JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
- 14,723
- 20,970
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- I suck, but nobody really notices
You took the neck off, and there wasn't a shim in it? I'd return it. That neck's warped.
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Should I return this?
- Thread starter Eekum
- Start date
If it's a 70's Fender, it's above average for that period in terms of neck pocket fit ;-)
Back to the OP's question, I could fix that gap much quicker in my shop than the time it would take me to pack it up and send it back, or drive it back to the store.
It might just need a screw or two tightened (it may have bottomed out in the hole on the neck, which would drequire a touch of drilling). Or it may require a little neck pocket work. Either way, it's a simple fix.
Back to the OP's question, I could fix that gap much quicker in my shop than the time it would take me to pack it up and send it back, or drive it back to the store.
It might just need a screw or two tightened (it may have bottomed out in the hole on the neck, which would drequire a touch of drilling). Or it may require a little neck pocket work. Either way, it's a simple fix.
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buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
1. I expect any instrument I buy to be something I'm keeping for decades.
2. Contact between neck and body affects tone.
MIM Fenders are not disposal instruments. Unless you have the desire (and skills) to repair it, I'd return it. It's not a tough job, but it should be done right.
2. Contact between neck and body affects tone.
MIM Fenders are not disposal instruments. Unless you have the desire (and skills) to repair it, I'd return it. It's not a tough job, but it should be done right.
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It appears to me that the green paint ran into the corner a bit. So there's a lump of it there holding the neck up. You could clean that out easily with a flat file.
Yeah exactly what I saw too. Shouldn't take long to fix that at all.
30 years ago, I never thought to examine a new to me, lower-end instrument in any way except maybe to adjust the string height before taking it to the gig, and was never anything but perfectly satisfied.
Today, I'll receive a like-new premium instrument and out come the fret-crowning files, nut files, straightedge, hex wrenches, masking tape, ultra-fine sandpapers, potentiometer spray, WD40 and Q-tips, and will livestream my handwringing about relief settings or tuning-peg weight on TB to an audience standing by with their pitchforks at the ready.
Seriously, I would play that bass without a second thought, but it's not my money -- and not my $300 in round-trip shipping fees.
Today, I'll receive a like-new premium instrument and out come the fret-crowning files, nut files, straightedge, hex wrenches, masking tape, ultra-fine sandpapers, potentiometer spray, WD40 and Q-tips, and will livestream my handwringing about relief settings or tuning-peg weight on TB to an audience standing by with their pitchforks at the ready.
Seriously, I would play that bass without a second thought, but it's not my money -- and not my $300 in round-trip shipping fees.
This is piss poor QC that should not be deemed acceptable. Return it.
What people don't get is that when Fender uses "Limited Edition" term, you're getting a instrument with a defect. Oh wait... I'm gonna annoy people, am I not?. Stop buying their crap already. They're way past quality products, at any given price, they mass produce and they don't care for what you get for the price. Rolled fb edges in 2020 for 2199$? Come on! I even dare say their CS instruments are a joke, and they all look the same when "relic'd". Their "selected alder body" won't make you a king of the bass in 2 days either. My 0.02 €
Anyway, I have that gap (but smaller) on one of my frigging Player Precision bass body, and it doesn't make my instrument singing less. Oh way, I'm gonna annoy luthiers here!
Anyway, I have that gap (but smaller) on one of my frigging Player Precision bass body, and it doesn't make my instrument singing less. Oh way, I'm gonna annoy luthiers here!
I bought a used Special Edition MM Stingray from a reputable store. It’s was painted a dark flip flop color that changed from green to blue to purple. It’s was a gorgeous bass, sounded great was fun and inspiring to play. Loved that bass. Took it to my luthier for strings and a setup. He pointed out to me that there was a significant gap on both sides of the neck. You could easily slide a credit card in both gaps.
However, the neck was solid with no movement at all but my luthier advised me that it would likely cause problems later on. So I regretfully, returned it. It never should have left the factory like that and MM’s has a reputation for build quality but This one slipped by QC.
However, the neck was solid with no movement at all but my luthier advised me that it would likely cause problems later on. So I regretfully, returned it. It never should have left the factory like that and MM’s has a reputation for build quality but This one slipped by QC.
Just give those screws on that side of the neck plate a little turn and it will settle into place, most basses I ever got new some of the hardware wasn’t tightened enough..
That’s a 5 minute repair. I’d file it and keep it. I’m assuming it’s the limited edition MIM players precision bass, so for the price I’d expect a few small things like that.
What people don't get is that when Fender uses "Limited Edition" term, you're getting a instrument with a defect. Oh wait... I'm gonna annoy people, am I not?. Stop buying their crap already. They're way past quality products, at any given price, they mass produce and they don't care for what you get for the price. Rolled fb edges in 2020 for 2199$? Come on! I even dare say their CS instruments are a joke, and they all look the same when "relic'd". Their "selected alder body" won't make you a king of the bass in 2 days either. My 0.02 €
Anyway, I have that gap (but smaller) on one of my frigging Player Precision bass body, and it doesn't make my instrument singing less. Oh way, I'm gonna annoy luthiers here!
No, you're entertaining people because your opinions are so bizarre, keep it up!
Without seeing the neck pocket its hard tell the extent, but if you're enjoying it and the bass plays well you've answered the question. I'd take a straight edge and examine the pocket - possibly the area closest to body dipped on one side? Anyway, shouldn't be hard to to fix. Totally resisting the idea that the neck is messed up on one side, but take the straight edge and examine it and then enjoy it! Congrats on your NBD, enjoy!
I'll repeat what has been already said. If the bass sounds and plays well, congrats you have a keeper! I have bought a number of perfectly built basses that were 'meh'. In this deal the hard fight is won and you are the winner! Give this bass a little TLC that it deserves and you will have a friend for many years. 1st task is to remove the neck and CAREFULLY examine the pocket on that side for an offending lump o' junk that is wedging the neck up. Chances are that it can be clearanced with a few careful swipes of a razor knife. It is probably just paint or some other manufacturing artifact. I doubt the wood was left uncut. Even if so, the razor will quickly and elegantly take care of it. EVERYBODY has a razor knife, so no special woodworking tools / machines required. Once you are certain the pocket is clear, reassemble by starting the screws through the body till the tips are just below the pocket inside. Hold the neck TIGHTLY in the pocket to eliminate the gap, and run the screws in using an alternating tighten sequence. This will keep the screws from jacking / holding the neck away from the body which they can do. A tight neck pocket will do wonders to help your new bass sound even better. I personally would not return it. I would fix it. The hardest part will be keeping the strings from dancing all over the place and scratching the body. Bundle them up in a rag and tape it.
Just a little off the top... definitely don't want the bass to see you telegraphing your intent, or it'll make you pay.
If you like the instrument, 30 minutes with a chisel and/or a square file will take care of it and you have a bass that you have some sweat equity in. What's not to like? Cool color BTW.
Agree with this. I'll add, I've had bodies where the screws were binding in the body holes. The screws should pass freely through the body and only screw into the neck. This will draw the neck tightly to the pocket.
Get a discount for the imperfection, use the money you save to get it done by a local luthier. You help the planet by not shipping the same box back and forth for something so minor, you get a nice bass, and give work to a local craftsman. Win-win-win.
