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Neck Profiles

I've been using a soundgear model 4 string ibanez for about 8 years now and I'm very comfortable with the neck profile now, every other bass just seems wrong but I'd like to get a higher end bass soon. My soundgear's electronics have really scratchy pots and is getting pretty beat up and I want to lay off of it a little. Most high end basses Ive played have very wide necks, or very thick. What brand have I overlooked that makes thin, narrow necks? Should I just get a new soundgear? I love them to death but the tone just does not match their great playability..
 
I would check out carvin. I personally think they are some of the most under rated basses on this forum. They have a very thin and fast neck profile and I think they are one of the nicest playing basses I've ever played.

But $1000-$3000 covers a lot of ground. You could get a nice Sadowsky Jazz, or MTD 435 or 535, Lakland Joe Osbourne, etc... You aren't being very specific and that price range is way to big. Your best bet is to just get out to the stores and play more basses.

Also, it helps if you fill out your profile so people can get an understanding of your background.
 
Conklins are famous for ultra-thin necks, even on 4-strings. The customs models are $3K+, but they have the Groove tools series, made in Korea, which will be a step-up to your Ibanez. (Although I think 4-string are kind of rare, but worth looking into.)

Korean MTDs are also famous for having super-thin necks. The new Kingstons Z look very promising, at less than $1000.

Here:
http://www.theperfectbass.com/explo...&W=STORE&P=N&S=1001081&U=1&SS=1&CR=Y&modify=0
 
Soundgears have the thinnest profile ever created on electric bass and really doubt you will find them on most stock boutique basses.
I would suggest you check out the soundgear prestige or older custom models that were made in japan.

The other option is to get a custom bass builder to build something similar according to your soundgear neck spec.
 
Sorry bout the profile I filled it out now, yes I am a forum noob :) I am also looking for narrowness (is that a word?) in the upper registers of the fretboard. Most high end basses I have seen are made for slapping and I play mainly fingerstyle and would prefer a tighter string spacing also. Bare wood feeling on back of neck also a major plus! :D
 
Sorry bout the profile I filled it out now, yes I am a forum noob :) I am also looking for narrowness (is that a word?) in the upper registers of the fretboard. Most high end basses I have seen are made for slapping and I play mainly fingerstyle and would prefer a tighter string spacing also. Bare wood feeling on back of neck also a major plus! :D

Most high end basses have adjustable bridges so you can narrow the string spacing. :smug:
 
Most high end basses have adjustable bridges so you can narrow the string spacing. :smug:


Adjusting the string spacing like that is not as straight as is sounds cause the fretboard width does not change. The strings may get tighter but the width of the wood from the distal side of the outer strings (from the center of the neck) to the edge of the fretboard will increase.