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Jazz bass with a flatter neck radius ?

j-bass-kreep

j-bass-kreep

Oct 17, 2003
777
16
40
Ensenada , B.C Mexico
#1
Hello , I've been having some problems with my bass , the thing is I like low action .And I cant get the action I want without getting nasty fret buzz.

I could get a "modern" bass like a yamaha or a Shecter , but I'm really in to the more classic jazz bass sound and look . Is there a reasonably affordable jazz bass that has a more modern feel ?
 
#4
A rounder radius won't stop you getting a very low action. You may have a setup issue or uneven frets on your current bass.

Have you considered maybe getting a Warmoth neck (or other third party parts supplier) who could furnish you with a flatter radius fretboard?
 
#5
Sadowsky's have a 12" radius. However, neck radius should have nothing to do with buzzing or playability (as defined by low action). I would get a pro set-up for you bass prior to making any decisions based on buzzing, etc.... might just take a neck tweak and a little bit of fret filing and bridge adjustment.

That being said, the Sadowsky 12" radius feels quite 'modern' to the hand, while the bass itself (the vintage and standard models) does a good job of keeping a 'J' type vibe in both looks and tone.
 
#7
Boy, are you in a pickle...

Laklands and Sadowskys, while they fit your criteria, are only going to be "reasonably affordable" if you're buying them used... and that's a maybe.

On the other hand, I wanna +1 the Warmoth neck idea, but you may not be into the idea of paying around $200 for a neck.

The way I see it, you have two options...
1. the aforementioned neck shimming or
2. adjust your playing style to fit a 9.5" radius.
 

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