Removable neck conversion

Brian K · #1 06-06-2007, 08:13 PM

I'm writing from the road, on a tour that has been fun, but very frustrating because of problems with the rental basses I've had.

I've decided that I can no longer rely on rentals when on the road, and with the weight and size restrictions imposed by airlines, converting my bass to a removable neck bass or a travel bass are the best options.

I find all the travel basses look weird, and I'm sure they would make acoustic rehearsals hard, so I'm leaning toward the removable neck conversion done by Mario Lamarre.

I'd appreciate it if anyone who's had this done would chime in with their experiences. Also, if there's a travel option I haven't thought of, let me know.

Thanks.

neal davis · #2 06-06-2007, 08:42 PM

bobes talk to mike downes, he got his bass done by mario

Brian K · #3 06-06-2007, 08:52 PM

Mr. Deal Navis... I'm going to talk to Mike and Roberto Occhipinti, both of them had it done. I'm just hunting for other opinions.

On a personal note, I get home on Monday. Are you in Toronto or Switzerland? If you're home, call me next week, we'll hang.

neal davis · #4 06-06-2007, 09:43 PM

Just got back home bobes, I'm busy gigging all week next week but next sunday I'm playing at the pilot so I'll give you a ring after that and beers it is.

bribass · #5 06-07-2007, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Kobayakawa

Mr. Deal Navis... I'm going to talk to Mike and Roberto Occhipinti, both of them had it done. I'm just hunting for other opinions.

On a personal note, I get home on Monday. Are you in Toronto or Switzerland? If you're home, call me next week, we'll hang.

I've been thinking of having this done to one of my basses as well. Please post whatever you learn about it from these bassists.

When I don't want the hassle or charges of flying w/ a hard case for the DB I've been using a Eminence Removable Neck EUB. It can sound good and often can be more appropriate an instrument when having to play thru the "Rock" type, overly large amplifiers that sound companies often supply as bass rigs when I'm on out of town dates. No hassles at airports w/ overage charges. It flies in a golf bag hard case that I retro fitted w/ dense foam.
It serves me well, but it's not the real thing and I can't help wonder about the Lamarre conversion as well.
Thanks, BG

jazz bass guy · #6 06-07-2007, 01:15 AM

I played on Roberto's bass in Havana last December and again just about a month ago at the Rex, and I found it to be just like a "normal" acoustic bass. Felt good and sounded good. I didn't have to take it apart or put it together, so I can't comment on that. I can say, though, that both he and Jim Vivian have told me that their basses feel and sound better after the surgery! I can't explain that, nor comment on it, because I didn't play them before, but I respect their opinions. I was especially impressed watching Roberto load his bass into the trunk of the bus in Havana, in it's relatively small box.

I am somewhat reluctant to do the same to my bass; partly because I dislike taking off my strings and dealing with the loose bits. Also, I play Obligatos which really don't stand up to being tuned and de-tuned over and again. However, I am equally frustrated by having to travel with my bass, and though I have had relative success with the Yamaha, it is not the same as having an acoustic bass on the gig. I long for the days when we could take them on board and sit next to them for a half-price ticket. The airlines are definitely not friendly to working musicians anymore. This all began to change in 1989.

If I were closer to Montreal, I would probably get a second bass (not strung with Obligatos) and have the surgery done.

KL

Brian K · #7 06-07-2007, 02:16 AM

On the road I find myself playing lots of purely acoustic rehearsals and jams, and I totally prefer playing with no amplifier, so that makes removable far more attractive than a small travel bass. I didn't know Jim Vivian had one.

I didn't think of the string problem with taking the neck off, I'm an Obligato guy too.

Neal, see you next week. Jazz Bass Guy, I'm headed to the island tomorrow (Thursday) for a gig in Duncan, then the following three nights in Victoria, Courtenay and Gibsons respectively. PM me if you want to come to a show and I'll get you on a ticket or two.

T-Bal · #8 06-08-2007, 11:13 PM

Anders Jormin has one. He said it was a relatively inexpensive Chinese bass that he bought just for the purpose of converting to a removable neck. I heard him play and got to play it myself - it sounded and felt great. Don't know who did it for him, but he was using spiros and a Wilson pu.

Marc Neihof · #9 06-09-2007, 07:12 PM

I have a bass with a removable neck, although it was made that way not converted. I made a fiberglass box for it and have traveled with it a few times now and although it is easier to deal with than a standard bass trunk it is still a big package and ends up costing the same. I'm curious about what kind of cases other guys have, I was thinking of making another one, maybe separate cases for the body and the neck, might be easier.

PB+J · #10 06-12-2007, 09:06 AM

This is such an interesting question--I'm not ever going to be touring with my bass, so it's not a deal for me, but it seems like there would be a bunch of ways to make it easier to tour and still get a convincing, reasonable acoustic sound. Make the bass 3/4 size, with a removable neck, a smaller, non-traditional scroll, locking tuners like they have on guitars, maybe inlaid marks for the bridge feet, some way to keep the soundpost in place (that's the hard part); a plug type endpin rather than a socket (saves a couple inches). Something like the Charton B21. Somebody could take a good quality hybrid, like Arnold's cleveland or la scala, and with a bit of retooling turn it into a "travel bass" optimized for convenience and portability but still a bass. Seems to me guys touring would be lining up to buy it

bribass · #11 06-12-2007, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB+J

Somebody could take a good quality hybrid, like Arnold's cleveland or la scala, and with a bit of retooling turn it into a "travel bass" optimized for convenience and portability but still a bass. Seems to me guys touring would be lining up to buy it

I have no special knowledge of this other than hints he has dropped, but I do believe Arnold himself has something in the works along these lines.

BG