Would a fretboard recap solve help compensate for neck warping?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by baconmpanada, Jul 16, 2013.

  1. I have a '77 mustang bass. it's neck has some warped into it which causes it to have a high action to avoid having fret buzzed and to have proper intonation. I like to be able to lower the action of the bass, since it gets pretty tiresome to play it.

    I'm thinking of having getting another neck for it, though i realized that i can also try to have it recapped.

    Would recapping it solve my issues?

    thanks!
     
  2. 1958Bassman

    1958Bassman

    Oct 20, 2007
    If you adjust the truss rod, does the shape change? Does it seem to bow between the nut and the fret where the neck joins the body, or from the nut to the end of the fretboard? If adjusting the truss rod does nothing, does it rattle if you rap on the back of the neck when the rod has been tightened? That would indicate a problem.

    The fretboard isn't really a major structural component of the neck.
     
  3. guy n. cognito

    guy n. cognito Secret Agent Member

    Dec 28, 2005
    Nashville, TN
    A fretboard can be planed to account for mild uncurable neck issues, but it's really a last resort.
     
  4. Turnaround

    Turnaround Commercial User

    May 6, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Independent Instrument Technician - Retired
    Applying a new fretboard, or for that matter removing and reattaching the current one, can help with the problem. If the problem is up bow, for example, regluing the fretboard while the neck is slightly back bowed will help to straighten the neck.

    The strength comes from the lamination, not the fretboard itself.
     
  5. Lo-E

    Lo-E

    Dec 19, 2009
    Brooklyn, NY
    You probably wouldn't even need to go that far. "Heat setting" - heating the neck enough to soften the glue joint and letting it cool in a slightly back-bowed position can often fix this issue (assuming there really is an issue - OP, you haven't said whether or not you tried adjusting the truss rod). In any case, you're probably best off bringing it to an experienced luthier and having them assess the neck and give you options for how to deal with it. Don't be afraid to get second opinions, either!
     
  6. TRichardsbass

    TRichardsbass Inactive Commercial User

    Jun 3, 2009
    Between Muscle Shoals and Nashville
    Bassgearu, Music Industry Consulting and Sales. Tech 21, NBE Corp, Sonosphere.
    If you have another fretboard put on, you can have the neck itself planed and adjusted and it should take care of the problem, as it seems yours is minor. You can also have it PLEKed, which also might take care of it.