Hollow Under Fingerboard Projection

idahohay · #1 12-05-2005, 09:13 AM

I have never seen anything but a "generic" hollow on inexpensive basses, usually left as is and sometimes pretty crude. I have seen nicely done hollowing that goes the full length of the overhang and wonder how the top luthiers approach this. Any opinions?

Jeff Bollbach · #2 12-05-2005, 09:26 AM

Don't know about any top luthiers, Hayes, but I just leave 'em the way they come to me. You could hollow out a few inches more just with a thumbplane and scraper. Not a big deal, I just don't see a need. Some would do this to lighten the neck.

Eric Jackson · #3 12-05-2005, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Bollbach

Don't know about any top luthiers, Hayes, but I just leave 'em the way they come to me. You could hollow out a few inches more just with a thumbplane and scraper. Not a big deal, I just don't see a need. Some would do this to lighten the neck.

..he said, tiptoeing gingerly around the sleeping AO-BO monster...

Jeff Bollbach · #4 12-05-2005, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Jackson

..he said, tiptoeing gingerly around the sleeping AO-BO monster...

ah, you know me too well.

b1644 · #5 12-06-2005, 11:03 AM

So, does anybody want to enlighten the rest of us about the "AO-BO monster" thing?

- Martin

Eric Jackson · #6 12-06-2005, 11:17 AM

AO-BO mode matching has been debated at length in the past here. It is the process of matching the resonant frequency of the air chamber (body) with the resonant frequency of the fingerboard/ neck assembly. Some believe it can make a substantial difference in the sound of an instrument. Some, like Mr. Bowlback, think it's bubbermeiser. (love that word...)

A search will likely turn up some spirited discussion.