• 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.

Twisted neck worth getting fixed?

TjMetalhead

TjMetalhead

Oct 19, 2011
686
833
New Mexico
#1
Hi all, so I have this bass which was the first bass I ever owned. It's a Hartke XK-4 (here's a link about the bass [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) that my parents got me for Christmas almost 10 years ago. As you can see I have some sentimental attachment to it, I can get a pretty good tone for what I need since I play classic heavy metal. The main issue with this bass is that it has gone through some hell with me when I was a teen because the damn thing is a little beat up and can't tune properly. When I tune it with a tuner it tunes a half step higher even with the tuner set at 440hz and says it's in tune even though it's not. I was told by a GC guitar tech a few years ago the neck was twisted and that could explain why it's tuning sharp. When I try to tune it by ear it sounds like it's in standard but there's something off about it. It might have something to do with the chrome headstock since it's a separate piece of the neck, it looks like it's a bit disjointed from the neck. I'm not sure if I should take it to a luthier and see if they can do anything about it. Any one else have experience with twisted necks? Is it worth getting it fixed? Or should I just get another PJ style bass to replace it? Any suggestions?
 
  • Like
Reactions: StatesideRambler
#9
Lesfunk said:
It might be a little. Necks do twist sometimes. But that should not affect the intonation to the point of being unobtainable
Click to expand...
I sure hope so, I adjusted the saddles multiple times and it didn't make a difference. The truss rod has never been adjusted though. It's a little unique cause you need a star wrench to adjust it. I have suspicions that maybe something is up with truss rod because it looks crooked.
 
#12
Maxdusty said:
My suggestion is to retire the bass....buy one that doesn't have any issues and keep the Hartke, frame it, or hold on to it until you can work on it later on down the road and restore it to it's former glory.
Click to expand...
That's honestly what I'm thinking right now. It's in dire need of a refinishing cause it's got so many dings it's almost cratered like the moon and at this point I think the whole neck is going to need to be rebuilt. It would be pricey but worth it and at the moment I don't have the finances for a full restoration project. Any PJ bass replacement suggestions?
 
  • Like
Reactions: StyleOverShow
#13
TjMetalhead said:
That's honestly what I'm thinking right now. It's in dire need of a refinishing cause it's got so many dings it's almost cratered like the moon and at this point I think the whole neck is going to need to be rebuilt. It would be pricey but worth it and at the moment I don't have the finances for a full restoration project. Any PJ bass replacement suggestions?
Click to expand...
What's your price range? A good inexpensive one I can think off the bat is the Ibanez Talman TMB100 or 300. That bass is a powerful active PJ that's a good bass for little money. (The TMB100 is $199 brand new, around $100-150 used) I would probably recommend seeing what's available used, you can widen your options that way and get find a better bass for your money. The GC used site for example, you can have any bass from any of their stores nationwide delivered to your door for around $20.

That being said, your plan is a good one-I would definitely recommend keeping your first bass, take your time restoring it should you choose to and when you have the disposable income to put towards it. Money is better spent right now on a good instrument.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DrummerwStrings
#17
Maxdusty said:
What's your price range? A good inexpensive one I can think off the bat is the Ibanez Talman TMB100 or 300. That bass is a powerful active PJ that's a good bass for little money. (The TMB100 is $199 brand new, around $100-150 used) I would probably recommend seeing what's available used, you can widen your options that way and get find a better bass for your money. The GC used site for example, you can have any bass from any of their stores nationwide delivered to your door for around $20.

That being said, your plan is a good one-I would definitely recommend keeping your first bass, take your time restoring it should you choose to and when you have the disposable income to put towards it. Money is better spent right now on a good instrument.
Click to expand...
Around $500 max, I was thinking about tracking down an old MIJ Ibanez sound gear bass, a charvel, or the new yamaha BB basses that just came out. Thanks for the link! Already found a bit I like.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Maxdusty

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back