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Bronco neck pocket vs. Jazz or Precision?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by HeavyDuty, Oct 29, 2001.

  1. Oct 29, 2001 #1
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    In my search for an affordable maple-boarded shortscale bass, I've repeatedly hit on the idea of using a Squire Bronco neck on a Warmoth body. I'd prefer 32" scale, but that would really be Customville.

    Has anyone ever compared the neck pocket of a Bronco against that of a Jazz or Precision? For all I know, a Bronco has a Strat sized neck pocket.

    Also, if anyone has a spare Bronco neck lying around for cheap, let me know, please!
     
  2. Oct 29, 2001 #2
    Muttluk

    Muttluk

    Jan 19, 2000
    Oakland, California
    I highly doubt this would work. unless you bought a special body for the neck to go along wiht, you'd have horribly wrong intonation the whole time, no matter what. the frets would have been measured out on the bronco neck for a 32" scale bass. The body takes of some of the size. If you put a full scale body on there, it may though it off. Even if the lenght only changes by a inch, or half an inch, you'll have trouble setting your intonation correctly.
     
  3. Oct 29, 2001 #3
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    Muttluk, as long as the distance from the nut to the bridge is measured carefully, it will work.

    Worst case, you could wind up with the bridge up past where the bridge pickup normally is, which might looki kind of funny with all of that body behind the bridge. Of course, a Sadowsky/Jazz Deluxe style small body could help with that.

    HeavyDuty, if no Bronco owners answer this thread, it would probably be best to call Warmoth and ask them. They are very helpful, and will make anything that you want, if you are willing to pay for it.
     
  4. Oct 29, 2001 #4
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    Twice now, I've tried waiving money in Warmoth's face (OK, a Visa card number) to see if they'd make me a short-scale neck. No soap. They say there's no way they can do it.

    Muttluk, embellisher has it right AFAIK. All I need to do is specify that the body not be drilled for a bridge, and I'm set. A 30" scale Bronco neck is far from ideal, but it's at least relatively common.

    Unless, of course, someone wants to buy me an Alembic ;) .
     
  5. Oct 29, 2001 #5
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    HD, I meant that they may be able to make a body with a neck pocket sized for a Bronco neck, if it turns out to be a different size than the full scale Fenders.
     
  6. Nov 2, 2001 #6
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    Hmmm. Now I wonder if a Bronco DOES have the same pocket as a Strat.

    If it does, that opens up a whole universe of Warmoth body styles, as long as I'm willing to do my own pickup rout.
     
  7. Nov 8, 2001 #7
    dgce

    dgce

    Jun 17, 2001
    Massachusetts, USA
    HD,

    Why not just buy a Bronco or old Fender Mustang, or whatever have you with a short scale neck and then upgrade the electronics and bridge if need be. I'm sure it would be far more cost-effective and likely better intonation-wise than dealing with Warmouth.

    Here's a question for ya, must it be a Fender style ax with maple board? I know Jackson had a Les Paul Jr. style body bass with one Music Man styled humbucker in the bridge that was short scale that looked pretty cool. There's always Guild semi-hollow body basses (or DeArmond if you can't blow over a grand). Speaking of De Armond, they also have those weird bat-like-coffee table shaped bases with a short scale neck with either two US made J-like pickups or one P pickup. Oh yeah, Fender had a Mexican Urge bass with a short scale neck (much cheaper than the US Stu Hamm Urge). And, of course, if you prefer a more fartier tone, there's always old Gibson.

    Ron
     
  8. Nov 8, 2001 #8
    HeavyDuty

    HeavyDuty Supporting Curmudgeon Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jun 26, 2000
    Central Texas
    Hi, Ron -

    I've considered working with a Mustang or Bronco, but they're just so cheesy! I do already have a DeArmond Starfire, but the thought of one of those "Gumby" basses they make leaves me cold.

    I wasn't aware of the Jackson - I take it that it was similar to their JJ guitar. They make/made the JJ with a maple board, so there's hope. I'll research it - thanks for the tip.

    Yep, this one's gotta be maple. I'm on the trail of a neck-maker that claims they can do me a 32" scale for a small additional amount, but I haven't heard back from them yet.

    Since I started this thread, I learned of the Urge basses. I would definitely like to try one of the MIM ones - but that's to scratch a different itch (the J-bass one), not this one!

    Thanks for the ideas...
     
  9. Nov 8, 2001 #9
    dgce

    dgce

    Jun 17, 2001
    Massachusetts, USA
    Dude,

    Saw this short scale Hamer on eBay.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1483168744

    Oh yeah, I've tried the De Armond Jetstar. Yeah, a bit weird looking, but I was surprised at the kick-butt thump I got out of it. Looked ok in black and the price was right. Give it another try.

    Also, there is an article in an old Bass Player mag that tested something like 13 or so short scale basses. I'll try to find the issue at home and let you know. I think its from over a year ago. Pretty cool article if you can find the mag. Good pictures too.

    And don't forget vintage Guild and Gibson basses are out there.

    Good luck

    Ron