Macklaud Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I just whant to know what do you guys think that are the most important things to inspect whem we are buying a second handed bass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 [quote name='Macklaud' post='1167118' date='Mar 18 2011, 01:54 PM']I just whant to know what do you guys think that are the most important things to inspect whem we are buying a second handed bass?[/quote] The neck. Everything else can be reasonably easily fixed. Any neck issues - walk away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommorichards Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 definitely the neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassassin Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 [quote name='neepheid' post='1167131' date='Mar 18 2011, 01:58 PM']The neck. Everything else can be reasonably easily fixed. Any neck issues - walk away.[/quote] +1. Walk - no, run - away from a twisted neck or stuck/unadjustable/overtightened truss rod. Likewise fretboard splits or delaminating skunk stripes, unless the bass is dirt-cheap & you're up for a bit of DIY bodging/experimenting. A bit of fretwear's not a huge problem but badly-worn frets will mean expensive work, nuts are pretty easy/inexpensive to replace. Like Neepheid says, usually everything else is easy-to-fix/replace wood & wire. Jon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomBassmonkey Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Try and play the bass set up as close to you'd have it as possible. I got burned with several hundred pouds worth of repairs after buying a bass that played beautifully tuned E-C, then as soon as I put a B-G set of strings on it the neck went wonky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 +1 to everything above. Also thoroughly research what it is you are [u]supposed[/u] to be looking at, print off pics if you have to, and compare it to what you are looking at. A lot of people get their fingers burned buying 'genuine' basses that turn out to be fake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 The neck, the neck and the neck. Is it warped, bent double or whatever, do the notes ring clear all along it on all strings (obviously if not it could just be a setup issue or fret stoning required). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Has anyone mentioned the neck? I was going to say colour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tino Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 [quote name='Bassassin' post='1167158' date='Mar 18 2011, 02:06 PM']+1. Walk - no, run - away from a twisted neck or stuck/unadjustable/overtightened truss rod. Likewise fretboard splits or delaminating skunk stripes, unless the bass is dirt-cheap & you're up for a bit of DIY bodging/experimenting. A bit of fretwear's not a huge problem but badly-worn frets will mean expensive work, nuts are pretty easy/inexpensive to replace. Like Neepheid says, usually everything else is easy-to-fix/replace wood & wire. Jon.[/quote] Always remembering if its a really beat up 50's Fender and the seller only wants £50.....WALK AWAY......and as you do so PLEASE call ME Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_bass5 Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 The headstock. If its got Fender on it run like the wind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 That [i][b]you[/b][/i] like it. Nothing else matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigmondo Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Neck, acoustic tone(gives you a good idea of its inherent properties and allows to check for dead spots). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 That long bit between the BIG bit of wood and the tuners. Apparently it's quite important. Unless it's a Fender Jazz, which will have a 'dead spot' at C sharp on the G string. Something to do with the mass of the headstock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigmondo Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 D'you know, Paul, I was actually going to add about the G but thought I'd be seen as peeing on folks' strawberries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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