Skinny fretless 5 string neck?

ChrisHEB3 · #1 06-29-2010, 02:56 PM

I have a 1990 Yamaha RBX5 which I want to go fretless with and have been searching the net for a replacement neck which is v narrow: 64mm wide pocket.

Anyone seen something that would fit?

Thanks

FunkMetalBass · #2 06-29-2010, 04:21 PM

Nope, and you wont find anything without going custom. You've basically got two options.

1) Find a skinny 5-string neck that you like, and start shimming the sides of the neck in the pocket to make it flush. (I've never tried this, but it's an idea)
2) Find a bass with a skinny 5-string neck that you like, and buy/trade for it.

kesslari · #3 06-29-2010, 04:22 PM

Third option - have a luthier defret your RBX5 (or do it yourself).

FunkMetalBass · #4 06-29-2010, 04:26 PM

I was under the impression that he wants a neck more narrow than the one he's got on it now.

TS, please clarify.

bassmonkeee · #5 06-29-2010, 04:30 PM

I used to have an RBX5 that I had defretted by Greg Curbow that I used as my main bass for a couple of years.

Unless you absolutely want to have the fretted neck to put back on there, I would recommend finding a reputable luthier to convert it.

ChrisHEB3 · #6 06-30-2010, 01:42 PM

Thanks for the replies: that just about covers my options, the only one to add I guess is find a fretless 4 neck that fits: change the nut and drill the extra hole for a 4+1 headstock.

You can guess I got this from an ebay guy with one to sell.

Cheers

BigOldHarry · #7 06-30-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

Third option - have a luthier defret your RBX5 (or do it yourself).

I think that's the only real option. Any good tech can do it for you.

Rick Auricchio · #8 06-30-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisHEB3

...that just about covers my options, the only one to add I guess is find a fretless 4 neck that fits: change the nut and drill the extra hole for a 4+1 headstock.

I doubt you'll like the string spacing if you try to cram five strings onto a neck built for four.

- Replace the nut;

- Wonder if the truss rod can handle the extra string tension;

- Find the string spacing at the nut to be way too tight.

ChrisHEB3 · #9 06-30-2010, 03:24 PM

I only have the one 4 string bass to compare the existing 5 neck to: it is 2mm wider at the nut and heel than my 4. I thought it would be worth a look for a fretless 4 neck to fit and convert.

The current spacing at the bridge is 15.5 mm. Not an easy slap bass but for finger style I find it great.

As for string tension I guess if I go for it I'll find out if its too much...