Adding a neck tilt to a MIM 5 string Jazz

[Mo Boogs]

I recently picked up an old 2000 MIM 5 string Jazz Bass. The action felt a little high and noticed the curve in the neck so i tightened the truss and lowered the saddles. I got the neck straight as an arrow but noticed the action is still kinda high. Is it possible to add an adjustable tilt screw to these rather than shimming? Wondering if that’s an easy install?

 

[MCF]

Just shim it.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Shimming is easier. The tilt would mean drilling through the neck pocket for a set screw then countersinking a T-nut inside the neck pocket for the set screw to thread into. Then drill into the neck heel and epoxy in a metal stop for the set screw to bear against and actually tilt the neck. Then you’ll need to drill an access hole through the neck plate so you can get to the set screw and adjust it. All of that may or may not require some finish touch up on the body where you drilled.

 

[Blues Bass 2]

Shimming can be real easy . Just take a business card and cut it to fit in the neck pocket . You wouldn't think that thin little card would raise the neck enough to make a difference but it does .Way easier than the tilt .

I had several USA Peavey Milleniums that were great builds but the Hipshot bridge saddles were bottomed out to get a real low action . The card shim worked every time , no lie .

 

[Mo Boogs]

Is this already partially set up for a tilt? Feels like a round metal pad in the neck.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

View attachment 5417364 Is this already partially set up for a tilt? Feels like a round metal pad in the neck.

I think it’s the truss rod anchor but the tilt screw could bear against that and probably be fine.