Should it stay or should it go?

[lbbc]

I would send it back....there may be another of the same color, and in better condition, on another site!

 

[LT131]

Sand that neck finish off and oil it. It'll feel like buttah and get rid of the stairs at the dam time.

This. I remove the finish from my necks with steel wool and go bareback. clean the frets and you will have a rare pre-dinged player. That is if you like it, otherwise, back it goes.

 

[klejst]

It's just worn from being play so much by the previous owner(s). To me it would not be a big deal, especially with the rare color which looks awesome with the maple neck by the way and also how you've mentioned it sounds killer. I would say STAY.

 

[bolophonic]

What would you suggest I use?

I am just speaking for myself here, but when I had a neck like that, I used a credit card to scrape the entire thing, then I literally just used a damp toothbrush and wiped it down quickly. I might have used a tiny bit of TSP or something to lift the grimy stains a little. People are going to tell you that my method will probably destroy the neck because of radical fluctuations in humidity if you get it near water, and that you need to massage it with Catalonian mink oil and goat butter from Peru. I work with wood every day and have never had a problem. Come to think of it, I once rescued an Ibanez neck that was so filthy I scrubbed it with soap and water and dried it quickly. If it's a poly finish, it'll be fine.

 

[Mammoth_Bass]

I am just speaking for myself here, but when I had a neck like that, I used a credit card to scrape the entire thing, then I literally just used a damp toothbrush and wiped it down quickly. I might have used a tiny bit of TSP or something to lift the grimy stains a little. People are going to tell you that my method will probably destroy the neck because of radical fluctuations in humidity if you get it near water, and that you need to massage it with Catalonian mink oil and goat butter from Peru. I work with wood every day and have never had a problem. Come to think of it, I once rescued an Ibanez neck that was so filthy I scrubbed it with soap and water and dried it quickly. If it's a poly finish, it'll be fine.

Awesome thanks!! Any other suggestions people? I might give it another shot at cleaning before ultimately returning.

 

[dan1952]

Ew, gross! It's had sweat on it! Cooties!
Really?!? Don't tell Willie Weeks, Lee Sklar, Duck Dunn, James Jamerson, Jaco, McCartney, Joey Spampinato, Marcus Miller, or many other great bassists that their basses have cooties, or they will have to quit playing. As for the ones who have already passed away, the cause of death was probably Bass Cooties!!!

 

[two fingers]

I just went back through the pics again. Is that a really thick HAIR near the octave marker in your 4th pic???

Ew. Please tell me that's yours.

 

[JRA]

if it plays: don't look at it!

 

[Shaunpski]

Wipe it down with alcohol and then see if you can live with it for a week. Mojo is cool, other folks' DNA, not so much. Love the color, BTW. Good luck.

 

[Mammoth_Bass]

I just went back through the pics again. Is that a really thick HAIR near the octave marker in your 4th pic???

Ew. Please tell me that's yours.

Yes likely mine! I have long hair

 

[LT131]

I am just speaking for myself here, but when I had a neck like that, I used a credit card to scrape the entire thing, then I literally just used a damp toothbrush and wiped it down quickly. I might have used a tiny bit of TSP or something to lift the grimy stains a little. People are going to tell you that my method will probably destroy the neck because of radical fluctuations in humidity if you get it near water, and that you need to massage it with Catalonian mink oil and goat butter from Peru. I work with wood every day and have never had a problem. Come to think of it, I once rescued an Ibanez neck that was so filthy I scrubbed it with soap and water and dried it quickly. If it's a poly finish, it'll be fine.

Have you tried a mix of Mink Oil and Goat Butter? Or Mink Butter and Goat Oil. Both top notch and will cure many common ailments too.

 

[two fingers]

Yes likely mine! I have long hair

View attachment 2766760

Whew! Well at least it's yours!

 

[FloridaSam]

Typical of late 90's-early 00's Fender maple necks. The laquer comes off in chunks. Price should reflect that. I wouldn't pay more than $600.00 without case...less.

 

[digmeout]

If you take a 16 penny nail and file a round notch into the edge of the nail head that's close to the diameter of your frets it makes a handy little scraper and will take all the nasty old finish left on the frets off. Then polish with 0000 steel wool, don't forget to tape off your pickups though to keep the steel wool off of them. I'd keep it if I could get GC to compensate me a bit, but then I like well worn, it just feels more comfortable to me.

 

[LousCornerDeli]

Recite the alphabet twice as you wash your hands after handling that bass.

 

[WardEarth]

Looks like water damage to me too. Maybe it's a hurricane bass?

 

[jaymelewis]

I'd say it depends on how much you paid. If it was a steal, then the bass has character. If you paid full price for it then it's defective haha. Just my way of seeing it

 

[pomegranesis]

As some have said before, if it's worth it to you, sand it, clean it, etc. Perhaps use gloves and make sure your tetanus shots are up to date.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Get a new neck for it, whoever came up with that heel adjust TR that requires removing the neck should be summarily shot.

 

[GoLeafsGo]

Was it in a flood?