Frankenbass: Build from parts, or mod an existing bass?

millahh · #1 01-26-2007, 02:41 PM

Very soon, I’m planning on beginning work on a Frankenbass. In the end, it will be an MIM Fender Jazz with modded electronics (Model J’s, independent volume & tone controls, series/parallel, and a switchable stereo output), some cosmetic mods, and a Badass II. Eventually a new neck is in the plans as well, though it’s low priority. My question is this:

Am I better off starting from scratch (buying everything as parts), or working off of an existing instrument? I feel quite comfortable with the hardware & electronics swaps, but I’ve never really done any setup work.

I’m leaning towards buying an existing instrument, and going from there…that way, I get to hear the effects of each change as I make it, and it’ll be a playable instrument through most of the process. I could also recoup some of the cost of parts by selling the old ones. However, I’m guessing there may be some factors I haven’t yet considered.

What say you, oh wise TBers?

(This is my best guess at the appropriate forum…if I erred, feel free to move it.)

Fathand · #2 01-26-2007, 04:13 PM

I'm too planning to modify (or Frankenfy?) my MIM Jazz Fretless, as soon as I get enough dough to start.. I'll probably get a fretted (because fretless playing isn't for me, at least not right now) Moser graphite neck, some hot passive pickups and an onboard pre. At this point, only the neck is decided.

...and I'm still saving the money for it.

Does any other manufacturer make graphite neck replacements than Moser?

62bass · #3 01-27-2007, 06:03 AM

I think you're right to get an existing and playable instrument and going from there. I've done that myself and you can hear each change you make and then assess what to do next. Leave the neck to last and see if you really need to change it. The setup work isn't all that hard. Once you start on it you'll find it pretty easy to figure out.

A few of my students have bought MIM Fenders and with a pickup change and good strings and a setup they've become fine sounding, playable basses. That's without a hardware change.

As far as graphite necks go, I've used the Moses on a Stingray and mounted one on a G&L for a friend. (Had to do a bit of fiddling with the neck pocket for that one) They're good necks. They stay in tune forever unless you bump the tuning pegs and aren't affected by changes in climate. Sound wise, they enhance the high end a bit. On a live gig at regular volumes you probably won't notice the differnce. Recorded, when soloed you can hear it. Nobody else will though. If you don't mind the rather cold feel of an all graphite neck on your hand, they can be fine. The Moses necks seem to be the lowest priced ones. I've played on Modulus and Status graphite necks and they were also very nice, but these were on factory instruments. I haven't bought any of their replacement necks.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with a graphite neck. I don't find them to have much of an advantage over a good wood neck, except in their resistance to climate changes. I'd spend the extra money on a good fret levelling and setup of the wooden neck and you can notice the difference in playing ease with that. Also, when buying a Moses neck, you'll probably have to do some fret levelling and dressing if you want super low action. They're not bad, but you can get them to play a bit better. You also have to install threaded inserts to mount the neck using bolts, rather than using screws like most wood bolt on necks. This can be a bit tricky if you don't have experience. You don't have much of a margin for error.

MikeLindgren · #4 01-27-2007, 11:23 AM

Assembling Your Own "Signature-Series" Bass

pj-mike · #5 01-27-2007, 01:40 PM

Here's another vote for starting with an existing instrument.
I've done it myself and felt that I learned a lot in the process and ended up with a very good instrument that fits me perfectly. The pickup will make the biggest difference. A better bridge will make set-ups a little easier. The Hipshot A is a fine bridge. The neck on my Squire was really good. It eventually went bad due to the shimming method used at the factory. A small shim at the but end that allowed the neck screws to eventually pull down the neck and create a rise at the end of the neck and a light bump at the screws. If you like the neck you might want to take it apart and do a better shim job if required. That could save you some money on a replacement neck.
Best of Luck and enjoy the process.

Fathand · #6 01-28-2007, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62bass

As far as graphite necks go, I've used the Moses on a Stingray and mounted one on a G&L for a friend. (Had to do a bit of fiddling with the neck pocket for that one) They're good necks. They stay in tune forever unless you bump the tuning pegs and aren't affected by changes in climate. Sound wise, they enhance the high end a bit. On a live gig at regular volumes you probably won't notice the differnce. Recorded, when soloed you can hear it. Nobody else will though. If you don't mind the rather cold feel of an all graphite neck on your hand, they can be fine. The Moses necks seem to be the lowest priced ones. I've played on Modulus and Status graphite necks and they were also very nice, but these were on factory instruments. I haven't bought any of their replacement necks.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with a graphite neck. I don't find them to have much of an advantage over a good wood neck, except in their resistance to climate changes. I'd spend the extra money on a good fret levelling and setup of the wooden neck and you can notice the difference in playing ease with that. Also, when buying a Moses neck, you'll probably have to do some fret levelling and dressing if you want super low action. They're not bad, but you can get them to play a bit better. You also have to install threaded inserts to mount the neck using bolts, rather than using screws like most wood bolt on necks. This can be a bit tricky if you don't have experience. You don't have much of a margin for error.

Thanks for the input.

I was thinking about a graphite neck mainly because of the stability and for their supposed "clarity" (as in defined highs, as you mentioned). In addition, I'm intrigued by the idea of not hearing the "sound of wood" + this Frankeninstrument would pretty much be a experimental project, using mics & preamps I'm not currently that familiar with. My basic gear is currently pretty solid, so this is just for fun. Searching for different sounds, basically.

It will go to a professional instrument builder/repairman for the mounting, so the installation is not a problem. Same for the frets, but I usually don't use that super-low action anyway, so they might stay the way they are.

Oh yeah, one thing came to mind when writing this.. are graphite necks heavy or light in weight?

62bass · #7 01-28-2007, 06:14 AM

The Moses neck I used on my Musicman was slightly heavier than the stock wood one. I was surprised as I figured it would be lighter. I think the one I put on a G&L was about the same. I don't remember much about the neck on that one as it was such a pain shaving the neck pocket to fit. I would imagine the graphite necks would be pretty consistent in weight.

Sounds like you'll have an interesting project. Good luck with it.

MikeLindgren · #8 01-28-2007, 08:55 AM

I would have assumed they'd be lighter. I've been pining after a Moses neck for quite some time, and this custom axe of mine is going to be getting one.

Seems like the tonal characteristics of graphite are exactly what I'm looking for, so this should be extremely interesting when all's said and done. This is a kickass thread.