Can I replace the neck on this bass?

[iamthebassman]

Just got a lefty Douglas SCPB from Rondo, always wanted one of this style of bass but finding a lefty(I could afford) is very difficult. My plan was/is to replace the neck with a lefty Warmoth "Tele" bass neck, but the neck on the Douglas joins the body about a fret sooner than normal, with the 20th fret hanging over the body.
Can I replace this neck with a Warmoth?

[Slowgypsy]

Well... why don't you just give Warmoth a call? I'm sure they know the answer to your question better than anyone here.

Seriously, I'm 99.9% sure they'll happily accommodate you, but you've got to chat with them first.

[tangentmusic]

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Well... why don't you just give Warmoth a call? I'm sure they know the answer to your question better than anyone here.

Seriously, I'm 99.9% sure they'll happily accommodate you, but you've got to chat with them first.

+ 1 to this.
Warmoth makes their necks to Fender spec's I believe.
I doubt it'll fit the Rondo

[testing1two]

If the neck pocket dimensions on the body are the same as Fender then any replacement neck can be bolted on. But that doesn't mean it will work properly. The important thing to maintain is the scale length, which is the distance between where the string touches the nut and where it touches the bridge saddle (typically 34"). The scale length determines the spacing of the frets on the neck.

If you bolt a standard 20 or 21 fret neck (no overhang) to the body, the scale length will be longer and the frets won't be spaced properly. That means the fretted notes will not play in tune. So it's imperative that the dimensions are correct.

And now for the million dollar question: what's wrong with the stock neck? It would be easier/cheaper to get a complete setup including having the frets leveled and the back of the neck slightly reshaped than to have a custom neck made (which would require a new nut and complete setup).

[walterw]

the better plan would have been just to build that bass out of warmoth part to begin with.

i suspect there won't be any replacement necks to be had with that strange layout.

[PappaK]

Hi bassman,

I just bought the exact same bass. Literally got it 20 minutes ago. I also had the intention of replacing the neck with one of their "Tele Bass" ones. As far as I can tell, the neck should fit. IF it doesn't, the bridge might have to be moved, but not by much. A luthier can figure all that out if you're not sure.

I also bought some "ashtray" pickup/bridge covers. Haven't installed them yet. Will wait until I get the new neck on.

Also, sound-wise, I find she sounds quite good. I'll need a few more days to decide. I may replace the pickup eventually, but it's not a priority at the moment.

In all honesty, I bought this bass for the body and that incredibly hard-to-find LEFTY control plate

Anyway, let me know what you decide. Hit me up on my personal email here should you want to swap some lefty info:
kevinmark (at) videotron.ca

[Ric5]

You can find a lot of necks on ebay that will fit that bass. Mighty Mite or Allparts should work. the worst case scenario is you will have to remove a little wood to make it fit. Sandpaper should do the trick.

Here's a couple of SX basses that got Mighty Mite necks.

[PappaK]

Nice stuff Ric5!

Finding lefty Tele-style necks on Ebay has proven to be tough. In fact, I've yet to see one on there.

The curse of being a lefty. On the other hand, no one else can play our instruments. LOL

[Ric5]

The headstock might need to be modified on these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bass-Guitar-Neck...item230ce3893e

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bass-Guitar-Neck...item230b872190

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Squier-CN...item19c00222cb

http://cgi.ebay.com/LEFTY-PRECISION-...item53e4ce7da1

http://cgi.ebay.com/Allparts-Fender-...item414e05a79b

[Ric5]

Paddle head neck

http://cgi.ebay.com/Full-paddle-Mapl...item20b5d7127b

[PappaK]

Originally Posted by Ric5

The headstock might need to be modified on these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bass-Guitar-Neck...item230ce3893e

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bass-Guitar-Neck...item230b872190

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Squier-CN...item19c00222cb

http://cgi.ebay.com/LEFTY-PRECISION-...item53e4ce7da1

http://cgi.ebay.com/Allparts-Fender-...item414e05a79b

Nice, but those don't have the Tele (or '51) headstock.

[PappaK]

Originally Posted by Ric5

Paddle head neck

http://cgi.ebay.com/Full-paddle-Mapl...item20b5d7127b

True, I guess that's an option. Personally, I'll stick to Warmoth. I've worked with them more that several times in the past and they've been incredibly helpful - not to mention that their stuff is all top-notch.

[PappaK]

Originally Posted by PappaK

Nice, but those don't have the Tele (or '51) headstock.

My bad... I see now that you suggested modifying the headstocks.

Yep, definitely another option. If it's something you can do yourself, then cool. Otherwise there's an extra cost involved obviously.

What I like about Warmoth is the ability to select neck profile, fret size and nut width.

But yeah, all valid options.

[PappaK]

So.... Did you ever find a neck for that bass? I ordered one from Warmoth. Should have it in a few weeks.

[iamthebassman]

I found I liked the neck but couldn't get past the headstock, which was the reason I planned on swapping the neck in the first place. I ended up reshaping it somewhat and I'm fine with it now, but do let me know how things work out for you, I may still go Warmoth on it.
Here's some shots, pre-reshaping, from New Year's.


And after:

[PappaK]

Good job on the reshaping and thanks for the update. I will definitely check in when my new neck is on. I found the Douglas neck to be way too thin and narrow, so a replacement was needed (which I had planned for anyway). I assume you kept the stock pickup? How do you like it? I think it sounds real good.

[iamthebassman]

I'm good with the p/u but it does have single-coil buzz, I may swap in a hum-cancelling one, I know I saw someone makes one.

[PappaK]

Yes, I agree with the buzz. Not noticeable in a live setting though.
Gonna drop you a PM with an amp question...