• 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.

Guitar body, bass neck...possible?

L

LotusCarsLtd52

Dec 6, 2009
398
1
#1
I still haven't found any instrument unique enough for my tastes. So after looking at the thread on converting a Strat to a bass, is it possible to take a Telecaster body and put-on a 30" scale neck, either off of a Mustang/Bronco/Musicmaster or to have a luthier make a custom neck?

I know the neck pocket would definitely need to be routed more but are there any other restrictions?

The biggest concern for me is if the proportions of all the parts would be correct.
 
#2
stratobass.jpg


I barely had to trim the neck pocket at all to get this bronco neck to fit. Fender basses and guitars use the same neck plate, so the necks are close to the same size.

Everything went together fairly well, you should expect a little bit of difficulty in shimming the neck pocket and stuff. One thing I ran into that surprised me was I had to order a musicmaster bridge because a stock fender bridge is too wide for the bronco neck.
 
#3
Meyatch said:
stratobass.jpg


I barely had to trim the neck pocket at all to get this bronco neck to fit. Fender basses and guitars use the same neck plate, so the necks are close to the same size.

Everything went together fairly well, you should expect a little bit of difficulty in shimming the neck pocket and stuff. One thing I ran into that surprised me was I had to order a musicmaster bridge because a stock fender bridge is too wide for the bronco neck.
Click to expand...

That looks nice and the proportions are great! The thing that sorta bothers me about some short scales is that the proportions don't look right at all but that definitely looks like a long scale.

I could also see standard bridges being too wide...did you try looking for Musicmaster and Bronco bridges? Or maybe other aftermarket short scale bridges?
 
#4
LotusCarsLtd52 said:
I still haven't found any instrument unique enough for my tastes. So after looking at the thread on converting a Strat to a bass, is it possible to take a Telecaster body and put-on a 30" scale neck, either off of a Mustang/Bronco/Musicmaster or to have a luthier make a custom neck?

I know the neck pocket would definitely need to be routed more but are there any other restrictions?

The biggest concern for me is if the proportions of all the parts would be correct.
Click to expand...

Hey Lotus...
Do a search tele basses and for postings from the following members:
ThaLowEndTheory
Rhomco

.....and there is also Tim Armstrong (can't remember his screen-name though...)

All have built tele basses using guitar bodies and short scale necks (bronco and rondo), and all look incredible.

Here is one thread...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=612664&highlight=tele

I am sure there are several others here that have done it and other threads about it. Hopefully others will chime in :)
Hope this helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DavesnothereCA
#15
It works pretty good, man.

On mine, I had to route the pocket a little but the depth was just fine how it was. That's a 34" scale P neck on there too, balances just fine if you put the strap button behind the neck.

SD 1/4 pounder single coil under the hood too!

LGIM0031.jpg


LGIM0032.jpg


Feel free to ask questions :) Heh, sorry bout the contrast on the cellphone pics ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: GotRoot?
#19
Jones_Stuff said:
Thanks, just to say that Domdec314 was my real inspiration for building this, so a big thanks goes out to him and his telecaster body bass just above!
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for the props! I gotta say, though, I'm feeling a bit inspired by your bass too. I was wondering how it would look with covers, and it looks awesome on your bass. I'm also really digging the thumb rest.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back