Should I buy this Warwick Streamer Stage 1 despite the previous neck damage?

[IroquaiBass]

For further context this bass is on sale near me and I have always wanted a streamer stage, it’s going for £1,000. I am not sure how good the deal is with the previous damage but i also haven’t encountered a previously damaged neck before. Bass fully works truss rod to electrics and such. Would appreciate input and help with this decision. Thanks

 

[direktor]

This looks like it was fixed correctly, given there’s no sharp edges on the break to snag your hand.

It’s hard to tell in the pictures whether the edges were filled and sanded, or not. But it looks like it probably is.

Fixed headstock basses can be a good way to save $, if it’s fixed well. This looks like it’s probably one of those.

Edit: just realized this was a truss rod punch though, not a headstock break. Same applies though.

 

[IroquaiBass]

This looks like it was fixed correctly, given there’s no sharp edges on the break to snag your hand.

It’s hard to tell in the pictures whether the edges were filled and sanded, or not. But it looks like it probably is.

Fixed headstock basses can be a good way to save $, if it’s fixed well. This looks like it’s probably one of those.

Edit: just realized this was a truss rod punch though, not a headstock break. Same applies though.

Ah sorry I’m not too good with terminology yet, ill try and update the post with truss rod punch

 

[Minimalist]

It depends on who did the repair and how it was done.

 

[IroquaiBass]

It depends on who did the repair and how it was done.

The shop that has it is very reputable and claim a professional did the job?

 

[ajkula66]

The shop that has it is very reputable and claim a professional did the job?

The work looks neat enough for sure, at least in the pictures. As long as the truss rod behaves as it should, I wouldn't be overly concerned.

Now for a different aspect of the story: how much would a bass like this go for if it weren't repaired ? In the Gibson world - which I'm extremely familiar with - a repaired headstock which is quite common on these calls for a 30-40% discount in most cases...in other words, would this bass be worth 1500-1700 quid if it were not touched ? I'm not familiar with the current UK prices, hence the question...

 

[J Wilson]

Personally, this is a roll of the dice I'd let someone else roll.
There are too many basses out there for me to knowingly buy an axe with a troubled history.

But it's entirely your decision to make, not me.

 

[HowieD72]

Personally, this is a roll of the dice I'd let someone else roll.
There are too many basses out there for me to knowingly buy an axe with a troubled history.

But it's entirely your decision to make, not me.

+1

 

[burgerdj]

Make sure you play it, check the truss rod function and ask for repair documentation. A ‘96 should have a removable iron truss rod, which kinda makes that damage a bit concerning.

 

[Carl Hillman]

If everything functions like it should on the bass, the next question I'd have would be, "Am I going to feel that break every time I put my hand on the neck?".

If the repair is completely smooth and undetectable by touch, I wouldn't dismiss buying it.

 

[N4860]

As others have mentioned, check it out in person first and confirm that it feels good and works as you'd expect in regards to the truss rod. If it does work and feel good, I'd have no hesitation at all in buying it. You could have just as many problems with a bass that looks like it's in perfect condition. Ideally, if you can find out who did the repair that would also help in confirming the quality of the fix.

 

[wysiwyg248]

I recommend following J Wilson recommendation.
Unless of course, you have enough time and money to correct the instrument if it has issues.
You can call Warwick and ask how much would cost to fix a suspected issue. Their president normally replies in a timely manner.

 

[EdO.]

That kind of damage in THAT location? It would bother me every time I went to play it not knowing FOR SURE that it might not come back to haunt me at some point, to say nothing of any potential problems reselling if required. Hard no.

 

[dangomez66]

Personally, only if it's repaired correctly by someone reputable would I even consider it. Then, I would have to love the bass. Then, only offer half the undamaged value. Most ppl don't want damaged goods, so ball is in your court. GLWTP

 

[Taustin Powers]

The SS1 is an incredible bass, I still have my 2000 model that I bought new.

If this is the only way you will be able to afford one, I would say go for it after some thorough hands-on testing. If you can buy an undamaged one if you just save a few more months, then that is what I would do.

 

[Bass Motifs]

Narp. Like buying an insurance write off sports car someone's fixed. Might be ok, but maybe not. Or a fiddle with a crack under the sound post. Like a broken spine.

You'd have to be getting it for a throw away price, but even the it would bug me.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Yes but heavily discounted and a repair provenance reflecting a proper intervention (TiteBond vs West epoxy, for example).

Riis

 

[BobKos]

I would not bother. It isn't a rare model or has any special features. The chances of an issue arising in the future are greater than 0%. I don't like those odds. It will likely be for sale for a long time until it is discounted to fire sale pricing.

 

[pcake]

will the store include a warranty?

 

[Iridescentone]

I hate to be that guy, but I'd just walk away from that mess altogether.

The question isn't whether something might go wrong with it down the road....that something has already happened. Don't gaslight yourself into thinking everything is OK with that bass. It's not, the neck has been busted. Those aren't exactly hairline cracks, either. Looks more like a compound fracture to me.

Good luck.