• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Peavey Patriot Bass Issue

There is a nice looking peavey patriot bass (1987 I think) in local pawn shop that I am considering making an offer on but it has an issue I'm not sure how to fix. Someone put a large chunk of metal under the bridge saddles and then raised the saddles all the way up. The action on the bass is still very low and in fact the G string frets out on the high frets. The neck appears to be very straight with very little relief. I thought maybe someone cranked down on the micro-tilt screw, but I don't see a gap between the neck and pocket. Any suggestions or should I just avoid it? I snapped a photo:

IMG_0433.JPG
 
You have several options:

1. Check the micro-tilt. Back off the micro tilt screw entirely, tighten the other neck bolts fully, then re-tighten the micro-tilt. That will ensure the neck is sitting as flat as possible in the pocket.
2. If Step 1 doesn't fix it, consider adding a reverse shim - i.e. a shim in the outer side of the pocket.
3. Get longer saddle set-screws. May be a bit hard to find though
4. Leave it as it is. Probably not the best solution - it looks crummy and it takes away from the optimum saddle to bridge-plate coupling (though that may not be e big deal)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dec1975
I ended up picking this up. Thanks to the OP for cluing me in to which Oregon area pawn shop it was still in after months and months. I have yet to investigate exactly why the extra piece of aluminum is under the saddles; maybe this weekend.
Anyways, the bass is set to be a body/electronics donor for the Peavey Electrical Guitar Company aluminum neck that I purchased.
peavey_&_EGCneck.jpg
 
That's odd for sure.
I have an older version of this bass ..... and my saddles are barely off the bridge.
BTW, Anrque .... if you are interested in getting rid of the Patriot neck, LMK. I love Peavey Necks.

IMHO, I would have bought it. As long as the action was playable, play the crap out of it.

Matt