

[MrSidecar]

Back from the luthier.

Not the cheapest option, since luthiers here are expensive for what they do. But man, that bass sure feels nice now! It’s miles ahead of what it was and totally up there with the best feel I can imagine on a precision. Worth all the money I paid, and very fine with me if I won’t buy a new bass now. Call me happy.

The new frets and super straight neck is one thing, the other is the new 7.25 inch radius (from almost 9.75). Being a double bass player with rather short fingers, I love smaller radiuses, and this makes it so much more comfortable.

As a last improvement, the super tiny cream dots on top were changed to slightly bigger black ones that contrast much better with the maple.

I know, pics or it didn’t happen. Coming tomorrow.

best
Sidecar

 

[never-enough]

That's great news, I'm really glad to hear that you are happy with it
There’s something special about making an old neglected instrument ready for another go round.

 

[dasherf17]

Happy New Bass Day! (May as well call it that...feels new, right?)

 

[Black Out Jazz]

That is marvelous! Thanks for the great saga with a perfect ending.