taking off an inch ...?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Ken is right on when he says that shortening your neck will essentially make your bass harder to play, especially if it has big shoulders. However, you might consider a bit of neck shortening combined with moving the bridge up a bit. Doing this would keep the transition-area notes in about the same place.

[Sam Sherry]

You need to consult with a good luthier. There are other things beside re-shaping the instrument -- or even shortening the neck -- which can be more affordable and more reversible.

You say you like the sound of your bass but have trouble getting around because of "the shoulders." Maybe increasing the overstand (i.e. the height of the fingerboard off the body, and related angles) would let you keep all of the sound and all of the value of your instrument but make thumb position playing easier.

If there was ever a time to think that stuff through it's while you have your neck loose!

Anyway, check hard before hauling out the Saws-All.

[Sam Sherry]

I just read my post and my jaw dropped. Arnold Schnitzer is one of the best-reputed bass luthiers in the US. My post reads like, "Having heard from Arnold the OP must now consult with a good etc." That's not at all what I meant.

Sorry Arnold! Please accept my apology.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

I'm so offended. I don't know if I can ever get over it.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

I'm so offended. I don't know if I can ever get over it.

Yeah.. probably not..

Take off an Inch? Don't you have to be a Mohel to do that or can a Luthier sub on a rainy night?