Bolt on or Set Neck for This bass?

[Max Pratt]

Hello all,

I have decided that my next build will be one similar to that of Kev if you have seen that. Anyways here is the design so far.



As you can see it is heavily influenced by wishbass, Kev, and an upright bass "harp" tailpiece.

I have placed where the bolts would be but I am unsure whether this build should be bolt on or set neck.

Oh and it will be hollow so yes that is an f hole.

Thanks,

Max Pratt

[Mr_Music90]

Wow, nice design!

Hmm... I think you would do fine with a set neck construction. I think making it Bolt on could work too, but looking at the design, I'm not sure if it would be very secure on the lower part of the neck (where the D / G strings are).

[Max Pratt]

Originally Posted by Mr_Music90

Wow, nice design!

Thanks!

I totally agree with you, and I think that the small contact area near the d and g strings is what led me to consider bolt on. Another option is a wide dovetail joint into the neck block, but I am not sure how well I could pull that off.

[49sfine]

Can't wait to see more! Very kool design ...

[Jazz Ad]

There isn't much sense in making a single cut a bolt-on.
You'd be wasting a long joint between neck and body that can help stability.

[Dave Higham]

But that long joint can be bolted... and help stability. Several luthiers do it.

[Jazz Ad]

Yes, if you manage to create a heel along the upper horn you can bolt into it.

[reverendrally]

Either would work fine. With a BO, you'd just want to place your screws well and get in as many as possible.

[Max Pratt]

Originally Posted by 49sfine

Can't wait to see more! Very kool design ...

Thanks!!! This will hopefully eventually turn into a build thread!

Here is the bolt placement and a closeup of the joint if it were bolt on. If set, the joint would be the same shape but without bolts (obviously).



Thanks,

Max Pratt

[Mr_Music90]

6 bolts. Looks very stable from that drawing. I think you can pull it off that way for sure

[Mr_Music90]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

There isn't much sense in making a single cut a bolt-on.
You'd be wasting a long joint between neck and body that can help stability.

Then you don't know the single cut basses from Chris Benavente

[Max Pratt]

Ok so I think i am going with a set neck because A. It will provide a better neck to body transition for more comfort, and B. As i have seen in many uprights with bolt on necks, if it breaks it wont break the neck in half but just separate the joint.

~max

[Mr_Music90]

Originally Posted by Max Pratt

Ok so I think i am going with a set neck because A. It will provide a better neck to body transition for more comfort, and B. As i have seen in many uprights with bolt on necks, if it breaks it wont break the neck in half but just separate the joint.

~max

I respect your decision. Good luck with it!

[Max Pratt]

Originally Posted by Mr_Music90

I respect your decision. Good luck with it!

Thank you!

However I just had a thought...

I use neck bending in almost almost all my performances to substitute a whammy bar, but I DO NOT want to have one on any instrument I own. Will a set neck just separate from the body when I do this?

Thanks for all the help,

Max Pratt

[Mr_Music90]

Originally Posted by Max Pratt

Thank you!

However I just had a thought...

I use neck bending in almost almost all my performances to substitute a whammy bar, but I DO NOT want to have one on any instrument I own. Will a set neck just separate from the body when I do this?

Thanks for all the help,

Max Pratt

Whew, that's a though one. Well I think if you use the right type of glue it would be okay to do it. If you watch out with the gauge of the strings, then the neck won't get too much tension, combined with the neck bending for the whammy.

[Max Pratt]

I am using D'addario nylon tapewounds, like I do on every other bass I own, and hide glue.

The strings are pretty light gauge, and they're nylon so not to high tension.

Thanks,

Max

[Max Pratt]

My glue options include:

Titebond liquid hide glue
Old brown glue
And that hot hide glue that comes in bags of pellets

[HeavyJazz77]

Bolt-ons are generally punchier. I personally prefer them to set necks or neck throughs.

[Hopkins]

I would use Titebond original. I have never used anything else and have never had a weak glue joint.

[Max Pratt]

Originally Posted by Hopkins

I would use Titebond original. I have never used anything else and have never had a weak glue joint.

Thank you!!!