Crack in the finish under neck??

[Pfunkin]

Hey everyone. I just bought my First Stingray after many many years of digging it'sone. I bought it used on Ebay sight unseen. Transperent red with maple neck and Black Pick Guard.

When I picked it up for the first time the action was so high I could not stand it. But, that ol familiar tone was waiting for me when I plugged it in and slapped it around. I took it to be proffessionaly adjusted. I know he adjusted the neck to a more flatter shape in order to help lower the action.

A few days later I noticed a crack in the finish about 1 inch long. It started at the 90 degree bottom corner of the neck cavity on the E string side, running down toward the edge of the body.

Could this have happened from the neck adjustment? Could this affect the sound of the Guitar? Honestly, the E string sounds a bit dull.

Help?

 

[basscat]

If the crack is in the finish of the body I doubt it has anything to do with the neck adjustment. If your E string sounds dull it's probably because it's time to change it. It could also be that the nut is a too tight, especially if you're using heavy gauge strings. If the crack is in the neck I'd be more worried as the neck doesn't have a finish in which there can be crack. If you're in doubt, take your bass to a professional bass tech.

Basscat

 

[bovinehost]

If the neck was removed during the adjustment, it - the crack - could have been caused by overtightening the neck screws when the neck was replaced. Not likely a pro would do this, but it could happen.

All the necessary adjustments on EB basses can generally be made without removing the neck; the only reason the neck would be removed would be to shim.

People, this is a good reason to learn to do your own setups. At least then if you screw it up, you know how it happened! *L* Seriously, learn how to adjust your bass. It's a part of you. You know better than anyone else how you want your bass to play.

And the EB basses are simple to set up. Lots of good resources on the net. Now listen to me, I'm old.

Jacko

 

[Jazzy J]

Jacko, I'd love to learn how to set up my own StingRay.
Do you know some good resources (links) on the web, so I can learn it myself? I don't want to screw it up, so I need to learn it the right way !

 

[basscat]

I think Gary Willis has a good way explaining how it should be done although his description is far from EB specific. Check www.garywillis.com out.

Stefan

 

[Pfunkin]

thanks

thanks for the response. I feel a bit better. Yes the crack is in the body finish not neck. The strings are brand new Maxim gold and they are a light guage. So the E string sounding a bit dull is still a mystery.

I raised the pickup a bit more on that side but didn't seem to help much either.

Other than that, I really dig my new purchase. The tone really jumps off that maple neck. My other guitars have always been rosewood.



http://www.ernieball.com/musicman/instrument_images/large/110/110-50-10-01.jpg

 

[Pfunkin]

P.S.

I picked this up on E-Bay for $650.00 . and this is the first time in 20 years of playing the bass I have ever plugged in an EB.

 

[basscat]

Re: thanks

...So the E string sounding a bit dull is still a mystery...

Before worrying too much about the E string being dull, I suggest you try another string. During the 22 years that I've played I've come across more than one dead string right out of the package. Also, make sure that you install the strings properly. Before cutting the string, bend it to a straight angle and cut it past the knee to make sure that the wraps don't slip. When you wind the string, make sure that the last wrap is the one closest to the headstock to make sure that there is proper pressure on the nut.

Good luck

Stefan

 

[SWR_n_EB]

wow

wow, i have to say, i've seen plenty of MM basees, but that one has a really clean look to it, with the non matching heastock and the flat pickgaurd. I like the look, and it's toppped off with the maple neck, making it very slick. Serious props to the new bass, good deal too.