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Neck questions for small two-string

monsterfiddle

monsterfiddle

Jan 4, 2016
202
323
Oslo, Norway
#1
Hi,

I'm considering letting the kids help me build a small two-string bass as a fun project for them. I'm thinking 20"-ish for scale length, normal bolt-on thickness.

How wide does the neck need to be? Half of a normal four string? Will that be strong enough?
What about a truss rod? Will I need one? Should I strengthen the neck in another way?

Looking for any input you might have, it's lots easier to find information about full-scale basses :)

Thanks!
 
#2
There's really not set/specific way to go about this, which is what leaves room to make it a fun project, especially with the kids.
I'd say the best way to go about this is to find the string spacing you'd want to use, preferably a little wider for this application personally, plus maybe an 1/8" maybe 3/16" outside of each outer string on each side to give you a little room for strings, but I haven't built a 2 string (yet?).
As for a truss rod I'd need someone else to reconfirm on this short of a length, but ultimately it wouldn't be a bad idea to have one or at least some sort of solid reinforcements running through.
Are you planning on winding your own 2 string pickups? Keep us updated on how this goes!
 
#4
The narrowness of the neck is what worries me. I'll look into mandolin truss rods, hadn't considered that they exist, thanks :)

My plan for pickups was actually to turn a P-pickup into a splittable two-string humbucker. Not sure the kids will appreciate the tonal possibilities this will give, but it will be a fun exercise for me.

The neck will be maple, not sure about the body yet.
 
#11
Just put some low-tension tape wounds on it... will be easier on the neck, AND on their fingers! :)

Anyway, with a shorter scale the 'bass' strings will be on the loose side, anyway (And like a gambist back in the day, I guess you'll just tune it to "whatever feels right"...)
 
#13
IIRC isn't that sort of scale-length (20 inches) right on the money for uke-bass strings - not that those work with a magnetic pickup...but they can be dang good with a piezo pickup, from what I hear.
 
Last edited:
#16
I built this 27" 2 string for my son about 6 years back.

stringson1.jpg


This is a prepaint pic, but you get the idea. It's got no trussrod, but is fine. The string tension isn't enough to be an issue.
 
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#17
@reverendrally, that looks a lot like what I have in mind. Looks like the strings on that one are about parallel, how does that feel on the fretting hand? Or is it just the perspective that makes them look parallel?

I also think I underestimated the size of the kids, a longer scale length might be more appropriate.
 
#18
monsterfiddle said:
@reverendrally, that looks a lot like what I have in mind. Looks like the strings on that one are about parallel, how does that feel on the fretting hand? Or is it just the perspective that makes them look parallel?

I also think I underestimated the size of the kids, a longer scale length might be more appropriate.
Click to expand...
I did that too. When my son was 11 I built him a Hofner replica thinking that the shorter 30" scale length would make it easier for him to reach the end of the neck. For whatever reason he didn't care for the sound, and preferred to play my 34" and 35" scale instruments. He had no trouble with the reach. And as fast as he grew it only got easier every day after that.
 
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#19
monsterfiddle said:
@reverendrally, that looks a lot like what I have in mind. Looks like the strings on that one are about parallel, how does that feel on the fretting hand? Or is it just the perspective that makes them look parallel?

I also think I underestimated the size of the kids, a longer scale length might be more appropriate.
Click to expand...

I have a 2 string made by Krappy Guitars that has equal string spacing at the bridge and nut. It's fine. Did take a minute to get used to, since I'm accustomed to playing conventional basses.

It doesn't have a truss rod and is rock solid. It's a three piece laminate neck through that's as thick as it is wide.
 
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#20
monsterfiddle said:
@reverendrally, that looks a lot like what I have in mind. Looks like the strings on that one are about parallel, how does that feel on the fretting hand? Or is it just the perspective that makes them look parallel?

I also think I underestimated the size of the kids, a longer scale length might be more appropriate.
Click to expand...

27" is pretty fun to play. All my bass playing mates have commented on how easy and good that bass is. I'll try and find another pic for you, but my son was 3yo then. So the scale length was spot on.

Right... here it is... Christmas morning. :)

Simray.jpg
 
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