I'm with you. I'd like to start switching to short scale but I'll never leave aluminum necks/instruments behind. We need more short scale in the aluminum community
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Aluminum Neck Club
- Thread starter oZZma
- Start date
D'ya reckon? Most SSers seem to be traditionalists more inclined to FSOs and I'm not sure an Al neck fits into that paradigm. As it's CNC generated it wouldn't be too much work to generate the file and have it ready though, same with 5 string 34" and from a commercial POV, both would make sense for a small scale operator.
Well... can you say Kramer "The Duke"? Not only are they aluminum necked short scales, they're headless, too. I really like mine (the Deluxe or Special model - depends on the year). Not only is there usually no neck dive, mine is actually butt heavy. I have to hold the neck down just a hair. Kinda weird the first time I played the thing...
I think it's more of the companies having to invest the time, money, and research into making custom jigs and operating procedures for the routing and then not really knowing what the current market demand is for it. As well there probably isn't standard dimensions set across the board for a SS neck pockets, as I'm not sure if even Fender has a consistent pocket dimensions across their SS line. And ya, SS'rs could be more in the traditionalist camp in that sense. I can't imagine there is a lot of people wanting aluminum necks on theirs - except for the crazies like me
You are not in a club of one there. I'd have one too.
Well... can you say Kramer "The Duke"? Not only are they aluminum necked short scales, they're headless, too. I really like mine (the Deluxe or Special model - depends on the year). Not only is there usually no neck dive, mine is actually butt heavy. I have to hold the neck down just a hair. Kinda weird the first time I played the thing...
Their flying V and 8 string basses are shorties as well. All the 24 fret necks are SS.
17. Q? Aluminum Neck Hartke Bass XK-4. With Hot Dots. High Resolution (Zoom In).Travis Bean, Kramer and Electrical Guitar Company owners and lovers unite!! I see there are many on TB but I can't find a "club" in the search so I created It!Welcome everybody! If you want to join and be listed just state the aluminum neck bass you own!
Photos are very welcome too!
I'd like to start the discussion asking you: what kind of strings do you use on your aluminum neck bass? I think the choice may affect significantly the "voice" of any instrument and more significantly on these ones which are really unforgiving ones!
I currently use Daddario ProSteels (heavy gauge), I loved their sound on my previous bass (Fender Jaguar) but I'm a newbie to aluminum necks and looking for more options and suggestions!
--- the club! ---
1. Bob_Ross (lusting for) Travis Bean TB-2000
2. GIBrat51 ('78 Kramer 450B and '81 Kramer Duke Special
3. oZZma ('83 Kramer Stagemaster)
4. A9X (Kramer DMZ5000)
5. mikewalker ('81 Kramer Vanguard, Vaccaro X-Ray, '02 Hartke HK-4, Hartke XL-4 Prototype #46)
6. cdwthunderfoot (EGC guitar+bass - coming soon!)
7. cataract (Obstructures prototype - coming soon!)
8. Jeff Scott ('76 Kramer 350B, sold)
9. Todd Hamby (Kramer 650B, Kramer 450B)
10. Boot Soul (Travis Bean TB2000)
11. hbarcat (Hartke - coming soon!)
12. saltymonkey (Travis Bean TB2000)
13. singlemalt ('76 Kramer 450B)
14. slantedpanted (Kramer)
15. Phud (Kramer 450B)
16. saddleslab (Travis Bean TB2000)
I've got a Robot Graves Industries neck on the way.. kind of an impulse purchase but couldn't pass it up. Decided to pick up a new Charcoal Frost Metallic Squier PJ to use as the body.. snazz level 100!!
Already eyeing new pickups as well. Gonna see how the stock ceramic ones sound but have a feeling they'll be swapped out soon enough.
I'm also wheelin' & dealin' for another P body to pair with the neck I pull from the PJ.. literally knee deep in basses *** lol
Already eyeing new pickups as well. Gonna see how the stock ceramic ones sound but have a feeling they'll be swapped out soon enough.
I'm also wheelin' & dealin' for another P body to pair with the neck I pull from the PJ.. literally knee deep in basses *** lol
Last edited:
I don't have it anymore (wish I did!), this was my Kramer fretless. This was my main bass for many years and through music college. It was actually used for a few songs by Percy Jones, my band opened for him in NY and he asked me if he could try it on a few tunes.
THAT is awesome! When Percy Jones asks to borrow your bass, there is only one right response.
Rad photo! I've seen this one before but can't place where (prolly here..)
Love it!
Nice!
Haha I just bought a Squier Jazz in Charcoal Frost as a beater bass. My main bass was just sent away for some (aluminum) custom work
.I have a soft spot for Charcoal Frost - that and green basses, particularly British Racing Green (or similar). That was the color of my old go-to bass.
This isn't mine, but I've loved it from afar: http://www.harvesterguitars.com/completed/harvester-antonio-phantom-bass/
Interesting bass.
Once I have the CNC sorted, I've wanted to try working with aluminium for instruments. I like the neckthrough with that one and the angled headstock but I'd wondered about doing a scarf joint using structural adhesives like on aircraft.
Once I have the CNC sorted, I've wanted to try working with aluminium for instruments. I like the neckthrough with that one and the angled headstock but I'd wondered about doing a scarf joint using structural adhesives like on aircraft.
Let me know what you think of the Charcoal Frost Jazz! I was going to get one of those instead of the PJ but changed my mind last second.Nice!
Haha I just bought a Squier Jazz in Charcoal Frost as a beater bass. My main bass was just sent away for some (aluminum) custom work
I have a soft spot for Charcoal Frost - that and green basses, particularly British Racing Green (or similar). That was the color of my old go-to bass.
+1 on that British Racing Green as well. Top notch!
