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Extra thin neck on old bass

Discussion in 'Setup & Repair [DB]' started by Doug D, Apr 18, 2012.

  1. Apr 18, 2012 #1
    Doug D

    Doug D

    Oct 23, 2007
    Birmingham, Alabama
    I've been asking a lot of questions lately about my latest project; an older flatback upright.

    this time its about the neck width at the nut.

    this one measures 37.5 mm give or take....and the reference material I have states that normal is around 42mm (which is only 5 or so mm different..... but this old bass seems A LOT thinner than standard).

    Has anyone heard of adding material to the side of the neck and carving it into the neck profile (I'm adding a new FB too which should help)

    Only other option would be to do a scroll graft?
     
  2. Apr 18, 2012 #2
    james condino

    james condino Spruce dork Commercial User

    Sep 30, 2007
    asheville, nc
    Doug:

    Where are you in the southeast?

    If you are already putting a new fingerboard on, you could flare the edges so that the profile is wider and sneak the 2.5 mm on each side.
     
  3. Apr 18, 2012 #3
    Matthew Tucker

    Matthew Tucker Commercial User

    Aug 21, 2002
    Sydney, Australia
    Owner: Bresque Basses, Sydney Basses and Cellos
    Are you measuring the neck width or the fingerboard width? Was the previous board shaped like james said, flaring outwards to a more standard width at the board surface? If so, it probably wasn't built like that, more likely someone "thinned" it from the sides. You could always start by adding 1/8" maple shim on top of the neck, to reinforce the neck and build it up a little, start the flare into the shim and continue into the ebony.
     
  4. Apr 19, 2012 #4
    Doug D

    Doug D

    Oct 23, 2007
    Birmingham, Alabama
    measuring at the fingerboard width. the previous board has a small bit of flair and yes, definately was planning on including more on the new board but didn't want it to feel drastically different.

    I worked on an old Kay factory 5 string and it was basically a wide board on a standard 4 string neck. Felt like about a quarter inch overhang on each edge of the board. not exactly what I'm looking for.

    and I'm fairly sure this board/neck was reshaped because when siting down the edges, they curve in towards the nut.

    including a reference picture....
     

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