Mahogony neck ??

[bmayolle]

I am working on my first bass build as i have done a few guitars. Being a bass player I figured I would make myself something this time. I want to use some very cool 3-D flamed
Mahogony for the neck with a bloodwood fretboard. Just was wondering if anyone had experiance with all mahogony neck.

Would a truss be enough or should I use stiffeneing rods ?

Like graphite

Thanks.

 

[Ruckus_Instrmts]

The only all mahogany bass neck I've seen was on an ABG. If you do it I'd recommend using reinforcement bars along with the truss rod. Plenty of people use mahogany in laminated bass necks.

 

[RedemptionBass]

I think it has worked once or twice for Gibson.

 

[M0ses]

Would a truss be enough or should I use stiffeneing rods ?

Like graphite

Thanks.

Honestly I think that a truss rod is almost always enough for a 4 or 5 string, but I don't think rods will hurt, either.
But if you've got some "really cool 3-D flamed mahogany," please do us all a favor and save that for the body where we can see it!

 

[bmayolle]

I have enough of this wood for a few bodies and 3 necks. Acctually came in a truckload of plain mahogony and while putting it on the racks my buddy stumbled across it and called me to come get it. I can get over 100 BF no problem. I want to use for the neck since one board was ripped down and the leftover was only a 12' x 4 1/2" board.

 

[M0ses]

I see. That sounds awesome. I wish I had that kind of access.

 

[Stone Age]

I see it done all the time. You don't really need the rods, but do what you feel comfortable with.

 

[joeyl]

a truss rod is never intended to stiffen a neck, but to adjust it. I would use rods and maybe a 2 piece neck if possible. I have seen Stingrays with mahogany necks recently

 

[tjclem]

I have used 1/4 sawn Mahogany for several necks without any stiffing agents. What is the grain orientation of your lumber? Tom

 

[dremy2006]

here is my neck.. I think this is african Mahogany.. well I know it is...and works great for me..

.......

on another project I just used african mahogany...I wonna say..3 or 4 pieces.. and worked great for me.. I've also use honduras mahogany for a neck..but with hard curly maple....I think you will do fine with Mah///.....

 

[etherealme]

Hey dremy. Love the headstock (and wood choice!). Is that your design? (edit: I think I answered my own question by looking through some of these other posts.) Very cool.

Also: Is that back body laminate poplar?

 

[blikeng]

I think it has worked once or twice for Gibson.

Yeah, whats the name of those models again, I can't seem to remember... Les Paul, SG, or something like that?

 

[pushifier]

Honestly I think that a truss rod is almost always enough for a 4 or 5 string, but I don't think rods will hurt, either.

+1 If the grain is narrow and all inline through the neck, then you can do it.

 

[CapnSev]

The 30th anniversary Stingray has a mahogany neck and no stiffening rods (besides the truss).

 

[dremy2006]

Hey dremy. Love the headstock (and wood choice!). Is that your design? (edit: I think I answered my own question by looking through some of these other posts.) Very cool.

Also: Is that back body laminate poplar?

..headstock..yes my design..not laminate.. just poplar.. 1-3/4"

 

[LGT]

...What is the grain orientation of your lumber? Tom

This^

If it's quarter sawn, it will be stronger than if it's flat sawn.