Neck Alignment Problem

[Rayzorx]

I'm hoping someone can give me some (good) advise on this one.

I have a project bass. It's a Firebird body made by a reputable instrument wood worker. It's neck pocket is routed for a Fender Jazz bass neck.

I have a Mighty Mite fretless jazz neck mounted in the pocket and put on the E and G strings to get an idea of the alignment and neck relief. I have adjusted the neck with only a slight relief. Here's my predicament.

I had to set the bridge saddles all the way up to get the strings to clear the heal of the neck. The E string plays but buzzes on the neck. The G string I can only play the first couple of frets before the sting is totally deadened by lying flat on the neck.

Does this sound like the neck pocket isn't square to the rest of the body? And what's the best way to check this? I don't have the dimensions for a J-bass neck pocket but I'm going to look for it on the Internet. Also, could the neck be shimmed to correct this? or Maybe the bridge is too low? It's a standard 4 saddle Fender bridge.

Any input is greatly appreciated! I can provide photos if necessary.

Thanks!
Ray

[mongo2]

Sounds like the neckpocket may not be deep enough or the bridge may not be tall enough. Also the trussrod could be too tight which can cause a reverse bow and complicate matters.

I once had a Guild Pilot in that had a Schaller style bridge with a separate plate under the bridge to raise it.

[PBass101]

Post pictures

[Chasarms]

It's hard to judge the proper relief if you have only put two of the strings on it. The tension of the other two strings will pull more relief in the neck. I would string all for strings and adjust the trussrod before I made any assumptions about the neck pocket or the bridge.

[Rayzorx]

Good points.

I've never had a bridge that was shimmed so I didn't know if it was a good practice.

I will go home and put the other 2 strings on and re-check the relief.
And I'll take some photos and post them.

Thanks!
Ray

[Benjamin Strange]

It could be that the neck pocket isn't cut level, the neck heel isn't level, the pocket isn't deep enough, or a combination of the three. Carving a neck pocket correctly takes some considerable skill - leave that up to a professional. If the pocket is deep enough and just not level, you can shim it one way or another if you don't want to pay somebody to do it for you.

[Rayzorx]

Thanks for all the good advise. I've done the following so far:

1. Installed all 4 strings and tuned.
2. Adjusted the bridge saddles up.
3. Made a slight adjustment to the truss rod. Had major front bow. Will leave over night and adjust more tomorrow if necessary.

The bass is some what playable, but still has issues with the D and G strings hitting the heal end of the neck. This may go away with some more adjustment. (I haven't set the intonation yet)

Please see the photos at this link:
http://mysite.verizon.net/res11ltmv/

1. Shows the sting height at the neck pocket.
2. Shows the bridge height.
3. I am fretting the D string at the 12th. fret. See how the string is flat on the neck.

[Rayzorx]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

It could be that the neck pocket isn't cut level, the neck heel isn't level, the pocket isn't deep enough, or a combination of the three. Carving a neck pocket correctly takes some considerable skill - leave that up to a professional. If the pocket is deep enough and just not level, you can shim it one way or another if you don't want to pay somebody to do it for you.

Does anyone know what the dimensions for a J-Bass neck pocket are? Or where I can find them?
Thanks!

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Rayzorx

I'm hoping someone can give me some (good) advise on this one.

I have a project bass. It's a Firebird body made by a reputable instrument wood worker. It's neck pocket is routed for a Fender Jazz bass neck.

I have a Mighty Mite fretless jazz neck mounted in the pocket and put on the E and G strings to get an idea of the alignment and neck relief. I have adjusted the neck with only a slight relief. Here's my predicament.

I had to set the bridge saddles all the way up to get the strings to clear the heal of the neck. The E string plays but buzzes on the neck. The G string I can only play the first couple of frets before the sting is totally deadened by lying flat on the neck.

Does this sound like the neck pocket isn't square to the rest of the body? And what's the best way to check this? I don't have the dimensions for a J-bass neck pocket but I'm going to look for it on the Internet. Also, could the neck be shimmed to correct this? or Maybe the bridge is too low? It's a standard 4 saddle Fender bridge.

Any input is greatly appreciated! I can provide photos if necessary.

Thanks!
Ray

Shim the neck so that it tilts forward. The E&G strings will give you the alignment, but you'll need all strings tuned to pitch, for realistic neck pitch & relief.

If you're unable to get this bass playable via this method, you're
in neck-pocket rout territory; this can be done with a short pattern cutting bit, AND A LOT OF EXPERTISE.

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by Rayzorx

Does anyone know what the dimensions for a J-Bass neck pocket are? Or where I can find them?
Thanks!

They vary dependent on the year and nationality. Don't bother doing this yourself - take it to a pro.

[Rayzorx]

Thanks again for all the good advise. I'm going to take off the neck and measure the pocket dimensions to see if there is a high point that may be causing the tilt.

If so, I'll take the body a luthier and see if they can correct it without damaging the finish.