Moses Graphite Necks

[Bass-Adrenaline]

Im looking for anyone here on TB who has a moses graphite neck on their bass to post some pics and lmk if you had moses install it, did it yourself, or had a local luthier do it. It looks like moses just raised their install price by like $40 so if you would lmk how much you paid to have yours installed that would help as well. Im just trying to narrow some things down on a build im doing. Thanks

[thirtypoint87]

I installed a a Moses graphite neck on an alder P-bass body. Sounded great! ....but I replaced it it with a wooden neck because of the Moses' weight. I got tired of fighting such a neck-heavy instrument.

I thinks that a Moses neck would be great on a heavier mahogany (or.....) body, but it made a Fender/alder bass no fun to play.

hope this helps....

[Mr.Bassie720]

I have had these for a while. They are outstanding necks in my experience. They do not sound sterile in fact quite the opposite is true. They use inserts on the neck, The factory install kit uses brass inserts, however both of these use steel. They are epoxied in. these where not too expensive to install as I recall maybe $50.00 including setup. The work was done by my local repair shop. Years later both necks were PLEKKED. They are flawless.

[Bass-Adrenaline]

I didnt think moses necks were that heavy. Anyone else have input on that?

Im thinking having a local guy install it would be best. Moses charges like $225 plus shipping now.

[Jefenator]

I had them make a fretless neck for my Steinberger. It played and sounded real nice and I don't recall it being too heavy, compared to the thicker Steinberger graphite neck. I got them to install the inserts & it lined up just fine on the 'berger.

I'd probably get a local luthier to put them in for a Fender (just to make sure it all lines up with my particular body & the job gets done right).

[Bass-Adrenaline]

Well, if i decide to go with one its not going on a j style body. Ill actually be using the 35 scale deep set heel model. I guess ill have to ask around locally and get a price from some people.

[garmenteros]

This neck on this bass ran me back like 800 dollars. I had to pay extra for the 35 scale and an extra fret, and about 200 for the mother of pearl block inlays. Its perfect though. Very comfortable and makes the bass very clear. The body is one piece mahogany stained black, with bartolini pups and all matching black hardware. I had a local luthier build this bass for me, it was a combined effort of what I always wanted in a bass. The sound is very growly with a lot of focus on the low mids and bass. Its also very articulate and and aggresive. Some of my friends have described it as sounding like a mix of a stingray and jazz. I doubt you'll get the same deal as I did, my friend/luthier built me that bass for a little under 200 dollars.

the neck pre installation


The bass in all its glory





The neck is somewhat heavy but the body isn't very light so it balances out nicely. I've used the bass to record directly thru garage band and amplitube and have been surprised at the results...

[rpsands]

I've owned two Moses necked basses (a new steinberger and my Starhawk). Both are. fantastic, of a quality with Modulus easily (IMHO, I've owned two modulus necks and played a bunch).

Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them, but I'd suggest having them install it as I have read some stories that make the self-install sound scary.

[62bass]

I installed a Moses neck on a Music Man Stingray myself. No big problem if you've done it before and if you know how to instal threaded inserts.

The Moses neck is a bit heavier than the rosewood fingerboard neck it replaced. Sound is a bit brighter and more even across the neck. Maybe a tad more sustain. Stays in tune forever it seems and not affected by changes in humidity which is a nice plus.

I imagine to get someone to do it around here would be between $60-$90. I'd make sure the guy knows how to work with the inserts.

I also put a Moses neck on a G&L. That required a bit of fiddling reshaping the neck pocket and took a lot longer, but it was a successful job.

That neck was also a bit heavier than the stock G&L 2000.

[TimBosby]

That neck is gorgeous. I'm looking for a graphite neck with block inlays at the moment, but I couldn't justify paying $800 for a neck. The most I paid for a neck was my Wilkins custom which was about $500. Birdseye maple with ebony board, abalone block inlays. The most expensive part, of course, being the inlays, since the work was done by Thorn Custom Inlay (I believe they do the Fender custom shop stuff.) It plays like butter though, awesome neck.

I'm looking for a graphite neck for a project bass, anyone know of any other brands besides Moses and Status? I'd love a Moses neck but I can't seem to find one cheap (significantly under $300.)

Originally Posted by garmenteros

This neck on this bass ran me back like 800 dollars. I had to pay extra for the 35 scale and an extra fret, and about 200 for the mother of pearl block inlays. Its perfect though. Very comfortable and makes the bass very clear. The body is one piece mahogany stained black, with bartolini pups and all matching black hardware. I had a local luthier build this bass for me, it was a combined effort of what I always wanted in a bass. The sound is very growly with a lot of focus on the low mids and bass. Its also very articulate and and aggresive. Some of my friends have described it as sounding like a mix of a stingray and jazz. I doubt you'll get the same deal as I did, my friend/luthier built me that bass for a little under 200 dollars.

the neck pre installation


The bass in all its glory





The neck is somewhat heavy but the body isn't very light so it balances out nicely. I've used the bass to record directly thru garage band and amplitube and have been surprised at the results...

[Bass-Adrenaline]

Yeah, the cost is kind of driving me awy from the idea. When its all said and donie the neck i want (nothing fancy) is gonna cost me in the 1000 range. I just cant see the benefits making it worth the extra 600 or so more than a custom warmoth neck (thats my other option).

[rpsands]

Wood necks move with weather and absorb sound.

Moses necks are not 1000 bucks unless you add a ton of options. If you're willing to go without neck inlays and such you can save a LOT.

Oh, I wanted to mention: My Starhawk is 10.2lbs with a quilt maple/walnut body.

[elgecko]

I will say that once installed, the inserts MUST be flush.

I bought a Moses-necked bass on Ebay that had a dead spot. I pulled the neck and saw that the brass inserts were not installed deeply enough and protruded above the the mounting "plane". I Dremeled the inserts flush, reinstalled the neck, and BAM! No more dead spot!

[251]

Originally Posted by Jefenator

I had them make a fretless neck for my Steinberger. It played and sounded real nice and I don't recall it being too heavy, compared to the thicker Steinberger graphite neck. I got them to install the inserts & it lined up just fine on the 'berger.

I'd probably get a local luthier to put them in for a Fender (just to make sure it all lines up with my particular body & the job gets done right).

I had the same experience with my XP-2, 6 years ago. I fitted the neck to the pocket myself. Steinberger's taper is 4 degrees rather than 'standard' 5 degrees. We discussed this in advance & the dimensions were made to fit the bottom of the neck pocket. I put in a lot of years doing precision fit as a dental technician so the part that needed a lot of patience with Correct Type tape, came easy. Without jigs to hold the neck in a drill press I opted to have Mark Herbert (Brookline MA) mount the neck for the cost of 1 hour of his time. We dropped from 5 screws to 4 screws with no problems. Steve would have sent the 5th insert, had I asked. Mark closed the 5th hole with dowel rod & mounted the strap button on the dowel. Clean & easy.

FWIW, Moses put on a Zero Fret sized for a fretted neck. I reduced it from 0.040" to 0.025 without problem. The Steinberger head matched up with the Moses neck perfectly. I occassionally touch up the fretboard grading down to 600 grit Silicon Carbide, wet. I maintain the part that contacts my hand with marine fiberglass polish left over from a troubled romance I once had with a small boat.

Customer Service with Moses, by email, was very good. YRMV. Good luck. 8-)

[Bass-Adrenaline]

Originally Posted by rpsands

Wood necks move with weather and absorb sound.

Moses necks are not 1000 bucks unless you add a ton of options. If you're willing to go without neck inlays and such you can save a LOT.

Oh, I wanted to mention: My Starhawk is 10.2lbs with a quilt maple/walnut body.

Start price on the neck id need is $750, so...

A neck that isnt effected by weather isnt worth 600 imo. As far as absorbing sound, i dont really follow you there.

[rpsands]

Wood necks have different sonic profiles. Graphite necks tend to absorb fewer sound frequencies and provide more piano-like tone at least in my experience - very clear, fewer dips. More character in wood, which some people like.

You'll hear people talk about maple fingerboards and rosewood fingerboards sounding different, and maple necks or bubinga necks or whatever.

[sobie18]

I had Darren @ the Atlanta Bass Gallery install one on my '62 Jazz RI and it really brought it alive. Notes are now zinging off the neck and it sounds freakin' amazing. I am definitely impressed and happy.

[Bass-Adrenaline]

Originally Posted by rpsands

Wood necks have different sonic profiles. Graphite necks tend to absorb fewer sound frequencies and provide more piano-like tone at least in my experience - very clear, fewer dips. More character in wood, which some people like.

You'll hear people talk about maple fingerboards and rosewood fingerboards sounding different, and maple necks or bubinga necks or whatever.

Im aware of that, the way you said it just seemed odd. It has to do with the density of the materials used. Anyway, ill have to talk with moses and see what a final price will be.

[garmenteros]

[quote=Bass-Adrenaline;9170851]Start price on the neck id need is $750, so...

Which neck are you needing? List price for mine without any extra options is about 500 dollars. Its money very well spent, you wont regret it.

[Bass-Adrenaline]

Sadly, i need the deep set heel 35 scale neck. Its $700 as is plus $50 for them to even cut it to fit whatever bass you have.