Build kits

[Gilmourisgod]

My first real bass build was neck through, so I dont have much basis for comparison, the risk factor is much higher, of course. I dont see the point in set necks over bolt on, always seemed like an iterim solution that negated the second-chance opportunities of bolt on, but doesnt get you the heel-carve advantage of a neck through. If the neck pickup is tight to the fingerboard, you end up hogging out a chunk of the set neck tenon for the pup route. I must be missing something, whats the advantage of set neck?

 

[Slidlow]

I must be missing something, whats the advantage of set neck?

I believe Carl Thonpson does set necks? Doesn't Fodera and others? What you get out of a set neck depends on how it is implemented. It is possible to do set neck and get all the advantages(disadvantages?) of neck through without having to use large pieces of wood. Here is an example (though it is not necesarry to carry the neck through to the bridge). Done here more for the look then anything else.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Damn i love that body shape. I suppose a longer tenon extending into the body would get you more glue area without needing a 42" length of wood. That one sure as hell looks like a neck through.

 

[Slidlow]

Damn i love that body shape. I suppose a longer tenon extending into the body would get you more glue area without needing a 42" length of wood. That one sure as hell looks like a neck through.

Yes it does look pretty! This was a lefty project and an exercise in salvage. The neck is laminated bowling alley salvaged wood and the body is off cuts from another ash project. The walnut top is from a spoiled build (back of a righty body) some time ago. Here is how the center block was joined up and when the neck was added the whole assembly is treated as a neck through with the body wings attached after.

 

[Steve-D]

I believe Carl Thonpson does set necks? Doesn't Fodera and others? What you get out of a set neck depends on how it is implemented. It is possible to do set neck and get all the advantages(disadvantages?) of neck through without having to use large pieces of wood. Here is an example (though it is not necesarry to carry the neck through to the bridge). Done here more for the look then anything else.View attachment 4176447 View attachment 4176448

Beautiful

 

[tr4252]

Ok, I keep hearing that I shouldn’t start out making a set neck bass for my first build. While I see where a bolt on would be easier to get the alignment right I wonder how hard it is to get the set neck right. Any thoughts?

I was concerned about that when I bought the kit I mentioned previously. On a Les Paul, the bridge and tailpiece holes are drilled, and the neck is a snug slip fit. No wiggle room there, but I felt the need to know as soon as possible in case it had to go back. I couldn't waste time working on it if defective, so I did the following.

I made up a set of bushings for the tailpiece and bridge, snug but not a press fit so I could get them in and out easily. Then I installed the high and low string tuners, and the E strings from the kit , and clamped the neck in place with just enough pressure to hold it there . I only tightened the strings enough to straighten them out.

As I said earlier, the alignment was just about dead nuts, but it was essential to know that before I started the real work, and the clock was ticking on their return policy. Also, I'm (part) machinist, so it was no great task. 4 months have gone by and I haven't glued the neck yet. So, I'm saying that the first step with a kit is to make sure it's worth working on.

Why the mystique of a set neck? Well, they have so much to offer;
The fact that they are set in stone once they are glued. Sure, it could be redone, but this was supposed to be a 20 minute task, not a 2 week rehab job, remember?
It can be a messy process.
Changing necks like a bolt on you shouldn't think about.
Some snobs like them.
You have to mask whatever you're going to glue, if you are applying finishes before final assembly.
etc....

Bolt ons? Thank you Leo Fender.

Tom

 

[Steve-D]

I was concerned about that when I bought the kit I mentioned previously. On a Les Paul, the bridge and tailpiece holes are drilled, and the neck is a snug slip fit. No wiggle room there, but I felt the need to know as soon as possible in case it had to go back. I couldn't waste time working on it if defective, so I did the following.

I made up a set of bushings for the tailpiece and bridge, snug but not a press fit so I could get them in and out easily. Then I installed the high and low string tuners, and the E strings from the kit , and clamped the neck in place with just enough pressure to hold it there . I only tightened the strings enough to straighten them out.

As I said earlier, the alignment was just about dead nuts, but it was essential to know that before I started the real work, and the clock was ticking on their return policy. Also, I'm (part) machinist, so it was no great task. 4 months have gone by and I haven't glued the neck yet. So, I'm saying that the first step with a kit is to make sure it's worth working on.

Why the mystique of a set neck? Well, they have so much to offer;
The fact that they are set in stone once they are glued. Sure, it could be redone, but this was supposed to be a 20 minute task, not a 2 week rehab job, remember?
It can be a messy process.
Changing necks like a bolt on you shouldn't think about.
Some snobs like them.
You have to mask whatever you're going to glue, if you are applying finishes before final assembly.
etc....

Bolt ons? Thank you Leo Fender.

Tom

Thanks for the advice. I know I wouldn’t have thought of doing that. Now it will be the first thing I do. I have 2 set neck basses and a bolt on, really can’t tell much difference in the sustain or playability. I didn’t pick the kit for set or bolt on neck, picked it because I like the shape of the SG body. Some day I hope to afford a Gibson SG.