Question SABRE TRUSS WHEEL & ADJUSTMENT

[6stringnate]

Hello to all, First post and new to the forum. I have 3 EBMM guitars and they are great. Looking forward to diving in to the Forum. Here's my question. I recently traded for a Sabre guitar and had a buddy pick it up for me on his way to Denver. I was not there to thoroughly inspect the guitar so when I opened the case and gave the guitar a once over I noticed that someone cut out the bottom of the fretboard where the Truss wheel adjustment is! Oh man why would anyone do this? The wheel does work properly and I don't see, hear, or feel anything unusual. My question is will this modification hurt the structure and functionality of the guitar over time? I don't plan on selling it so resale value is not a concern, however I want to make sure I address and fix anything deemed necessary. Thank you and I added a picture of my other Sabre for reference.

 

[beej]

Welcome to the forum. Oh wow ... I have no idea why anyone would do that, unless it was damaged and they were looking to repair it.

Are you sure it's an actual Music Man and not a knock-off? Do you have other pics of the guitar? The wheel doesn't look quite right.

 

[Warmart]

Would have to think there was a truss rod problem that was fixed, and cutting away some of the board was probably the only way!

As long as it works, you're good! Congrats on having a very unique Sabre!

 

[tbonesullivan]

With used stuff, who knows. Was the modification shown in the pictures you received?

 

[6stringnate]

Here are a few more pictures I have on my phone. I can take more specific pics if needed to confirm. If its a knockoff its a damn good one. Sounds just like my other Sabre, however the neck seems to be a little thicker which I really like. Fret ends needed a little attention which is rare for the EBMM I've owned in the past. These signs lead me to think there might have been a neck problem in the past. The neck is straight and I am able to adjust the truss in both directions. You are correct the wheel looks off and the cutout. I told a buddy last night I guess Eddie's guitar had a few "mods" and it sounded pretty good. The cutout bothers me because I know it's normally not supposed to be there but it doesn't bother me as long as the guitar plays and sounds the way it does. Just out of curiosity is there a difference between Maple & rosewood neck profile on these models? My other Sabre & Axis necks feel smaller. The fret markers are stickers over the white dots. I peeled one off but put it back because I think they look alright for now. The guy I traded said he bought this guitar from guitar center and he was not familiar with EBMM so he was unaware of the wheel. This sounds like somthing guitar center should disclose. Who knows the real story? Whatever it is this guitar is a keeper. Other than these concerns it gets an A from me so far.

 

[beej]

Yeah, that looks pretty legit (and gorgeous- congrats). Does look like somebody attempted a repair. I guess if it works, it works. The only downside being a hit in potential resale value.

But yeah- sometimes the ones with 'mods' are the best ones

 

[tbonesullivan]

I can't think of why anyone would drill out that area, completely reducing the contact area for the truss rod nut to work on. The nylon washer is also missing as well, which helps prevent the nut from sticking on the wood. If I had that guitar I'd definitely be pulling the neck off and taking off the truss rod nut to see just what has been done to it.

 

[Rbg]

This is not related to this one? No headstock logo -- Is this a legit Sabre ?

 

[DrKev]

I can't think of why anyone would drill out that area, completely reducing the contact area for the truss rod nut to work on. The nylon washer is also missing as well, which helps prevent the nut from sticking on the wood. If I had that guitar I'd definitely be pulling the neck off and taking off the truss rod nut to see just what has been done to it.

Correct. It would seem that there is no neck wood to bear against so I don't see how the truss rod can work. Very strange decision. It's totally repairable by a good luthier, though.

 

[GWDavis28]

Here are a few more pictures I have on my phone. I can take more specific pics if needed to confirm. If its a knockoff its a damn good one. Sounds just like my other Sabre, however the neck seems to be a little thicker which I really like. Fret ends needed a little attention which is rare for the EBMM I've owned in the past. These signs lead me to think there might have been a neck problem in the past. The neck is straight and I am able to adjust the truss in both directions. You are correct the wheel looks off and the cutout. I told a buddy last night I guess Eddie's guitar had a few "mods" and it sounded pretty good. The cutout bothers me because I know it's normally not supposed to be there but it doesn't bother me as long as the guitar plays and sounds the way it does. Just out of curiosity is there a difference between Maple & rosewood neck profile on these models? My other Sabre & Axis necks feel smaller. The fret markers are stickers over the white dots. I peeled one off but put it back because I think they look alright for now. The guy I traded said he bought this guitar from guitar center and he was not familiar with EBMM so he was unaware of the wheel. This sounds like somthing guitar center should disclose. Who knows the real story? Whatever it is this guitar is a keeper. Other than these concerns it gets an A from me so far.

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That top sucks! Great neck. Hope you didn't get stiffed.

Glenn |B)

 

[6stringnate]

That top sucks! Great neck. Hope you didn't get stiffed.

Glenn |B)

I’m good bro, thanks for the input, not too helpful but I appreciate your opinion nonetheless less. I’m always open to hear all perspectives.

 

[6stringnate]

After a side by side with my “real” Sabre I’ve concluded the everything is authentic except the neck. Too many little things like the truss wheel, nut, decals, carve where the neck joins the body, and overall thickness of the neck.
Thank you all for your responses. Wasn’t quite what I thought it was, but that’s on me for not being able to inspect in person. Luckily I’m into it for about $900 and I can live with that for a quality EBMM partscaster. She all mine now and time to get playing. Hopefully the truss holds up as that was my main concern.

 

[6stringnate]

This is not related to this one? No headstock logo -- Is this a legit Sabre ?

I think it is after reading the linked thread. Looks like I bought stock in Yugo instead of Honda