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Short Scale 5 String Neck for a Loaded Fender Body

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by Alex Xander, Jan 23, 2015.

  1. Jan 23, 2015 #1
    Alex Xander

    Alex Xander

    Oct 10, 2005
    Out in the the bush, Australia
    Hi Folks,

    I'm pretty much a dedicated short scale player at the moment and am looking for a decent 5 string without going to the expense of a full custom build.

    If I procured one of these ($350ish on ebay) $_57.jpg

    Is it easy enough for a luthier to build a short scale neck to fit?

    I know I'd lose some frets/fret access and that a 30.5" scale is not ideal for a B string, but I'd be happy to put up with that. Anything else I'm missing?

    Please PM me if you're a luthier who might be able to do this

    Cheers,

    Alex
     
  2. Jan 24, 2015 #2
    Ronbeast

    Ronbeast

    Sep 20, 2008
    Placentia,Newfoundland,Canada
    I think it is doable, but I'd probably check out the Ibanez Mikro 5 before going this expensive. The Mikro 5 goes fro about $200 new, and it's gotten some pretty decent reviews for a 5 string bass with a 28" scale.
     
    Will_White likes this.
  3. Jul 7, 2015 #3
    aussietc

    aussietc

    Apr 14, 2010
    I am also interested in a short scale 5 string neck!
     
  4. Jul 7, 2015 #4
    Manton Customs

    Manton Customs UK Luthier

    Jan 31, 2014
    Shropshire, UK
    Luthier, Manton Customs
    Is it a short scale body? (Is the bridge in the correct place for a short scale neck?).
     
  5. Jul 7, 2015 #5
    aussietc

    aussietc

    Apr 14, 2010
    I've been informed that it is doable but not worthwhile. Keeping the bridge in the same place, the neck would only be 19 frets (with an overhang) and the pickups would not be in the optimal position.
     
    scourgeofgod likes this.
  6. Jul 7, 2015 #6
    Will_White

    Will_White

    Jul 1, 2011
    Salem, OR
    It wouldn't sound like a jazz bass. Maybe a little MMish on the bridge and more bass on the neck, I don't think it would necessarily sound bad, just different and honestly only having 19 frets isn't really a downside as you probably won't be spending much time up there any way. I think it will make the bridge more usable solo and the neck could be used to add low end body. Also it might be the best BEADG but it would be a great EADGC, or DGCFB then you don't need to worry about the loss of the upper frets. There's a thread where someone made a bass out of a les paul guitar body and neck, and it has a perfectly effective E string with standard strings. That's worse then going from 35" down to thirty.
     
    Last edited: Jul 8, 2015