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2x2 headstock or Fender Style?
- Thread starter JohnEdward
- Start date
I'm allergic to neck-dive, so I voted 2+2.
The existing headstock shape obviously calls for 4-in-line.
But that body shape looks like an acoustic guitar to me - which would be more traditionally paired with a 3+3 or 2+2 headstock.
The existing headstock shape obviously calls for 4-in-line.
But that body shape looks like an acoustic guitar to me - which would be more traditionally paired with a 3+3 or 2+2 headstock.
I changed again my vote 
If you are willing to build another neck, 2+2 will be much better (and as the above post says, also better for balance, considering the absence of proper horn). Then you have to build another body to reuse the current neck, but that's a different story (and thread)
If you are willing to build another neck, 2+2 will be much better (and as the above post says, also better for balance, considering the absence of proper horn). Then you have to build another body to reuse the current neck, but that's a different story (and thread) 
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,064
- 45,975
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
IMNSFHO Fenders should all be 2+2 with angled headstocks and so should your build.
Another body is already in process. A nice, boring Swamp Ash Olympic White P Bass.I changed again my vote
On a double cut instrument, like a Fender style bass, I usually like the look of inline tuners and a Fender style headstock. For an instrument with 1 or no cutaways, the symmetry of a 2x2 headstock fits better. Those Fender acoustic guitars with a strat-style headstock look weird to me. But that's just my opinion, if it's your bass then it's your opinion that matters.
Is there a reason you're reconsidering your current build? Is there something wrong with the current neck? If I were this far into a build, I'd probably stick with what I had unless there were something wrong with it. Seems a shame to waste a perfectly fine neck.
Or, you could build a new neck, then build a new body and use this neck on that body, and then you'd have two handmade basses.
Are you sure about that? Seen plenty of "headstock change via gluing on ears and optionally veneers if you don't want the history to show" (in this case, likely "cut away curvy edge and then glue on...") so you could get back to a big ol' paddle which you could shape as desired...
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,064
- 45,975
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
On that note, a 2+2 doesn't necessarily have to be symmetrical either.
To me, a P bass is the most beautiful bass guitar there is. Therefor I voted 'Fender'.
But, the other day I saw the Fodera Monarch P standard and I started drewling immediately. Man, this looks gooooood!
I really dig the massive 2x2 headstock.
Then I came across the Duesenberg Chris Chaney signature bass. Again, the same love, although the headstock is a bit smaler than the Fodera, it's still very attractive.
So now I don't know anymore about them headstocks, be it 2x2 or 4 in a row.
Luckily the two above mentioned basses are beyond my financial capabilities;-)
But, the other day I saw the Fodera Monarch P standard and I started drewling immediately. Man, this looks gooooood!
I really dig the massive 2x2 headstock.
Then I came across the Duesenberg Chris Chaney signature bass. Again, the same love, although the headstock is a bit smaler than the Fodera, it's still very attractive.
So now I don't know anymore about them headstocks, be it 2x2 or 4 in a row.
Luckily the two above mentioned basses are beyond my financial capabilities;-)
I would agree with the 2+2, but I'm with @T_Bone_TL I would probably just modify it by cutting the headstock into a 'V', glue on new ears, veneer the top and back, and no one's the wiser.
Now if you need this neck for another build, that's a whole 'nother story.
Now if you need this neck for another build, that's a whole 'nother story.
That’s a great example, the Fender acoustic. I didn’t even think about that one, lol. It’s cool in its own right, but definitely not a preferred aesthetic.
The neck in the picture is going on a 32” or 33” scale, fretless P Bass. It’s the 2nd neck I’ve built (It still needs lots of shaping, etc.). I prefer fretless because I believe scale length disappears and frets are too difficult for this amateur.
Last edited:
2x2 slot head.
Not my picture, just illustrating.
Not my picture, just illustrating.
That’d be cool. Having to rout that channel is more risk than I’m willing to take, atm. Although, a template would make that easy work, wouldn’t
It seems risky on the surface, but I've been able to somewhat successfully get creative with them.
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/winter-build-off-2020-malefactor-5.1439432/
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/winter-build-off-2020-malefactor-5.1439432/
Here's the thread if you want to see how I did it. Invalid Link Removed
I'm building a Telecaster-style six string and the fretwork does feel a little intimidating. I like what you're doing with the body there, I think the tortoiseshell binding is going to look fantastic! Do you plan to stain the wood, leave it natural, paint it?
