Thumb B/O inspection

[Owdkasd]

Cheers: I am going to look at a Thumb 5'er that is for sale. What should I look for as far as possible problems? Truss Rod etc?? I know it may have some Neck dive issues so I'll bring my Leather strap and check that.

 

[phunku]

just get a feel for the instrument really. ~Make sure you like it, coz like you said, the neck dive. check for any dings on the body.

Generally rock that bass hard, and tell us about it!

 

[Lesfunk]

Truss rod issues are most important to me. Everything else is more easily fixed.

 

[Owdkasd]

Truss rod issues are most important to me. Everything else is more easily fixed.

Should I take a truss rod tool with me? What would the tool look like? Are there 2 truss rods or one? Thanks

 

[Grgzilla]

There's one truss rod mate. Take the tool or a 5mm allen key. It MUST be metric 5 mm. Just give the rod a 1/4 turn in each direction to make sure it's ok.
Plug it in & check the pots work smoothly & without any noise. Pull the volume pot & check the pickup pan works. Give the jack a wiggle to see if it's gonna cut out. Give all the tuners a spin to make sure they're smooth. Check each fret for wear. check the neck relief. Push on the pickups to make sure the springs are good. That's about it I think & dont forget to strap it on & feel how it balances.
Good luck.

 

[Lesfunk]

What Greg said.
It's also important for me to not have a stripped truss rod end.
The reason you'd check the truss rod for movement both ways is to ensure that it is not frozen, or maxxed out.
Sometimes, when instruments are not adjusted for a very long time and left with a large bow in the neck, The truss rod cannot get the neck straight even at maximum travel.
It usually happens only with seriously neglected basses but I always check for it.

 

[Owdkasd]

Awesome advice: I am waiting for the seller to call me back. It's only $800 USD and supposedly mint. Thanks for the quick help.