Replace microtilt with full width shim - anybody tried?

[nemo]

Hi, I am talking about 70's jazz with microtilt system. Basically this system works as an adjustable shim. What concerns me is the only one-point neck/body contact at the bottom of the pocket.

On my setup, the screw is currently sticking out about 2 mm.
I thought about removing the screw and putting there the wedge shaped wooden shim of the same height as the screw, to increase the neck/body contact surface and improve the sound, sustain and alleviate deadspots.
Anybody tried this with some noticeable results?

Thanks.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by nemo

Hi, I am talking about 70's jazz with microtilt system. Basically this system works as an adjustable shim. What concerns me is the only one-point neck/body contact at the bottom of the pocket.

On my setup, the screw is currently sticking out about 2 mm.
I thought about removing the screw and putting there the wedge shaped wooden shim of the same height as the screw, to increase the neck/body contact surface and improve the sound, sustain and alleviate deadspots.
Anybody tried this with some noticeable results?

Thanks.

Haven't tried it. It might improve sound slightly. Give it a try and report the results.

[JLS]

If you want to really improve the tone & sustain, convert to 1/4-20 machine screws & threaded inserts. These are button head 1/4-20s, in my Yamaha bass, my latest.
The crush fit you can get w/this method, significantly improves both sustain & tone, gives a much more neck-through sound.



Sorry about the slight fuzziness, I'll retake this, and repost the photo.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by JLS

If you want to really improve the tone & sustain, convert to 1/4-20 machine screws & threaded inserts. These are button head 1/4-20s, in my Yamaha bass, my latest.
The crush fit you can get w/this method, significantly improves both sustain & tone, gives a much more neck-through sound.



Sorry about the slight fuzziness, I'll retake this, and repost the photo.

I've done the same to my old P bass. There is a slight improvement in sound. At least I don't have to worry that the neck will ever shift.

[nemo]

Yes, I have thought about it, but this is three-bolt attachment and I don't know how to proceed

- if install just two upper ones and leave original microtilt bolt in place

OR

- inserts for two upper ones, remove microtilt disc and install a larger insert there instead (as the hole there is big already) and use new, larger bolt

In both cases I guess I would need to put there a wedge shaped shim, because of much bigger clamping force of machine bolts.
I would not want to leave the air gap in the middle of the heel. Please correct me if I am wrong.

This particular bass needs a shim so putting neck heel flat to the neck pocket is out of question.