Question Hard Finish on SR5 Neck?

[maccailc]

Hi everyone!

I have a recent Stingray 5, and have read the advice online about keeping the finish up on the back of neck. I bought the Tru-Oil and gunstock wax as EB recommends, and have applied it a couple of times. Feels good, but doesn't seem as durable to me as the more common hard lacquer. Also, the bass seems to need tuning adjustments more often than I am used to (although it's possible this is my imagination).

Has anyone out there ever decided they just didn't want to think about this neck finish issue any more, and had a luthier put a hard lacquer finish on the back of the neck? I was wondering if it makes any difference in tuning stability, or how often the neck needs adjustment.

I like the feel of the oil finish OK, but I think I would be just as happy with a hard satin finish, as on the headstock and neck heel.

Is there any reason (other than possibly affecting resale value) that this would be a dumb thing to do?

Thanks!

Bill

 

[oli@bass]

Is there any reason (other than possibly affecting resale value) that this would be a dumb thing to do?

You lose the silky smooth feel of the oil & wax finish... this finish is one of the reasons why I play EBMM basses...

 

[BassMent]

I don't know that you would adversely affect the resale "value" of the bass if you finished the neck. You'd just have to find a buyer who shares your preference if you ever decided to sell it.

The neck finish on EBMM basses has been something of an identifier for the brand for many years. The new "classic" series features finished, high-gloss necks, and if I ever buy one I will most certainly sand it off! I find it much easier to get around on the neck with the lightly-waxed wood than I do with a finished neck that tends to cause my thumb to stick.

But, we all have our personal preferences. Which is why there are so many companies making basses!

BTW, to my knowledge the finish on a neck has nothing to do with tuning stability. I'm surprised by your report on your 'Ray. With both my 'Ray and my Sterling, I tune once at the beginning of the gig and that's it. I usually double-check before starting subsequent sets after the first, but I never have to change anything.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

You do as you like, mate.

It's your bass.

 

[mmbassplayer]

I am one of the odd balls here that perfer finished necks. Like the other said, this is your bass and if you can find someone good at this type of work to go for it. I would be most worried about quality work and less about resale value. As far as tuning stability, i have never had any of these issues with any EB bass (including a SR5 with unfinished neck). JOSH

 

[five7]

Buy a classic.

 

[Caca de Kick]

I'm oddball too, prefer gloss for several reasons. But for me when playing all night (I don't have a sweating problem), as my hands get warm the oil/wax feels sticky.

 

[R Upsomegrub]

Another oddball here. Both of my fretted SR5's ('88 & '92) have hard-finished necks, and I'll probably hang on to 'em 'til the bitter end for that reason alone.

 

[Rano Bass]

I like finished necks too.
If you want a finished neck go to a good luthier and have it done.
Just make sure the guy knows what he does.

 

[syciprider]

I'm a oil/wax blend guy. It feels faster to me. FWIW all my unfinished neck EBs keep tune just like a quality bass should.

 

[maccailc]

Thanks again for the feedback. I just played a gig over the weekend where I again seemed to have some tuning problems. Indoor air conditioned theatre, and the bass was left onstage all evening, even during intermission. Only thing that varied that I can think of was the stage lights going on and off. Didn't vary a huge amount, but it definitely was there - had to touch up tuning every few songs. Not talking about heavy playing here either - I was backing up a Balkan women's choir. Using Elixir strings, not just installed, but not worn out either.

I play outdoor gigs every so often, but haven't taken this bass on one yet. Now I'm not inclined to try. Not sure what to think.

I'll talk to my local guru and see what he thinks. Maybe there's something going on that I'm not getting. I'll let you all know.

Thanks again! -Bill

 

[five7]

It's not the type of finish on the neck making your bass go out of tune.

 

[nashman]

Do you need to tune sharper because your strings are going flat? Are your strings strung properly? How many turns do your strings have on the peg? Are you using flats?(perhaps your strings are slipping on the peg)?