Extending a short fingerboard

[Mark Stefaniw]

I have a modern 2020 bass, made by a local luthier, with a 42-3/8" string length. Before verifying that the fingerboard was long enough, it was cut away with a soloistic swoosh, making the high note a Bb (33") and cutting away the important lower thumb rest area for pizzicato. Requiring me to hold my right elbow up for pizzicato.

The FB ebony quality is high, and the the board is plenty thick -- too thick perhaps.

Is it easier for my luthier to start with a new board blank, or can an extension be scabbed on somehow? How would this joint be best executed? I'd like the board to be 34-1/2" long with a fingered C or D for the high note.

[Ken Smith]

I have a modern 2020 bass, made by a local luthier, with a 42-3/8" string length. Before verifying that the fingerboard was long enough, it was cut away with a soloistic swoosh, making the high note a Bb (33") and cutting away the important lower thumb rest area for pizzicato. Requiring me to hold my right elbow up for pizzicato.

The FB ebony quality is high, and the the board is plenty thick -- too thick perhaps.

Is it easier for my luthier to start with a new board blank, or can an extension be scabbed on somehow? How would this joint be best executed? I'd like the board to be 34-1/2" long with a fingered C or D for the high note.


Hard to answer you without seeing the bass. You need to take it to a qualified Luthier that can modify this or.. replace the FB.. You string length is long to begin with. I am surprised that a model luthier would make a bass today over 42" SL.