5 String neck design

[Snort]

I am in the process of building a new 5 string bass (Tuned EADGC). This one unlike my previous builds will be a bolt on, Firstly I am considering inserts, will 4 be enough or would I be better with 5 or even 6?

Secondly I am considering which way around to put the truss rod i.e. Heal or headstock. If I go with the heal route will this potentially weaken the area around the bolt in portion?

 

[HaMMerHeD]

For inserts, I think 4 would be fine. I've seen many 5 and 6 string basses with only 4 neck screws, so I don't think adding more screws is what makes the difference for strength there. I think the larger concern is the distance between the screws closer to the headstock and the screws closer to the bridge.

The heel of the neck is the heaviest, most substantial part of the neck, so I wouldn't worry about it. But the neck/head joint is generally one of the smallest, thinnest parts of the neck, so there may be some legitimate concern about weakening the headstock with the truss rod access port. I know of a few builders who put the adjustment at the heel because of this.

 

[Snort]

Thanks Hammerhead, I think I will try the heal mounted rod.