Thinning a thick ?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Thomas Erickson

I'll take your word that the graphite make a tonal improvement, since as you say, I haven't had the chance to compare a bass before/after the modification.

So you're of the opinion that in order to make a wood neck structurally sound, it has to be too thick in terms of playability? And also that it isn't then an issue of technique on the player's part? ...........

No, that's not exactly what I said. I said (I think) that making a neck thich FOR stability is not the best way and too thick can be harder to play.

How many species or varieties of maple Neck woods have you felt on basses?

Some are harder than others. Some are too soft period. Thin fingerboards are often either the sign of a weak neck that needed dressing after dressing from the neck warping under it or will allow the neck to forward bow over time.

I have had and do have basses with necks that are thicker than I personally like. Unless it's my personal 'not for sale' bass, I leave it alone if it's within the guidelines. If too thick period, it will be carved down to a normal size neck.