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A quick question...

T

Thrashterpiece

Nov 26, 2007
6
1
www.facebook.com
#1
Hey everyone,
Ive been a lurker on here for about 3/4 a year now and Im slowly working my way up to building my own bass but I have a question for you guys.
Is there any particular reason that the majority of the basses built here are neck-through? Is it just personal preference or is it easier to do that? Thanks in advance for reading and replying.
Ian
 
#2
You will find builders in all three styles that players claim to be the best: Fender, Fodera, and Alembic for examples. All three are good as long as the builder is good.

I prefer neck-throughs for the feel and look of the instrument. It also helps that anyone playing my instruments thinks that they are great. ;)
 
#3
Some say neck through is easier, these are usually those who don't finish, or find what they built is unplayable. You can buy templates for every aspect of a bolt on thus giving you a greater chance at success. The real key is planning and preparation. The better prepared you are the better chance you complete the task.
 
#4
I do bolt on because I followed the clasic fender example and even though I should try other methods I have stuck with it. I also prefer oil finish on my necks and I can't oil finish all my bodies so a neck through might be sort of trouble come finish time...t
 
#5
Musiclogic said:
Some say neck through is easier, these are usually those who don't finish, or find what they built is unplayable. You can buy templates for every aspect of a bolt on thus giving you a greater chance at success. The real key is planning and preparation. The better prepared you are the better chance you complete the task.
Click to expand...


That's what I thought when I decided to do my first build (and second) - that neck-thru is 'easier'.

Now that I'm about finished with my 2nd, I see that it's all relative. Each style has it's challenges and benefits. I've had good luck with my two neck-thrus thanks to a lot of study and good advice from fellow TB'ers.

My next build (don't tell my wife) will probably be a bolt-on. I'm seeing a great deal of value in being able to separate the neck from the body and I want to explore that side of life soon.
 
#6
I am still in the planning stages myself. I have drawn up 3 sets of plans for 3 different instruments all with different neck styles. After looking at some of the tutorials here and reading the Koch book, I am not convinced one is easier than the other. While I prefer the look of a neck through I am leaninging towards a set neck or bolt-on. It may allow for some beginner's error and correction, IMO.

I have spent several hours with paper building scale cutouts and trying to line up the necks. I have moved onto MDF and I am doing the same. Hopefully, the practice will insure an easier build. Notice, I did not say perfect.
 
#7
I'm not an expert luthier but I don't think neck through is easier. Some might considering it the mark of a higher quality bass, and some would say it has more sustain and 'better' 'tone.'
It works with the theory that the wood itself is a crucial part of the tone of the instrument and that the closer an instrument is to an ideal single piece of wood, the better.
Maybe.
IMHO, YOMV, etc.
 
#8
For me, neck trough only needs more plannig as if something goes wrong, you must restart from scratch, wich can be a pain in the final stages like finishing...

With bolt-on, if you mess your neck, you just make and screw (???) another one. (same with the body).
 

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