Cat Burrito Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 My 1989 Fender Precision was fairly mistreated when I was gigging back in the 1990s. I've done 100+ gigs with it and I seriously abused it. The highlight of this was at the Bristol Bridge when I drunkenly kicked it across the stage having half heartedly tried to smash it up. I've since learnt to treat instruments better. The damage at the time was a broken nut and when it was set up the guy in the shop told me it was playable but I'd permanently bent the neck. Interestingly in the two subsequent set ups it's had I was told the neck didn't look bent (& it didn't). I still occasionally play this bass although like most Basschatters I've since developed a bigger collection so I could afford to semi retire this one. It's got more sentimental value for me then resale value anyway. I last played it on stage about 6 gigs ago so it does get used. The problem is the action. I had it set up properly in 2004 having retired from music for a few years and it played great. Again I had it set up last summer and it played great once more. However, compared to my other Fenders (one much older) the action is dreadful. See the pics attached. If I play around the first 3 frets it feels great. Around the 7th fret the action is actually pretty high. It's not unplayable but you certainly have to dig in a lot more. The neck sort of bows and around the 20th fret is actually bordering on acceptable again. I'm toying with the idea of replacing the neck. Does this problem look / sound like the sort of thing that could be solved with another set up or does it sound like the silliness of a few years ago did some pretty permanent damage? I don't mind the Trigger's broom affect of giving it a new neck but wondered if it was a drastic solution. Partly as well in 20yrs of playing I've warmed to rosewood anyway so it would also freshen up the bass for me from that point of view. For your thoughts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gafbass02 Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 crikey!!! you could park a bus under there! I reckon its new neck time, sounds like its bowed in the middle which is an expensive job to fix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted April 25, 2010 Author Share Posted April 25, 2010 Thanks, as I suspected... was just hoping for a cheaper resolution! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 why not use it for 1 or 2 encore songs,and repeat what you did years ago? That way, you'll save yourself repair bills and you can still use your other bass when you want. Also, you'll look cool kicking the bass around at the end of your set Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Savage Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 You don't mention if the trussrod's been adjusted at all? If it's not already cranked up, I'd suggest slackening the strings and giving the 'rod a half-turn clockwise before tuning back up to see if it makes a difference; repeat until it won't turn any more, THEN look at replacing the neck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 The Bristol Bridge..that makes me feel old! My last gig there must've been St Patrick's night about 15 years ago...it wasn't the Bridge anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted April 25, 2010 Author Share Posted April 25, 2010 It's 15yrs since I played there too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBod Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 The 15 years was a guess...I really don't want to work it out! But I do recall (despite the beer) that it had turned into an Irish theme pub, and not just for the night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIJ-VI Posted April 25, 2010 Share Posted April 25, 2010 [quote name='Ian Savage' post='818297' date='Apr 25 2010, 12:38 PM']You don't mention if the trussrod's been adjusted at all? If it's not already cranked up, I'd suggest slackening the strings and giving the 'rod a half-turn clockwise before tuning back up to see if it makes a difference; repeat until it won't turn any more, THEN look at replacing the neck [/quote] +1 [url="http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=How+to+adjust+a+truss+rod.&meta=&btnG=Google+Search"]How to adjust a truss rod.[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.