Bolt-on to Set Neck?

[Sharky1450]

Hi everyone,

I've got an Epiphone Thunderbird IV - the standard one with a bolt on neck, and I had a random thought earlier today - Is it possible to change a bolt on neck to a set neck? How much work would have to be put in to make this achievable (funds included)?

Any input would be helpful, as it is just a random thought, and I'm sure there must be someone else out there who's thought the same thing....

This is all just out of interest, as my current bass isn't worth modding, beyond replacing the pickups and bridge.

Cheers

[Beej]

Well, the short answer is yes and no. The long answer is, it depends on myriad factors. Generally speaking, 'conversion' from BO to SN is not practical, and unless you've got really good reasons, there's not really any point.

This may sound dickish, but if you have to ask, you probably aren't ready to do it yourself. My intention is not to discourage though.

First off, set necks are designed differently. The pocket is not created with a finish in mind (meaning parts are glued together in an unfinished state) whereas a BO considers the thickness of the finish in the final dimensions for a snug fit. Set necks need to be super tight and fit like a glove with no finish in the way. This isn't really backwards compatible without cleaning off the finish on both parts, likely applying some veneer in the pocket to snug the fit and then carefully fitting and gluing. Even then, you'd still have to fill the holes, reshape the heel (presuming this is the point you're seeking? A rounded and subtle heel?) and ensure the fit was really good to even approach it.

You kinda need to figure out why. If it's just a navel-gazing exercise, then so be it, but if you really want to do it, there should be a reason. BO versus SN is not a big difference, certainly not enough of a difference IME to warrant undertaking the amount of work involved to do this conversion.

I'm rambling a bit, but I hope this helps...

[Sharky1450]

Thanks Beej, you just pointed out the answers I wanted. I thought it might be a pretty pointless thing to do too TBH, but it was just out of curiosity really haha. BTW I took absolutely no offense at you being "dickish" - I didn't plan on undertaking something that would make such a small difference.
Cheers

[T-Bird]

Hi.

As a someone who used to play an Epi T-Bird as the only 4 string, and as a someone who prefers set neck or NT over BO any day, I can somewhat relate to Your wish or desire to change it to a SN. And on some points I do agree with Beej's comments, at least on the moderately equipped DIY'ers POW.

I was about to do just that a few years back, but settled on just milling the contact surfaces on both the neck and the pocket flat, which increased the sustain considerably and also evened out the dead-spots that are IMHO the major design flaw in most of the BO necks.

In theory there's enough material to turn an Epi T-Bird into a SN, but IMHO the time and effort involved with such a task would be better used on making a NT or SN instrument from scratch.

Regards
Sam