Neck problem

Chrishas · Ferret Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 113 Location: Cyprus

My neck is bent,and maybe twisted a little,the technician told me the truss rod has wore off at the beginning(where u put the alen wrench),and also told me its unfixable,i asked if I can change the neck he told me its not possible, any advices,suggestions or whatever?its a six string fretless and got it for cheap(ebay)but I love everything on it,except the problematic neck, thanks in advance

Ankhanu · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:18 am Post subject:

Is it a neck-thru design? is that why the neck can't be swapped out?
Can you give us some info on the neck setup? Is the truss rod back mounted (is there a strip of wood inserted in the back of the neck, like on a lot of Fender instruments), or is there a mounted fretboard (fretboard is glued to the front of the neck, rather than a single piece of wood for the neck and fretboard). Is the bass neck-thru, bolt-on or set neck? etc.

Chrishas · Ferret Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 113 Location: Cyprus

its a bolt-on neck with a mounted fretboard,i was surprised when the technician said it cant be changed cuz i dont understand why not?

Ankhanu · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:18 am Post subject:

With a bolt on, if you can find a replacement, it's as simple as unbolting it, then mounting the new one (and getting the instrument set up properly). Just make sure you find a neck with the same heel size and shape. If the replacement is a different slab length (nut to end) than the original, it may be neccessary to move the bridge as well. At the very worst, you may have to have one custom made.

Failing that, it's possible (not recommended) to remove the fretboard and replace the truss rod; though that will be a dangerous and expensive procedure.

You could also potentially have a new end tapped into the original, allowing it to be adjusted; though this would also be dangerous for the instrument and might be hard to find/make the part.

It seems there are options, but whether you or your technician are able to pull them off is another story.

Chrishas · Ferret Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 113 Location: Cyprus

This is the bass I bought:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-PROFESSIONAL-SIX-STRING-FRETLESS-ELECTRIC-BASS_W0QQitemZ190017233001QQihZ009QQcategoryZ4713QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

bcf717 · Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:36 pm Post subject:

Know I'm late with this post, but I just got back. Have you done anything with the bass since?

When the tech said the neck couldn't be swapped, I'll bet my bottom dollar that he figured the expense of finding a compatible dupe or the cost of having a neck custom made to spec for it, would end up costing more than you originally paid for the bass itself. If it's the sound you like so much,... might I suggest finding a cheaper six, then swapping the pups and pots so you get that sound you love. After all. on most solid guitars, it's the pups that make the sound.
_________________
....ain't happy unless the airport calls to complain about the noise......

Chrishas · Ferret Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 113 Location: Cyprus

I asked the seller if they sell parts separately and I'm expecting his reply,for now I took it to a technician and he leveled the fretboard by scratching it and then smoothed it,the sound it makes is great( minor a few buzzes but that might be my fault),very warm tone. The repair was really cheap,only cost ne 15 pounds. Maybe I'll do a more extensive repair in the future like fretboard or neck replacement or sth. Thx for the advice