what would you do?

[rocky_III]

hey everyone.
i just bought a '78 stingray, which is great but i have one major problem with it- the neck tension seems to move a lot and it doesn't seem to be able to take strings any heavier than 40-95 without bowing really badly (and yes i do know how to adjust the truss rod, it's just on my bass it feels like it's reaching the limit of its travel way before it can give enough relief even for 45-105s) do i have a weak neck? could the truss rod be replaced with a stronger one? or should i look for a newer neck? or should i just find a newer bass? or should i quit whining and just use really light strings from now on? HELP!!! (please?)

 

[Psycho Ward]

Welcome to the forum!

Of course it’s out of warranty but still some advice from customer service might be helpful. (805 544-7726)

Good luck and if all else fails EBMM are making the best basses in the world right now!

 

[silverburst]

If you just bought it, can it be returned?

 

[phatduckk]

hmmm, like chuck said - its way too old for warranty.

id figure 2 things:

1) contact the seller and mention this to them
2) get a second opinion from a tech

if the opinion from the tech matches yours (both think its 'bad') then id ask for the $ back.

 

[strummer]

hey everyone.
i just bought a '78 stingray, which is great but i have one major problem with it- the neck tension seems to move a lot and it doesn't seem to be able to take strings any heavier than 40-95 without bowing really badly (and yes i do know how to adjust the truss rod, it's just on my bass it feels like it's reaching the limit of its travel way before it can give enough relief even for 45-105s) do i have a weak neck? could the truss rod be replaced with a stronger one? or should i look for a newer neck? or should i just find a newer bass? or should i quit whining and just use really light strings from now on? HELP!!! (please?)

I agree with the above
Unless the neck is indeed a weak one, there might be one thing you can try. This assumes that the truss rod is made the same way as the f*nder rods of the era.
Anyway, slacken the strings, then remove the bullet, insert a washer of appropriate size and thickness, then put the bullet back on after lubing the threads. If it is indeed that your rod reaches it's limit of travel, then this micght do the trick.