Body depth

[EdMerc]

I've started my first build, but I'm not sure what depth the wood I use for the body should be.

I have a topper that's 3/8". Will one inch of body be enough or is two the minimum to start? Maybe something in between.

Thanks,
Ed

[Musiclogic]

you want to aim for 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" this is the normal thickness span for bodies. 1 5/8" and 1 3/4" being the most common.

You need to add 1 1/4" to the top for a common size

[Dirk Diggler]

I aim for 1 3/4", but sometimes they end up a bit under.
Dirk

[EdMerc]

Great. Thanks.

[ehque]

To build on his question, would a body as thin as 1" be feasible and what would be the difficulties faced?

[Big B.]

Several potential problems come to mind right off hand.

1: The body could be too light resulting in neck dive.

2: Many pots and switches are around an inch thick or more so it would definitely limit your choice in electronics and wiring.

Thats just what I think of immediately. Not to say it cant or hasnt been done but some serious design issues need to be worked out in advance.

[Meatrus]

Originally Posted by ehque

To build on his question, would a body as thin as 1" be feasible and what would be the difficulties faced?

There was a thread a while ago when someone was asking the same, but I cant find it. I remember they talked of pickup depth being a possible problem too.

[Rickett Customs]

Typically I like doing 1 1/2" or less thickness, just need a slightly smaller headstock.

Doing a 1" or 1 1/4" body, would require you to make the pickups and hardware a little more "external" to the body (pickup routes and cavity routes are shallow)........ as far as neckdive is concerned, if it's headless, no problems there, unless it's a heavier body wood (for a headstock). As far as pots, you'd need to use a "bourns".....:

[Stone Age]

1 1/4" works fine. The biggest issue is the input jack can bottom out if the electronics cavity is not deep enough. Same for some active electronics. A mounting plate for the jack is an easy way to compensate to allow it to stand up higher off the body. Keep the headstock light where balance is concerned.

[Rickett Customs]

Originally Posted by Stone Age

1 1/4" works fine. The biggest issue is the input jack can bottom out if the electronics cavity is not deep enough. Same for some active electronics. A mounting plate for the jack is an easy way to compensate to allow it to stand up higher off the body. Keep the headstock light where balance is concerned.

This is true, although, if it's a side mount jack (bullet), this can be remidied. However, most bullet jack holes are slighly less than 1/2" od, 1 1/4" is still pretty tight.

Spector euro nt and ns style nt basses don't have cavity resesses, for the extra space saved with no recess.......

[fuNKmaster83]

i do my basses around 33mm i dont get below 30mm