Corvette proline neck worries

[robmcfee]

Hi,

I bought a used Warwick Corvette proline Bass a couple of years ago. Serial No:E-000155-92. At the time there was a very slightly raised piece of grain in the middle lamination of the Wenge Neck. I regularly use beeswax to treat both body and neck but in the past few months the raised grain edge seems to have propagated towards the head. I don't know if this is just an issue with the prominent grain of Wenge or whether it indicates more serious trouble. I would be grateful for any advice you can offer. Below is a picture of the problem area.

This is by far the best bass I have ever owned and I would be heartbroken if anything went seriously wrong with it. There is also some debate amongst my friends about which wood the body is made of in this model, popular options are ash or maple, if you have the definitive answer I'd love to know.

Many thanks for any help you can offer

Cheers

 

[avionix543]

Hi Rob - First off, I'm 99% sure that's maple you're dealing with for the body. As for the neck... it looks like just the center laminate is starting to separate. Does it become less noticeable when the strings are off? One of the more common issues with the non-volute necks of old was cracking in that general area. Most of the cracks I've seen include more than one laminate section so perhaps the other two are holding it together for the moment. I'd get it to a luthier that has experience with neck repairs of this level or contact Dana B Goods' tech wizard Tyler at 805-856-1709 PST. It's fixable and those older Proline's aren't too common so I'd say it's worth it. Best of luck and keep us posted!! ~M~

 

[robmcfee]

Hi avionix543
I did wonder about the later Warwicks having a volute, suggested to me that there had been a problem in that area with older models. I kinda suspected a cracking problem of some sort but just hoped it might be less serious. Good to know its fixable though.

I tried loosening the strings but have seen no immediate change, I'll leave em lose for few hours and see if it moves at all.

BTW I didn't notice that pictures can't be posted so the promised pics are now available at.



Thanks for the info.

 

[avionix543]

It's something to pay attention to but not usually fatal by any stretch. I noticed you're in Scotland... I guess calling the Warwick guy here in the States wouldn't do you much good, eh? I'm sure some of our European/UK members can assist you with the contact info for techs across the pond.
The pics look really good - I only hope my Proline ages as gracefully! (Minus the neck bit, that is :roll: ) ~M~

 

[Grgzilla]

It just looks like a raised neck laminate.You can sand it down & it shouldnt re-appear on a bass this old.This is pretty normal on new basses in their first 2 years.
**you're referring to the straight line at the back of the neck?There's what looks like a crack in the pic but it's runs on an arc,I think that's an effect of the camera.

 

[Florin]

The body is maple. Strong structured, kind of maple
You should fix that crack, it is not very expensive. Your bass is a beauty!!!

 

[robmcfee]

Hi,

thanks for the info:

Greg, it is the arc following the line of the grain that is causing me concern, not the join between the laminates, although that shows up on the pics it can't be felt when playing so doesn't bother me.

The arcing line is more than just an effect of the light. When I bought the bass a few years ago (used and already old) there was a very short raised section which could be felt when playing but in the last few months it has become longer following the line of the grain till it reaches the laminate edge.

What I really need to know is whether it is just a raised surface grain effect as you suggest or something more serious like a crack in the centre laminate. Looks like I need the opinion of a good Luthier who knows Warwick necks. Any suggestions of a suitable person in th UK or Europe would be much appreciated. Bound to be expensive but its such a great bass that its probably worth the hassle and cost.

Cheers