/ Register

Changing a Fretboard Radius. Is it possible?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by Clark Westfield, Dec 18, 2014.

  1. Dec 18, 2014 #1
    Clark Westfield

    Clark Westfield Floyd Pepper is my mentor!

    Jan 30, 2012
    Central New Jersey
    I have an American Special Jazz bass with a 9.5" radius.

    Is it possible to change it to say a 12" or 16" radius without messing up the neck?

    Has anybody heard of this?

    My Schecter has a flatter 16" radius that I love death.

    Or should I just customize a Neck online from Warmouth?
     
  2. Dec 18, 2014 #2
    reverendrally

    reverendrally

    Jun 7, 2008
    Sydney Australia
    Is it possible, but to do it right means a whole re-fret. I'd suggest selling the bass and buying with the radius you like, or as you suggested, buying a warmoth neck.
     
  3. Dec 19, 2014 #3
    Bruce Johnson

    Bruce Johnson Gold Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 4, 2011
    Fillmore, CA
    Professional Luthier
    Costwise, it would be about a $300 job by most Luthiers. That's assuming that there is enough thickness to the fingerboard that it doesn't need to be completely replaced. Not a big deal to do, technically. The marker inlays/dots may need to be replaced, depending on how thick they are.

    So, how much is the neck worth?
     
    hdracer likes this.