Need used FB for my DB

Doug D · #1 10-23-2007, 12:26 PM

hi,

I'm new to the board and new to DB actually...because I just got my first one. wanted one for years and finally came across one and was able to trade some luthery/repair work to take the edge off of the cost.

Now I'd like to upgrade the current 'ebonized' finger board with either a rosewood or ebony one.

Anyone got a used FB they're willing to sell?

my bass is a low end Englehardt 3/4 size.

thanks and great forum!
Doug.

Gufenov · #2 10-23-2007, 12:33 PM

Why used? Go to www.urbbob.com and see about buying a new one. Even a "low end" Engelhardt will be worth the investment.

Doug D · #3 10-23-2007, 01:14 PM

true.. I just noticed the vigorous selling/trading of strings on this board (which is new to me...not having an upright before) and wondered if you guys sell/trade parts as well?

plus, knowing that I'll have to fit and redress even a new fingerboard, I thought a used one made more sense cost-wise (since all of my 'extra' money goes to other things!)

ps. can anybody tell me how old this bass is (just curious)? serial number is 23xxx.

CPike · #4 10-23-2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug D

Now I'd like to upgrade the current 'ebonized' finger board with either a rosewood or ebony one.

Anyone got a used FB they're willing to sell?

You aren't likely to get a "used" one that will fit your neck - the taper, arch, etc. have to be custom fit to your bass. Also, if memory serves from my old teaching days, Englehardt fingerboards generally have a shallow arch - if you replace it with a fingerboard with a standard arch you will probably need to have your bridge re-arched as well. Or have a luthier plane the new fingerboard down to match the arch of the original. And for pete's sake don't get rosewood, get ebony. Rosewood may look purdy but it's "spongy" feeling under the left hand and will have less sustain.

Chris

Doug D · #5 10-23-2007, 03:06 PM

All good points.

I will likely reshape the bridge as well to eliminate the bevel.

Cliff, do you teach or know anyone here in Birmingham that teaches Jazz URB?

toman · #6 10-24-2007, 11:12 PM

I kinda like rosewood fingerboards, nice ones anyway. Funny because I can't stand them on a bass guitar; have to have ebony, maple or composite/stabilised. They do look a bit odd though...

Gufenov · #7 10-25-2007, 05:14 AM

Sorry, I'm not into Jazz and you probably wouldn't want to pick up my bad habits. Now, if you want to jump on some Bluegrass, PM me and I'll let you know what's going on around B'ham.

Dave Muscato · #8 10-25-2007, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug D

hi,

I'm new to the board and new to DB actually...because I just got my first one. wanted one for years and finally came across one and was able to trade some luthery/repair work to take the edge off of the cost.

Now I'd like to upgrade the current 'ebonized' finger board with either a rosewood or ebony one.

Anyone got a used FB they're willing to sell?

my bass is a low end Englehardt 3/4 size.

thanks and great forum!
Doug.

Wanted-To-Buy classifieds?...

Doug D · #9 10-25-2007, 07:46 AM

hi cliff,

I used to play more BG than I do now but I'm kind of getting back into a bit. just got a bass which I actually am enjoying a great deal!

do you play bass with shades mtn heir/air (sp?)?

KSB - Ken Smith · #10 10-25-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug D

hi,

I'm new to the board and new to DB actually...because I just got my first one. wanted one for years and finally came across one and was able to trade some luthery/repair work to take the edge off of the cost.

Now I'd like to upgrade the current 'ebonized' finger board with either a rosewood or ebony one.

Anyone got a used FB they're willing to sell?

my bass is a low end Englehardt 3/4 size.

thanks and great forum!
Doug.

Quote:

Need used FB for my DB

No you don't! The chances of getting a used Fingerboard to work is slim. Plus, the labor will be more than a new FB IF there is any wood left to dress once it is on the Neck!

Leave it alone until you can afford a new FB. Also, buying a Cheap fingerboard will not work well either. You will end up dressing it over and over as it moves and eventually have to do it all over again. Do it once and do it right!

Gufenov · #11 10-25-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug D

hi cliff,

I used to play more BG than I do now but I'm kind of getting back into a bit. just got a bass which I actually am enjoying a great deal!

do you play bass with shades mtn heir/air (sp?)?

I'm currently freelancing, and I try to make jams when I can. Check out the ABMA at http://www.alabamabluegrass.org/, we have a monthly Jam. You can also visit www.bluegrassbassplace.com, there are a few of us Alabama bass players there.

Doug D · #12 10-26-2007, 11:39 AM

thanks,

Ken, do you recommend quarter sawn only for bass FB's or is that just a thing of the past now?

what constitutes a 'good' one vs. a cheap one?

as for the used one, I was thinking more along the line of one that had maybe been taken off for an upgrade, like say an old rosewood board that someone removed to upgrade to ebony, rather than a worn out one.

KSB - Ken Smith · #13 10-26-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug D

thanks,

Ken, do you recommend quarter sawn only for bass FB's or is that just a thing of the past now?

what constitutes a 'good' one vs. a cheap one?

as for the used one, I was thinking more along the line of one that had maybe been taken off for an upgrade, like say an old rosewood board that someone removed to upgrade to ebony, rather than a worn out one.

Just take it to a qualified bass Luthier and have him put a new Ebony Fingerboard on it. The price for the materials is a fraction of the labor. Get a good quality FB. They are usually vertical grained but not 100%. Dry stable quality wood is more important along with a professional job.