Converting 32" scale to 34"

[Bruce Johnson]

I'm basing measurements on nut to 12th fret to saddle. I assumed its 17" from nut to 12th fret and another 17" to the saddle.

Okay, but the calculation will come out the same. You'll need to move the bridge back 0.594".

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Okay, but the calculation will come out the same. You'll need to move the bridge back 0.594".

If from the 12 fret to the saddles is changing from 16" (32" scale) to 17" (34" scale), why would the saddles not move back 1" (vs. 0.594"). Maybe I'm just being dense and you have to draw me a picture in crayon.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

If you want to know the actual math:

Assuming that both necks are 20 frets, with the heel at the 21st position:
The 32" scale neck will be 22.486" from the nut to the heel.
The 34" scale neck will be 23.892" from the nut to the heel.

That means that, if you seat the 34" scale neck against the heel of the neck pocket, its nut will be moved 1.406" outward. Therefore you'll need to move the bridge back 0.594" to make up the 2" difference in scale length. Not that much, really.

Ok, I see what you're saying about nut to heel being longer, but my method would be to attach the new neck and measure from the 12th fret and mark 17" back.

 

[Aidenn7]

Get painters and tape out the bass.. Plus a right angle ruler.. Tape up the body across to the neck.. A pencil.. And draw a straight line draw the center.. Measure it mounted the bridge with double sided tape.. Mark the holes.. Then double check it.. Maybe able to cover the old holes with existing bridge.. If not try a kickass bridge it's longer..

 

[Aidenn7]

Hipshot Kick Ass bridge in the classifieds now

 

[Rolling Thunder]

If not try a kickass bridge it's longer..

I do plan on a Hipshot Kickass bridge

 

[Aidenn7]

I do plan on a Hipshot Kickass bridge

grab the on in the classifieds

 

[covermego]

Hi, RollingThunder. It would be of great benefit to read this NBD thread I posted back in Feb. It shows a new CV taken apart and a MIM neck installed, just for reference. I did NOT do this to convert to a 34" scale, but just for general info. I hope it can be of use to you!! Have fun with it.
NBD Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass Medium Scale

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Long story short, I want to make a Fender Jag fretless and bought a body on eBay for a great price. This wasn't in the item description but I place full blame on myself....its a Squier Jag and not a MIM Jag. Squiers are 32" and MIM are 34" scale.

I cannot find a 32" scale fretless neck anywhere so is it possible to move the bridge 2" towards the heel and crack open a beer?

Thanks in advance!

Why not? It'll give you some more bite too, being that the pickups are close to the bridge.

Oh, although the placement of the bridge on the body would probably be in the way of your hand. I mean, it would take some getting used to. But, I can't find a reason why you couldn't do it.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

being that the pickups are close to the bridge

The opposite....the pickups would move a smidge towards the neck.

 

[thomas-k]

If from the 12 fret to the saddles is changing from 16" (32" scale) to 17" (34" scale), why would the saddles not move back 1" (vs. 0.594"). Maybe I'm just being dense and you have to draw me a picture in crayon.

Because the length between the 12th fret and the end of the fretboard will be longer on the 34" neck than on the 32" neck, so part of the 1" difference is already there... (the 12th fret is already moved away from the body, if you will...)

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

The opposite....the pickups would move a smidge towards the neck.

Oh yeah, my bad. I was thinking he was making it smaller. Not longer. Thats right

 

[Hopkins]

If from the 12 fret to the saddles is changing from 16" (32" scale) to 17" (34" scale), why would the saddles not move back 1" (vs. 0.594"). Maybe I'm just being dense and you have to draw me a picture in crayon.

Because the 12th fret to the heel of the neck is longer on the 34 scale than the 32. Therefore the 12th fret will be pushed farther away from the body. If the position of the 12th fret was static, then your math would be correct, but that isn't the case

 

[smart51]

Is the fingerboard lined? No? Just move the bridge 2" away from the neck. 32" scale become 34" scale.

 

[yodedude2]

there are some assumptions being made in this thread that ain't necessarily so. here's my advice: if the neck heel fits the body, mount the neck and then measure. you want 34" from the inside edge of the nut to the midpoint of the g-string saddle. allow more room for saddle adjustment away from the nut.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Nope, bad idea.
There are plenty of 32" scale necks available.
Invalid Link Removed
Check the short scale section, plenty of others makers could do it as well.

Don't cobble, do it right, you can thank me later.
Good luck,
Dirk

p.s. lots of curious assumptions and down right incorrect scale confusion in this thread.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Nope, bad idea.
There are plenty of 32" scale necks available.
Invalid Link Removed
Check the short scale section, plenty of others makers could do it as well.

Don't cobble, do it right, you can thank me later.
Good luck,
Dirk

p.s. lots of curious assumptions and down right incorrect scale confusion in this thread.

I want to make a fretless bass from this and so far the only 32" fretless neck has a paddle headstock with no tuner holes (Eden is the maker, I think).

If you see flagrant incorrect assumptions or downright incorrect advice (I know I was corrected here and there), then by all means make it right.

Edit: the neck will also be lined FWIW

 

[yodedude2]

Nope, bad idea.
There are plenty of 32" scale necks available.
Invalid Link Removed
Check the short scale section, plenty of others makers could do it as well.

Don't cobble, do it right, you can thank me later.
Good luck,
Dirk

p.s. lots of curious assumptions and down right incorrect scale confusion in this thread.

to be clear, the warmoth "ss" neck heels are just under 2 & 7/16" wide and do not fit a standard fender without modification: Invalid Link Removed

 

[Loring]

If from the 12 fret to the saddles is changing from 16" (32" scale) to 17" (34" scale), why would the saddles not move back 1" (vs. 0.594"). Maybe I'm just being dense and you have to draw me a picture in crayon.

Because the frets aren’t the same size so you can throw your linear calculation in the trash and go with the .594...

 

[yodedude2]

I want to make a fretless bass from this and so far the only 32" fretless neck has a paddle headstock with no tuner holes (Eden is the maker, I think).

If you see flagrant incorrect assumptions or downright incorrect advice (I know I was corrected here and there), then by all means make it right.

Edit: the neck will also be lined FWIW

i think your best bet is to mount a standard (34") fender-spec fretless neck (assuming the body is also standard fender neck-mount) and then measure to relocate the bridge. also, if you have a standard fender fretted neck around, you could use that to test-fit for bridge location (to make sure there is enough room on the body to relocate the bridge to the proper spot).

or flip the body you have, and get the body you really want, i.e. a standard-spec 34" fender.