Normal for a Fender Tele Bass?

[Acoustic356]

Is this headstock angle normal for a Fender Tele Bass circa mid 1970's?
I don't recall them tilting up at the end...

 

[Zooberwerx]

Yep, they'll do that. Same dynamics responsible for "ski jump" or kink seen at the heel only more so as we're reducing the cross-section by ~50% and the transition is not gradual.

Riis

 

[godofthunder59]

Is this headstock angle normal for a Fender Tele Bass circa mid 1970's?
I don't recall them tilting up at the end...

View attachment 4520834

That's not normal, it's definitely warped over the years. How is the string tension on the D and G string? Does the bass play ok. If you are looking to sell or considering it for purchase it with affect value I think.

 

[Acoustic356]

That's not normal, it's definitely warped over the years. How is the string tension on the D and G string? Does the bass play ok. If you are looking to sell or considering it for purchase it with affect value I think.

Thanks! I was about to pull the trigger and purchase then I saw that picture and quickly had second thoughts...

Thanks for the validation.

 

[marchone]

Is this headstock angle normal for a Fender Tele Bass circa mid 1970's?
I don't recall them tilting up at the end...
View attachment 4520834

Not normal. Mine is straight after 52+ years.

How are the E and A strings held down to the nut? Was another string button added?

Do you have a picture of the top of the headstock?

 

[mongo2]

Abnormal warping like that can happen.

I had a '73 P that the headstock eventually twisted and a 80's Guild Pilot with the hockey stick headstock that warped up. I replaced the necks on both of them.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Thanks! I was about to pull the trigger and purchase then I saw that picture and quickly had second thoughts...

Thanks for the validation.

This pops-up on occasion in the Repair forum and almost always a Fender-esque headstock: offset, no tilt-back, no volute.

Riis

 

[2saddleslab]

My P bass neck is 66 yo and the headstock is straight as an arrow. As were all the early to mid 50's P and 60's Tele basses Ive owned.

 

[Ghastly]

I believe it 'can' happen, but I've handled a handful of vintage Fender instruments and have never seen anything like that. My guess is that it's not normal.

 

[fretno]

I don't have a great pic atm but there is no bendy on my '68 , I do see a little bend on one of necks here but not like that OP , That OP pic is also looking like a bit of a twist too but I'd have to see it in person to be sure , but it looks odd around the first fret , it maybe warped , twisted and bendy so buyer beware .

 

[iammr2]

I've heard about those and seen a few pictures of '50s basses that have that bend. Haven't seen one that bad though. Don't know if that can be repaired. Might want to ask in the luthiers thread.

 

[iammr2]

I believe it 'can' happen, ...

You "believe it 'can'"?? There's a picture of it right there.

 

[Mastermold]

Yikes!! Pass on this one.

 

[Killing Floor]

It absolutely can happen. But it’s not often. Maybe it was stored in a damp environment, maybe it’s just the wrong piece of wood. It’s organic and you’ll see it once in a while.

 

[burgerdj]

Whoa. That ain’t right.

 

[rashrader]

That sucks!! I’ve bought two used Warwick Thumbs that had the same issue. Neither seller informed me of the problem.

 

[WillyW]

I blame Gibson quality control

 

[GodsLove66]

Looks like reason to ask for an EXCELLENT Discount!!! I'd snatch that up!

 

[bassinflorida]

Maybe it is strung with acdtual piano wire.

 

[Tali33]

Yeah only take take that at a discount. My amateur luthier opinion is that it can probably be bent back with a nack jig and enough hot steam, but it might crack or the neck could be twisted too.