Good point, Roger. I thought perhaps that it might color a person's overall tonal perception of the instrument. But specificity = accuracy.
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IMHO/IME/YMMV plek is one specific way to think about how the frets should be leveled that includes (or really, removes the variable) consideration of how the neck bends, so it is somebodys definition of perfect. But I find with low action you get a ping/clack in the highs instead of spank or stank, that is not what inspires me musically. I have had a bunch of laklands and the best, for me, were all hand fretted. The neck bends up naturally from the flat surface created during the fret level, so you are playing YOUR BASS instead of a computer scrubbed version of your bass.
A word from Roger Sadowsky (about the Buzz Feiten System and Plek)... "There is no machine on the planet that can do better fretwork than Sadowsky Guitars."
Why are there so few Sadowskys in 24 frets? I really love the sound of my Metro MV5 but I need 24 frets because my arm and chest muscles are too bulky and it makes me have to strain/push my arms to the left to reach the 21st fret. It seems like 24 frets is a custom order.
I tried different straps and positions and it's just not comfortable enough. Being fair, this is something I noticed with every 21 fret bass I own. The thing is, Sadowsky without slap is like a steak dinner without steak. Would 24 frets alter the sound at all?
Thanks for all information in advance.
I tried different straps and positions and it's just not comfortable enough. Being fair, this is something I noticed with every 21 fret bass I own. The thing is, Sadowsky without slap is like a steak dinner without steak. Would 24 frets alter the sound at all?
Thanks for all information in advance.
I like plek. It quantifies what I "feel". After assessing my bass with a plek machine, the numbers show what type of setup I like. Obviously some guitars have horrible fretwork, like my Ibanez(s) and need to have their frets shaved. But some are perfect out of the box such as the Metro MV5, Nordstrand Headless, cheap Bacchus, Xotic, etc etc.
Plek machine has actually allowed me to settle on a setup that is perfect for me. To me it's just a way of allocating alphanumeric signs to tactile sense that most people were calling "feeling". It's made my life much easier, after all numbers don't lie, unless you're a politician.
Plek machine has actually allowed me to settle on a setup that is perfect for me. To me it's just a way of allocating alphanumeric signs to tactile sense that most people were calling "feeling". It's made my life much easier, after all numbers don't lie, unless you're a politician.
Rg. plek: a good fret job is a good fret job, regardless if being done manually or by a machine.
I have played very good plekked necks, and also great manual factory fret jobs (Sadowsky being one of them).
The plekk machine is just another tool that helps builders achieving the desired results rg. quality, accuracy, cost,
reproducibility. I understand Rogers viewpoint rg. the plekk machine not being compatible with his business model,
he has a good point. However, I would say that proper use of a plekk machine (including manual final quality control)
matches manual fret work.
You could make the same case rg. CNC vs. manual routing of wood.
My MV5-24 JJ sounds amazing slapped (and every other way).
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Although 24 frets is not typical, both the NYC shop and Japan build 24 fret versions. In particular, Bass San Diego seems to have decided that they like the JJ 24 fret 5's, and they have been maintaining a few in their inventory. Nice looking basses. I like the black one.
Regarding the utility of 24 fret basses, that of course, depends on the gig. Most cover gigs don't require the additional range. I like it because I still haven't let go of the concept that I might find a gig playing Real Book tunes again down the road; and I use that part of the scale for some of the heads. So, the NYC order I just placed is for a 24 fret instrument. But, in truth, those gigs seem to be much less in demand. And, one can usually get away with playing those parts down an octave. So, I see 24 frets as "nice to have" vs "need to have." YMMV
My WLs have 22, which I like: and octave and min 7th range on each string. Kinda makes sense to me, conceptually.
I've heard having 24 frets tends to push your slapping hand farther toward the bridge (since the popping fingers need to be off the end of the fingerboard), and the tone is a bit different because of that. Guess some folks like the difference, and some don't.
I've heard having 24 frets tends to push your slapping hand farther toward the bridge (since the popping fingers need to be off the end of the fingerboard), and the tone is a bit different because of that. Guess some folks like the difference, and some don't.
Your slap tone will be different if, like most bassists, you tend to slap/pop near the edge of the fingerboard. What will also be different is the feel of slapping/popping (the strings are more taut the closer you get to the bridge).
Amen. I have one 24-fret bass. The best thing about the topmost frets is that I can more easily reach the 20th and 21st frets on the rare occasions when I go up to the dusty end of the fretboard.
Amen. I have one 24-fret bass. The best thing about the topmost frets is that I can more easily reach the 20th and 21st frets on the rare occasions when I go up to the dusty end of the fretboard.
I totally understand. I recently debated having a 26 fret made just so that I can access the 24 frets easier. Then the luthier who knows me well laughed and said, then what next? No need to slap? 26? 28? 30? How about a 36, 37, 38, 39 inch neck. LOL I guess somewhere along the way, I need to stop before I lose sight of the edge of the cliff.
That is mainly correct; but, also kind of depends on what your slapping tone goals are. For sure, the "Marcus" slap sound is best with the thump up around the 15th - 17th fret or thereabouts. But, OTOH, my main 5 is an early Hollywood Tobias with a 24 fret neck; and it has an outstanding slap character. So, really depends on the instrument and what the goals are. IMO/E
Thank you guys for the replies about the 24 fret Sadowsky. I really love the sound of the 21 and was going to finance the 24 by selling the 21. I will most likely order the 24 sometime in October but won't sell the 21 till I can get my hands on the 24. It would be a disaster to have to buy another 21.
Anyway once again thanks all the information.
Anyway once again thanks all the information.
For sure, and I don't necessarily think one sound is "better" than the other. I love Marcus' slap tone (and that Fendery slap tone in general) but a lot of my favourite slappers are known to use 24 fretters. As a player I think it's more a matter of getting used to any difference between 21 and 24 frets that might exist (besides the number of frets, of course!). I always get thrown a bit moving from 21 frets to 24 when it comes to slapping, but I can definitely enjoy both experiences. I generally play 21 fret basses but also love the sound of my Sadowsky Modern slapped.
- Apr 3, 2003
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Happy birthday to Sam Sadowsky!
