Change Eb to D Neck

rolandbas · #1 02-20-2010, 03:51 PM

Hi Everybody.
I just bought myself a wonderful new bass. Im used to D-neck and this one has Eb-neck. Does anybody know if where is an easy (and very cheap) way to make it a D-neck?
Otherwise I'll just adapt.
Thanks!

Mike Arnopol · #2 02-20-2010, 03:58 PM

It's expensive. I LOVE Eflat necks and that's what I'm used to. I'm playing on an EUB and new DB that both have D necks. I'm going to have them changed to Eflat. Once you get used to it I think you'll like it.

Schoolhouse · #3 02-20-2010, 07:50 PM

For one of my clients, I simply installed a small #12 or 14 Brass escutcheon pin on the neck slightly off-center. The small bump is located where the "d" is on his other bass. He has no trouble going back and forth. Cheap, easy, and reversible. Tom

AMJBASS · #4 02-20-2010, 07:53 PM

You can have the neck cut down(about an 1") and this will change the relation of where the Eb is. Not sure what the cost would be, but I have played 2 basses that have this modification. Note that it will likely change the sound of the bass. I prefer the Eb neck as well.

bejoyous · #5 02-20-2010, 09:05 PM

Just get used to it. It won't kill ya.

Eric Rene Roy · #6 02-21-2010, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

You can have the neck cut down(about an 1") and this will change the relation of where the Eb is.

your taking away structural mass by doing this though...just something to consider.

AMJBASS · #7 02-21-2010, 07:10 AM

That is true. Not sure how that will affect the sound/response. Could be for the better, but who knows until you try.

Eric Rene Roy · #8 02-21-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

Not sure how that will affect the sound/response. Could be for the better, but who knows until you try.

I doubt there is any tonal or response differences. I'm talking about increased likelihood of a heel fracture from trauma that would have other wise rendered it fine.

Just things to consider...

reedo35 · #9 02-21-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolandbas

Hi Everybody.
I just bought myself a wonderful new bass. Im used to D-neck and this one has Eb-neck. Does anybody know if where is an easy (and very cheap) way to make it a D-neck?
Thanks!

Use your ears. For free!

Mike Arnopol · #10 02-21-2010, 08:17 AM

Really---I find the e flat neck more practical. Once you get used to it you'll love it. I'm now used to a d neck and still greatly prefer e flat.

bassist14 · #11 02-21-2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schoolhouse

For one of my clients, I simply installed a small #12 or 14 Brass escutcheon pin on the neck slightly off-center. The small bump is located where the "d" is on his other bass. He has no trouble going back and forth. Cheap, easy, and reversible. Tom

i am very interested in how this looks. can you post a picture please?
thank you!

jdombrow · #12 02-21-2010, 09:47 AM

Sorry for the newb question - what is the difference between these two necks?

reedo35 · #13 02-21-2010, 10:28 AM

When you slide your thumb down to the crook of the neck, the note directly across from it will be a D or an Eb.

**Matthew Tucker** · #14 02-21-2010, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

You can have the neck cut down(about an 1") and this will change the relation of where the Eb is.

Sure. But structural concerns aside, I'd be more concerned that would change the neck from an Eb to an E!

The OP was after a D neck!!! So you'd have to ADD wood, or else move the bridge south.

Adapt.

davpal · #15 02-21-2010, 03:09 PM

How about a "false nut" like described in the Traeger book. You would have to do some measurements to figure out how long to make it.... I would guess most luthiers would know about this. It still might cost more than you want to spend and it would change the string length ( this could be corrected by shifting the bridge south, but how would that affect the sound?) so, it might be easiest to learn to work with what you have...

MR PC · #16 02-21-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

Sure. But structural concerns aside, I'd be more concerned that would change the neck from an Eb to an E!

The OP was after a D neck!!! So you'd have to ADD wood, or else move the bridge south.

Adapt.

Add wood? If the nut is further from the bridge, wouldn't that change eb to e?

**Matthew Tucker** · #17 02-21-2010, 05:02 PM

AS Eb is further up the neck than D, you'd need to ADD wood to the heel to bring an Eb stop back to a D stop,

*OR*

Move the bridge south a fair way to make the Eb into a D stop. It's not a great alternative.

The reference pin idea is the neatest solution, but adapting is cheaper.

Jake deVilliers · #18 02-21-2010, 09:00 PM

Matthew, if you cut down the neck ie took wood out of the neck (not the heel) you'd definitely be able to move the stop to a D.

I'd still recommend adaptation.

**Matthew Tucker** · #19 02-21-2010, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Matthew, if you cut down the neck ie took wood out of the neck (not the heel) you'd definitely be able to move the stop to a D.

Oh yeah sure, a neck splice would do it. I misunderstood Adrian's post, thought he was talking about cutting the heel. I think Eric assumed that as well...

for the OP: remove fingerboard, very long diagonal cut across the neck, remove some wood, reglue the neck, stabilise with CF probably, replace fingerboard. Expensive. Not good for flamed necks because the splice would be very visible. But a plain neck is spliced just fine.

PsychoScout · #20 02-22-2010, 02:00 AM

I don't see the problem to be honest. Sure, it would need some adaptation, but why go rebuilding your bass when it's not broken...