Who does impossible repairs?

[mattlux]

I have a 76 Jazz Bass neck that was broken in car accident. At the time (20 years ago) I just wrote it off as ruined but know hope to find someone who can repair it. Who do you all think are the top repair/restore people in the US?

 

[bholder]

There are luthiers on here perfectly capable of repairing that. I am not one of them, but someone will chime in soon enough (might be a little slow today, Sunday morning lol).

 

[RichterScale]

Anything can be repaired.
I would weigh the cost of a major repair like that to having a new neck made. And the new neck would be dimensionally and aesthetically the same, but likely constructed better and with a better truss rod.
We're not really supposed to solicit business in the LC, but I would send a message to the boys in Fillmore, CA. @Bruce Johnson and @Freekmagnet. If I needed a neck made, that's who I'd contact first. And if they have too much on their plate at the moment, they'll know which direction to point you.

 

[Johnny Alien]

IMO there is no one better than Greg Platzer. I have seen him work legit miracles.

Greg Platzer Guitars

 

[Turnaround]

The "neckspert" has to be Bruce Johnson who has a long history of building necks.

 

[Schlyder]

Get a Fender replacement neck. Done deal.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Thanks for the referrals, guys! Yes, to me, this neck certainly looks repairable. I've put necks back together that were in worse shape than that.

But, I am booked solid with work on my own Scroll Basses, and I can't take this job on. Likewise, Jeremy (Mr. Freekmagnet) is all booked up and not really interested in Scary Repairs jobs.

Scary repairs like this aren't really that difficult (or expensive). But most Luthiers and repair people don't do them because they are afraid of the risk of it not going well.

Keep looking. I'll be glad to offer advise.

 

[BassCajon]

Wow the impact must've been intense.
Is all or most of the wood still there? I agree, it does look like it can be salvaged.

Otherwise yup I agree, Bruce is your man. His threads and builds are awesome.
Super impressive, Bruce!

For a 76 Jazz Bass, I think I would want a lightweight piece of wood or even graphite to counter that boat anchor of a body.

 

[moon-bass]

Strange Guitarworks in New Orleans. I have seen them repair worse, and the workmanship is absolutely top notch.

Home - Strange Guitarworks

 

[KohanMike]

I whole heartedly believe in Eric's Guitar in Sound City, Van Nuys, CA. He and Billy have been doing all my ukulele and bass uke/mini bass guitar work for about 8 years. He has reasonable prices, but is so busy (since he's so good) that it might take a while.

Eric's Guitar Shop

 

[hbarcat]

Gene Liberty (northern Illinois) does impossible repairs routinely. I've been going to him for 30 years and would absolutely recommend him, not just for his skill and expertise, but also for his professionalism as a business man. He provides exact quotes, not estimates, works quickly, and is always available to communicate.

Website:
Gene Liberty luthier Guitar Repair

Examples of repairs:

 

[mongo2]

I would've just replaced the neck and played it for the last 20 years or at least as long as it took to get it repaired and then used the extra neck to build another bass.

Any competent lutiher should be able to repair that.