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RE: Fret Sprout
Fret sprout is a very common issue for fretted instruments of all types, it's the result of the neck and fingerboard reacting to a change in the environment. The only time I haven't had an issue with it is on bound necks, but I've only had a few instruments with bound necks.
I do my own work on instruments so, when fret sprout happens, I just file down the fret ends, dress them and move on. Since that's not an option for most, the only other solutions are to have another do the work or send the instrument back and get another but it's still possible that at sometime the frets will sprout.
Fret sprout is a very common issue for fretted instruments of all types, it's the result of the neck and fingerboard reacting to a change in the environment. The only time I haven't had an issue with it is on bound necks, but I've only had a few instruments with bound necks.
I do my own work on instruments so, when fret sprout happens, I just file down the fret ends, dress them and move on. Since that's not an option for most, the only other solutions are to have another do the work or send the instrument back and get another but it's still possible that at sometime the frets will sprout.
What I wonder about is if the fretboard shrinks in dry air, you dress them, then the air gets more humid, is there an opposite phenomenon to fret sprout that can occur, like “fret shrink”?
Yes, it's possible that the wood can expand with humidity and sometimes gaps can be seen/felt at the ends of the fret slots but they're much less annoying or injurious than the sharp fret ends, besides come winter the fingerboard will most likely shrink again.
I live at D'Shaw so our weather can vary quite a bit and in the deep cold, dry air of this winter I've noticed some fret sprout on instruments I haven't had the issue with before.
Both were lined fretless. Dropped the second one at the UPS Store just now. Not certain of my next move.
Oh well, I'm too late.
I was going to offer you my two cents that, in the case of fretless, if you were enjoying the bass otherwise, this is so easy to rectify yourself.
True. It's not that would have been so bad to reglue the loose "fret," then tape off the sprouted "frets" and file them down BUT ... on the principle of the thing I would like GoldTone to figure out a way to get me a bass in the best possible condition.Oh well, I'm too late.
I was going to offer you my two cents that, in the case of fretless, if you were enjoying the bass otherwise, this is so easy to rectify yourself.
I do love this bass. I just don't think I should have to fix a brand-new one. Maybe I could order one via an authorized dealer and make them promise to reglue and loose frets and file any fret edges that occur when it comes in?
No, of course you should not have to fix a brand new instrument, and certainly should not pay to have someone fix it.
The Goldtone is reasonably priced but 400 USD or so is not chump change either, so it is not at all unreasonable to have the expectation the newly purchased instrument will play and function properly and have no need for repairs.
Now that I have a "good one" I am very happy with mine and as I mentioned before highly reccomend the microbass, just be sure to check it out to make sure it is good to go.
The Goldtone is reasonably priced but 400 USD or so is not chump change either, so it is not at all unreasonable to have the expectation the newly purchased instrument will play and function properly and have no need for repairs.
Now that I have a "good one" I am very happy with mine and as I mentioned before highly reccomend the microbass, just be sure to check it out to make sure it is good to go.
No one should Have to get it fixed themselves, but, in some cases, it Could be a more fun path than shipping another bass back.
I'm debating whether to order a third one from Amazon or do it via an authorized GT dealer, or just dang it all to heck and get the 5-string Ibanez MikroBass I've been thinking about!
I wonder what replacement strings are available for the Ibanez Mikro. The Fender P-Bass Jr. has almost the same scale length, but since it's strung through the body you can use most 30" scale sets.
Ahh, but there is another option now.
Thanks to Curt Mangan.
If one is willing to buy a 3 pack, he'll build strings for that Mikro.
Everyone will thank me later.
I think Jason of bassstringsonline.com says he has a couple of sets, including LaBellas, that will fit the MikroBass 5.
Ahh, but there is another option now.
Thanks to Curt Mangan.
If one is willing to buy a 3 pack, he'll build strings for that Mikro.
Everyone will thank me later.
Does Curt offer flats and/or tapes?
Well, I just pulled the trigger again: Fretless GT MicroBass from Amazon. Let's hope third time's a charm; if not, I'll get out the Elmer's wood glue, painter's tape, and emery boards and make some repairs.
Considered, yes. Then I decided I've waited long enough, and worst comes to worst I'll engage the services of a good luthier or guitar tech.
I need to have this bass. It's so lightweight and fun to play; will feel right at home in acoustic/bluegrass settings; looks cool; sounds fantastic; and the 23" scale length is, as many have pointed out, so much more serviceable than anything shorter.
