• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fretboard dot size?

Blind Dog

Blind Dog

Jun 19, 2010
123
13
Gilbert AZ
#1
Is is common on basses to use a slightly larger fretboard dot? I have been using 1/4" on guitars but I was looking at a picture of an Ampeg bass and they look larger than 1/4" (6.35mm). I am building a Scroll Bass and wasnt it to look similar to the original. I see that LMI sells dots in 7, 8, 9 and 10mm. I looked at my fender basses and they look like 1/4".

These dots look larger than 1/4" to me. maybe it is an optical illusion...
What would look more like this? 7mm (.275") or 8mm (.314")

L1070263.jpg
 
#4
rockelye said:
The dots on my Ampeg AEB-1 are pretty exactly 9,6mm.
Click to expand...

Thanks for checking that for me.

9.6mm = 0.37795"
3/8" = 0.375

Is there any chance you could send me (or post) some close up pictures of the bridge/mystery pickup. From what I have read there is a magnetic pickup in the body with an air gap between that and a piece of thin steel and the bridge is mounted on a bakelite block on top of the thin steel.

Check out my scroll bass build thread if you are interested.

Thanks,
Mike
 
#7
Blind Dog said:
Thanks for checking that for me.

9.6mm = 0.37795"
3/8" = 0.375

Is there any chance you could send me (or post) some close up pictures of the bridge/mystery pickup. From what I have read there is a magnetic pickup in the body with an air gap between that and a piece of thin steel and the bridge is mounted on a bakelite block on top of the thin steel.
Click to expand...

I guess the 3/8" will be the correct measure for the dots.
I´ll take off the pickguard and take some pics of it.
I don´t think I will be able to get pics of the diaphragm pickup itself cause the assembly is screwed to the bass body with some special screws. And from what i have read it is very delicate, and I won´t take the chance to rip off some wires... It looks like the bridge and the saddles are made of aluminum.

I have been following your build thread. Looks very promising, and I have thought of getting a custom built bass in the Ampeg Scroll style for a long time. I´m thinking of ordering one from Bruce Johnson at xstrange.com, but I can´t afford it yet.

If you haven´t talked with Bruce yet, I would definately give him a call.
He´s the leading resource on these basses, and is probably able to answer most of your questions.

Good luck in the building process!

Eirik
 
#8
I was not expecting you to take it apart. Just some close pics of the bridge sitting on the bakelite block from both sides.

I have not contacted Bruce Johnson yet but I have read everything on his website. I will probably get in touch with him at some point.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back