Replacement neck: Pre-EB Stingray

[22 AWG]

Hey there,

Just wondering if anyone in their wisdom knows of a place to get an aftermarket neck that will fit on a 3-bolt, 21-fret pre-Ernie Ball Stingray (1978). I've put about as much work into this bass as possible, and it looks like the truss is maxed out. I'd love to replace it with something to make it as playable as I'd like, vintage factor be darned. Warmoth replacement necks feature an overhanging 21st fret that looks like it would mess up the scale length, so might anyone know of another place that sells a neck that would fit? Similarly, would a vintage G&L (3-bolt) fit? Esoteric question, but sometimes folks have esoteric expertise.

Thanks for reading,
-John

 

[donk]

there should be a way to fix the truss rod adjustment. take it to a competent repair person to see. otherwise a Status graphite replacement neck will make that bass a monster! You need the heel of the neck to be the correct size and length or the scale is off and you can't really move the bridge.

 

[22 AWG]

there should be a way to fix the truss rod adjustment. take it to a competent repair person to see. otherwise a Status graphite replacement neck will make that bass a monster! You need the heel of the neck to be the correct size and length or the scale is off and you can't really move the bridge.

Thanks so much for this reply—I appreciate it. Beyond the truss rod being maxed, the fretboard is cracked from about the first fret to the nut, and after sealing and clamping it, the wood is so thin that when the truss rod is tightened the maple bows up in a disconcerting way. On top of all that, it looks like someone overtightened the truss rod earlier in this bass's life so that the truss anchor is somehow at an angle and digging into the heel of the neck. In short, it feels like this neck is beyond saving.

I hadn't considered a graphite neck, though, and if that will fit on a vintage bass, I may go that route when I save up enough pennies.

Thanks again for your input.

 

[22 AWG]

Monday bump in case anyone else has other expertise on this—or is graphite my only option?

Thanks.

 

[murmur70]

Have you contacted Ernie Ball? Maybe they can help.

 

[22 AWG]

Have you contacted Ernie Ball? Maybe they can help.

Hey there, that's an excellent suggestion—I'll see what they say. Thank you.

 

[mikeswals]

Ernie Ball neck since '91 have the spoke-wheel truss at the heel. it won't it your body.

I see there's an old EB '88 fretless neck old bullet truss on Reverb. you can get it fretted. Music Man Stingray Fretless Neck | Captain Ron's gear

there also a guy on the preEB facebook page that had several parts for sale, probably cost you a mint though.

 

[22 AWG]

Ernie Ball neck since '91 have the spoke-wheel truss at the heel. it won't it your body.

I see there's an old EB '88 fretless neck old bullet truss on Reverb. you can get it fretted. Music Man Stingray Fretless Neck | Captain Ron's gear

there also a guy on the preEB facebook page that had several parts for sale, probably cost you a mint though.

Hey there, that turned out to be accurate: Ernie Ball said they couldn't help me. I'll take a look on the used sites. Thanks for your help.

Best,
John