Thing between the pickups

Ramp.

 

I know these are called "ramps" just not sure what they do....

 

Double function, to allow you to place thumb anywhere, not just on pickups, and to control how much your picking fingers slide under the strings. Limiting makes attack more consistent, with better dynamics control.

 

What he said.

Plus they can look cool.

 

Her are a couple different vids on how to build/install a bass ramp.
Quite a process.

http://youtu.be/Gf_sUiZUYAo

http://youtu.be/dKffNbWXRfQ
http://youtu.be/rf3ycFvSDQc

 

ya know, not to derail but just to chime in, this is one of those things that always affects how I feel about a bass as a player without every bothering myself to measure and decide what I like best. Sort of like string spacing which I only bothered working out recently (I like 19mm but play mostly 5,6, 8 strings so have a challenge...)

I will have to experiment with this sometime - I'm not sure if I like deep or shallow best, but I know that TOO deep really screws me up. I learned on a fairly low action 1970s precision so that is probably what I'm most comfortable with.

Is there some sort of list of standard depths for classic basses? no, I suppose not since it's based on setup, something that varies wildly with bolt on instruments and their various, and surprisingly common, shims.

 

Mine matches the radius of the fingerboard and is roughly the same height as the pickups, or in between the fingerboard and pickup height.



Mine improved my awful technique.

 

No standard, but you could set it up higher for start, ie. same level as neck (unless you have very low string action), try it for couple of days and than if you don't like it - lower it.
Tip: use small peaces of double sided sticky-tape, and if ramp is not high enough, insert shim under it (like a sandwitch).
Here's mine (sorry for the crapy photo):

 

I don't know for sure whether Gary Willis "invented" the ramp, but he fashioned one attached with Velcro or something. Is that right?

Since then, I know other players and a few manufacturers have experimented with the ramp in one way or another.

Has anyone bothered to make one that's completely height adjustable? Maybe with screws and springs, just like mounted pickups use. Doesn't really seem that hard to me.

 

I think you can make one with a deck of cards at the height you want, seal it with some glue and paint sealer.
That's what I would do if i wanted one.