Uneven bass neck?

[wvv]

Hi folks,

I just bought a fender select precision bass.
After I received it, I did a visual inspection and I noticed the neck looks uneven in the socket. I asked the seller and he said it could be the pickguard was not fully attached to the bass body when he put a new pickguard on it earlier. I asked his permission to remove the pickguard and measured again.
I used a name card and placed it on both sides of the neck and marked the depth with a pencil. It still shows uneven.
I am not expert, and but it should be able to tell it.
This is my first upgrade from a low end bass so I am a bit concerned.

Could you all take a look at the pictures and let me know your thoughts?

 

[IPA]

It plays pretty bad then?

 

[wvv]

It plays pretty bad then?

It buzzes easily at lower frets.

 

[beatdatthang]

Conveniently, it’s a bolt on so you can shim the neck if you feel the need. If it bothers you, return it and buy something else.

 

[Lesfunk]

Don’t even waste time fixing it. just send it back

 

[wvv]

Don’t even waste time fixing it. just send it back

Thanks, I am thinking of returning it. I sent the pictures to him, he said he didn't believe me but will allow me to return it.
So I came here for opinions.

 

[wvv]

Conveniently, it’s a bolt on so you can shim the neck if you feel the need. If it bothers you, return it and buy something else.

Yes, I will return it.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Yes, I will return it.

Before you do, is the heel / pocket interface in-spec or is there a gap? Can't tell by top-side pics alone.

Riis

 

[Barticus]

Yeah that thing is a wreck, glad you’re sending it back. Get something without issues.

 

[TyBo]

That's an odd one. But in the pictures it does look off, as you say. Knowing that it's not an optical thing having to do with the pickguard, that having been removed ... yeah I'd send it back.

I'd be tempted to take the neck off, just to see what's going on under there - pocket uneven? But that's just curiosity. Fix it by replacing it.

 

[rashrader]

Don’t listen to the Fender crowd. Send that mess back.

 

[fretno]

Is it sitting flush to the body. I would take the neck off and make sure something is not under there causing it and make sure it’s sitting properly and evenly bolted in.

 

[wyleeboxer]

Is it sitting flush to the body. I would take the neck off and make sure something is not under there causing it and make sure it’s sitting properly and evenly bolted in.

+1 this is usually the case 9 out of 10 times.. it even happens when I have clean neck pocket. Take neck off and clean out groove in pocket area with something like small flathead screwdriver. Then press neck back in making sure there is no gaps between neck and pocket on bottom side.

 

[Discount Bassy]

In the photo looking up the neck, it appears that the headstock is twisted and the action is pretty low. I wouldn't necessarily equate your measurements to be related to the buzzing, that is more likely a set up issue. If the neck is twisted, no good. If if arrived unplayable, I'd put that in the no-good category as well just on principle, unless it was explicitly stated at the time of sale. Good luck resolving the issue. Surely, it is within the realm of possibility that you could get a hold of a decent Fender product.

 

[Bikeguy57]

Pretty much guarantee it's one of 2 things.
1) shim or something in the pocket.
2) screw holes in BODY are too small, causing the neck screws to bind in the body Instead of tightening the neck.

Both easy fixes. Buzzing is probably neck relief and/or string height.

 

[wvv]

Before you do, is the heel / pocket interface in-spec or is there a gap? Can't tell by top-side pics alone.

Riis

I checked the neck / pocket interface, there is no gap.

 

[60bass]

Return it if the seller said you can. But DON'T UNDER ANY CURCUMSTANCES remove the neck or anything else on the bass for that matter. If you do, you run the risk of the seller accusing you of messing it up.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I think someone tried to put a different neck on it and only sanded one side of the pocket.

 

[Tommybass79]

Return that disaster!

 

[MVE]

If you like the tone and look, take it to a good tech and have them look at it.

Its very difficult/impossible to diagnose via a few photos.

But with bolt-on instruments, 95% of these kind of issues can be quickly solved and sorted out by a competent tech, or on your own if you’re inclined to learn and purchase a few tools.

It would help if you took a photo from the back looking into the gap between the neck and body.