Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
squier neck stability??
- Thread starter PeaveyPlayer
- Start date
Some are very stable, some are less stable, some aren't very stable.
Well I may want to get a squier but i need to if it would hold a set up and not not warp because I will be playing a lot of outdoor gigs this summer
Never had a problem with the necks of any Squiers I've owned, and that's going back to 1989. Is there any specific reason why you would think that they might have a problem?
i've owned a couple squier basses, and my husband has one. never had a neck problem - not flexing, warping or anything else.
In my experience, very stable. As is the tuning and bridge.
I had one of the nasty ones... was modding a Squier PJ, complete re-build and refinish
(EMG's, complete rewire, heavier bridge, etc), but could never get it sounding quite right.
Read here about a simple test: hold the bass upright and "knock" on the neck. If it sounds
solid you are OK, if there's any weird vibrations or rattles, it'll suck your tone, replace it.
I replaced mine, with of all things, an SX "2nd" neck (had some discoloration on the back),
cost me 29.95 This did it, and this is now my daily player (out of my seven).
(EMG's, complete rewire, heavier bridge, etc), but could never get it sounding quite right.
Read here about a simple test: hold the bass upright and "knock" on the neck. If it sounds
solid you are OK, if there's any weird vibrations or rattles, it'll suck your tone, replace it.
I replaced mine, with of all things, an SX "2nd" neck (had some discoloration on the back),
cost me 29.95 This did it, and this is now my daily player (out of my seven).
As long as there's no power loss to the cooling rods, squire necks should remain stable 
I have never owned an Affinity Squire so I have know idea how those necks are.
I have owned allot of MIJ, MIK , Vista, VM and CV Squier's. The only Squier's with neck issues I ever owned were the early to mid 90'3 MIK P basses the ones with no pickguard. That model of Squier (had 2) necks were horrible and I had to sell them for parts. A dealer I work with will buy any Squier but those 90's MIK models for he has seen the same issues. My MIK E series is rock solid. So to answer your question overall Squiers have good solid necks.
I have owned allot of MIJ, MIK , Vista, VM and CV Squier's. The only Squier's with neck issues I ever owned were the early to mid 90'3 MIK P basses the ones with no pickguard. That model of Squier (had 2) necks were horrible and I had to sell them for parts. A dealer I work with will buy any Squier but those 90's MIK models for he has seen the same issues. My MIK E series is rock solid. So to answer your question overall Squiers have good solid necks.
Due to the nature of wood and that the consistency varies from piece to piece, any neck (made of wood) may or may not be stable.
Reinforced necks will typically be more likely to have less issues as well as those on some higher end instruments that are seasoned, however if you are dealing with wood there will always be a possibility for failure.
Reinforced necks will typically be more likely to have less issues as well as those on some higher end instruments that are seasoned, however if you are dealing with wood there will always be a possibility for failure.
Here's a couple things that you can check/do that come to mind.
Tune the bass and check it's relief then de-tune it a whole step and check it again. 99.9% of basses will show some difference though a very stable neck may only show a .001/.002 of an inch where as a less then stable one may show as much as .005 or more. This isn't an end all be all but it's a good way to test a necks flexibility.
Another is to know an instrument's history, specifically in regards to setups and string changes. If it's five or more years old and has had minimum work done and still plays as it should it's a good indication that you are dealing with a stable neck.
Tune the bass and check it's relief then de-tune it a whole step and check it again. 99.9% of basses will show some difference though a very stable neck may only show a .001/.002 of an inch where as a less then stable one may show as much as .005 or more. This isn't an end all be all but it's a good way to test a necks flexibility.
Another is to know an instrument's history, specifically in regards to setups and string changes. If it's five or more years old and has had minimum work done and still plays as it should it's a good indication that you are dealing with a stable neck.
The old Squier Affinity neck I used to replace my warped MIM Fender neck is working fine.
Has a much-nicer piece of Rosewood, and pearloid dots, as well.
Has a much-nicer piece of Rosewood, and pearloid dots, as well.
Slight tweak to my trus rod maybe twice a year, to offset humidity variations keep my Squier VM's happy.
Most squiers have green necks and tend to move more than aged wood. That doesn't mean the neck will warp and if it does it might be ten years be for you notice it. It's probably about a 200-300 dollar repair.
It's worth the risk of you ask me. Especially since a $1000 bass could do the same thing.
I have a Squier affinity P bass, the neck had been more stable than some high end basses I've owned
