Neck Reset Questions

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Seven times out of ten when I hear the phrase "tight-feeling bass", the problem is excessive camber in the fingerboard/neck.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Seven times out of ten when I hear the phrase "tight-feeling bass", the problem is excessive camber in the fingerboard/neck.

Ah haa!! ..

(cust) Waiter, taste the soup!

(waiter) Sir, is there something wrong with the soup?

c) Would you just taste the soup?

w) Sir, is there something IN the soup?

c) WOULD YOU JUST TASTE THE SOUP???

w).. OK, ok.. Where's the Spoon?

c).. Achh Haaa..!! Achh Haaa!!

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Seven times out of ten when I hear the phrase "tight-feeling bass", the problem is excessive camber in the fingerboard/neck.

Now that you mention it, this bass' fingerboard seems to have a bit more camber than my other bass that I've been playing for 30 years before I got this one two years ago.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

How thick is the fingerboard? Please measure on both edges, at both the nut and where it leaves the wood of the neck. I think I'd start with a fingerboard regraduation if there is enough wood left. That said, the overstand and bridge are definately low for modern playing. Does your bow smack the c-bouts when you play the outer strings? If so, forget what I just said, and get your neck reset.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

How thick is the fingerboard? Please measure on both edges, at both the nut and where it leaves the wood of the neck. I think I'd start with a fingerboard regraduation if there is enough wood left. That said, the overstand and bridge are definately low for modern playing. Does your bow smack the c-bouts when you play the outer strings? If so, forget what I just said, and get your neck reset.

The fingerboard is 5/16 at the nut on both the E and G side and 11/32 (E side) and 7/32 (G side) where the board leaves the neck. This board has a bit more scoop than I'm used to making it more taxing to play.

The bow hasn't been a problem but the neck being as close to the body as it is and the low bridge changes my hand positions relative to the bass from what I'm used to, making me change my technique to compensate which I don't want to do anymore.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

I think I would not put money into that fingerboard, but save some cash and eventually reset the neck, replace the fingerboard and bridge. Then you'll have a bass that plays great (providing the work is done well).

[Eric Hochberg]

Thanks, Arnold, Ken, and everyone who responded. When I get the work done, I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

I think I would not put money into that fingerboard, but save some cash and eventually reset the neck, replace the fingerboard and bridge. Then you'll have a bass that plays great (providing the work is done well).

Ditto on all the above. That FB is thin already. It is best to get everything right before you make adjustments. Even with getting an Ext. it is often best to put a 'full meat' thickness FB on to insure you don't have to do it later and then re-fit or replace the Ext.

Do it once and do it right. It's cheaper in the long run and I say that from experience.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Do it once and do it right. It's cheaper in the long run and I say that from experience.

Absolutely correct. I already spent money regluing the old board and having the bridge recut and fitted when I got the bass. At the time, I thought I might get away without the major work being done, but it hasn't worked out that way.

[Eric Hochberg]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

I think I would not put money into that fingerboard, but save some cash and eventually reset the neck, replace the fingerboard and bridge. Then you'll have a bass that plays great (providing the work is done well).

So, I finally went ahead and had a new board put on and a new bridge made. The bridge height is now around 6.25". Arnold and Ken, you were correct. The bass is now playing much easier. Less scoop means much less work for my left hand and the feel of jazz pizz has loosened up quite a bit so my right hand is much happier. I've played a weeks worth of gigs on it now and so far, it's working for me without the hand and arm stress I was experiencing before.

The bass still sounds very good, but a little brighter than before. I was expecting the opposite with the heavier fingerboard added.

Still considering bringing the neck out, but will give this some more time.

Thanks!!!