Are bass neck radiuses consistent?

[AudioDwebe]

By that, I mean does the radius remain the same all along the neck, or does it change as you go further up or down the neck?

Thanks

 

[Jisch]

There are some basses made with Invalid Link Removeds, but most are simple - the same radius from the top to the bottom of the fretboard.

 

[AudioDwebe]

Thanks, Jisch.

Do you know how to find out what the radius is? Is there a tool for that?

 

[Hpsound]

Hi AudioDwebe
Do you mean the neck or the fretboard? Like Jisch writes, there's compound and "normal" radius (the same radius all along) for fretboard.

Lot's of videos and material on "why" and "how" on eg. youtube.

I'm afraid I don't know of a tool that measures fretboard radius.
Your best option is probably to make (cut) some templates in paper or cardboard and try them on the fretboard you want to measure.

BR
Hasse

 

[Manton Customs]

Generally yes, assuming you are talking about fingerboard radius, most mass produced basses will have one cylindrical radius. The radius can range from anywhere between around 7" to 20"

Here's a tool to measure radius Invalid Link Removed. And here is a link on making your own Link Removed

 

[Harry Cahyadi]

Do you know how to find out what the radius is? Is there a tool for that?

There is. It is called [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. For compound radius, measure at the nut and at the neck heel.

 

[Jisch]

While there are radius guides, it really shouldn't be too hard to determine what radius is on your bass - take a piece of paper and trace the radius, then take a string and a pencil and find the appropriate length of string that matches the arc of the line you traced from the fretboard. It's not going to be 100% accurate, but you can probably get pretty close.

 

[AudioDwebe]

Thanks, everyone.

I'm thinking of giving a defret a shot and was curious as to how ro get the fingerboard sanded properly. Turns out the bass I am considering for this operation has a compound radius (at least the builder indicated in a thread that his five strings are radiused ar 12 at the nut and 18 at the 24th fret.

I should take it to a pro, but I've really enjoyed hacking away at one bass sinking the bridge down and reducing the neck thickness on another bass over Xmas time off. It was both relaxing and enjoyable.

So I'm really tempted to give it a go. The only concern is that the bass I am considering for this operation is made by one of the highly regarded luthiers in this forum with a new price tag for the bass north of the 4k range (I think). I didn't pay that much, but still, very expensive basses.

On second thought, I should just take it to Mike Lull's shop in Bellevue.

 

[Beej]

It's your bass, do what you like. There are those who don't like compound radii, so as a third option, note you can just take it back to a single radius if you like...

 

[Manton Customs]

Thanks, everyone.

I'm thinking of giving a defret a shot and was curious as to how ro get the fingerboard sanded properly. Turns out the bass I am considering for this operation has a compound radius (at least the builder indicated in a thread that his five strings are radiused ar 12 at the nut and 18 at the 24th fret.

I should take it to a pro, but I've really enjoyed hacking away at one bass sinking the bridge down and reducing the neck thickness on another bass over Xmas time off. It was both relaxing and enjoyable.

So I'm really tempted to give it a go. The only concern is that the bass I am considering for this operation is made by one of the highly regarded luthiers in this forum with a new price tag for the bass north of the 4k range (I think). I didn't pay that much, but still, very expensive basses.

On second thought, I should just take it to Mike Lull's shop in Bellevue.

Yep, I'd definitely recommend taking it to a luthier. It's quite a complex process leveling the board of a fretless to get it to play it's best. Also if the bass cost that kind of money it'd be well worth the expense .