A guy is trying to sell me a SR375 with a bowed neck, but

Gigglingbuns

Gigglingbuns

Aug 26, 2017
234
194
4,571
#1
I was looking for a 5er, he had a SR375 and claimed it was 6 months old, only after asking deeper did he reveal it was a display model at MusicGoRound, assuming he's telling the truth, I can imagine they must've neglected to set it up. The guy was ready to take my 4 string Squier VM Jazz for the trade (he had it listed on sale for $250). Moment I saw it I could see the neck bow from head-on it looked like what would happen if you left a bass under tension in a hot car. Loosening the string tension, you could see that the neck bow was still maintained. The truss nut needed some lubrication He claimed it played really really nice when he got it. He's now making an effort to clean it up and fix it, he said he got the neck completely straight about 2 hours after I saw it. I think it's safe to say the neck is warped. It's a steal too if it turns out to be fixed, how much could I expect to pay for a luthier to straighten the neck? The bass he wants to trade for is my only bass, and I regularly play with it, so I can't have much down-time if any.
 
#4
Nope, Even used the VM bass is selling for more now than I paid for mine new. Those VM Series seem to be appreciating in value; an indication of their quality. Even more importantly you have a good operational instrument. A luthier could straighten the neck for between 30 ~ 400 dollars; not much help is it?
 
Last edited:
#6
so a used bass with a neck issue? wouldn't that make it not really a deal?

i just found one on ebay without a warped neck for $360 that comes with a gator hard shell case. and pawn america on ebay has a couple, one for under $400 and one for under $300, and that way you wouldn't have to pay a luthier.
 
#7
so a used bass with a neck issue? wouldn't that make it not really a deal?

i just found one on ebay without a warped neck for $360 that comes with a gator hard shell case. and pawn america on ebay has a couple, one for under $400 and one for under $300, and that way you wouldn't have to pay a luthier.
 
#8
Thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it. There is nothing wrong with my Squier, I have been looking for a 5 string and I preferred to have my bass in the trade along with cash if necessary, the most my Squier would need is a fret level, it's 8 years old, frets above the 15th could be more level. I notified him about it and he is 100% fine with it. He sent me a picture that I will attach very soon. The neck is straight now after a truss rod adjustment, he claims that without string tension there is a slight back bow now, and with string tension it's straight, but I'm actually very surprised how I went from seeing a warped neck to one that is straight under tension in such a short time without a clamp
photo0.jpg
 
#9
If seller was serious and honest, he would have had the neck issue fixed before putting the bass up for sale. The condition of the neck is doubtful, it will probably be a problem bass that gives you headaches and costs you money.

I get that you want a fiver, and that you don't want to spend a lot of cash. But even if your trusted Squier is all you have to give, there are better deals for you out there. And better sellers.

You're playing out, so you can't afford to depend on an untrustworthy bass. But that's exactly where you're heading.
Don't stare yourself blind on this deal.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back