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thinning the neck? Possible

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by bryanonbass, Jul 7, 2008.


  1. Jul 7, 2008 #1
    bryanonbass

    bryanonbass Supporting Member

    May 13, 2001
    Northern NJ
    I just got in a warmoth p-j with gorgeous birdseye maple neck with ebony board and tele headstock.

    Unfortunately the neck is too wide for my tastes.

    Is it worth it to try and get this neck thinned down to jazz specs or should i just sell it and get buy one? The issue is I have no extra cash to get the same neck just in jazz profile.

    2 luthiers that I spoke with came up on opposite sides. 1 can do it for fairly cheap and 1 said it will cost like 400-500 and is not worth it for him.

    any suggestions?
     
  5. Jul 7, 2008 #2
    Mastermold

    Mastermold

    May 5, 2008
    Orange County, California
    I've sanded a neck down front to back before, but never side to side.
     
  9. Jul 7, 2008 #3
    Brent's Groove

    Brent's Groove

    Mar 14, 2007
    Virginia
    DON'T THIN THE NECK. TRUST ME.

    Doesn't matter how professionally done it is, eventually the neck will weaken and warp. When that happens, you're out of the money it cost to buy the neck, as well as the money it cost to have it thinned. From there, it's VERY hard to get your money back by selling it.

    Your best bet would be to sell the neck you have, and buy a fresh one.
     
  13. Jul 7, 2008 #4
    bassteban

    bassteban

    Aug 12, 2004
    Northern California
    Please don't take this the wrong way, but are you speaking from experience?
     
  18. Jul 7, 2008 #5
    Kennethfaria

    Kennethfaria Inactive

    Mar 12, 2008
    The guys on the Luthiers forum would have an answer for you.
     
  22. Jul 7, 2008 #6
    KenToby

    KenToby

    Aug 15, 2002
    Have it assesed by someone with significant experience. "...I think you'll be OK" isnt good enough!!

    KT
     
  26. Jul 7, 2008 #7
    mongo2

    mongo2

    Feb 17, 2008
    Da Shaw
    Since you're thinking of replacing the neck anyway have you thought of trying the mod yourself?

    I've narrowed several necks down to J width and re-profiled the back of those and several other necks.
     
  30. Jul 7, 2008 #8
    bryanonbass

    bryanonbass Supporting Member

    May 13, 2001
    Northern NJ
    I should have mentioned that I am very lucky if I can put a nail in straight. SO I would NEVER EVER EVER try this on a bass.
     
  34. Jul 7, 2008 #9
    bryanonbass

    bryanonbass Supporting Member

    May 13, 2001
    Northern NJ
    1 of the luthiers is somewhat local. I have never used him but he comes with great references. The other guy is on the other side of the country, but is super, mega highly regarded. But I am leaning towards BG's opinion. I would not want to be out any more money than necessary. So maybe I should sell and buy. Probably not get a neck as nice as this, but don't want to end up paying double you know.
     
  38. Jul 7, 2008 #10
    troyus

    troyus

    Apr 9, 2008
    San Diego, CA.
    Sell that thing and call Michael Dolan.
     
  42. Jul 7, 2008 #11
    bryanonbass

    bryanonbass Supporting Member

    May 13, 2001
    Northern NJ
    oh and thanks btw everyone. I love the fact that I can ask a question and get a legitimate answer within minutes.
     
  47. Jul 7, 2008 #12
    bryanonbass

    bryanonbass Supporting Member

    May 13, 2001
    Northern NJ
    thats funny. Mr. Dolan was one of the luthiers I was speaking with.
     
  51. Jul 7, 2008 #13
    Kennethfaria

    Kennethfaria Inactive

    Mar 12, 2008
    yeah thats why i love TB.

    I was saying head over to the LUTHIERS FORUM. :p
    Someone there would probably help you out should you decide to try this on your own. Heck if you don't you could possibly find someone who could make a neck for you.

    But its really not as hard as nailing a nail straight. It's more like cutting grass with a blade.
     
  55. Jul 7, 2008 #14
    mongo2

    mongo2

    Feb 17, 2008
    Da Shaw
    Fortunately for you then nails aren't used in a bass...usually.

    :)
     
  59. Jul 7, 2008 #15
    TAZ

    TAZ

    Jun 18, 2006
    Thousand Oaks, California
    What! That is how you customize a neck. If you want to take it down to a Jazz size taper equally from both sides and from end to end. Use a file to soften the edge and fret ends before sanding. Mark the width at the nut. Use a straight edge, calipers, a ruler with 1/64 increments, and eye-ball to keep the measurements on the mark.

    It really isn't that hard once you get past the tooling stage and start seeing the finishing results. You are only removing at most a 1/32 off each side. There are no structural risks.

    I do speak from experience. http://mysite.verizon.net/res8zrb8/bassguitar/
     
  63. Jul 7, 2008 #16
    Bryan R. Tyler

    Bryan R. Tyler TalkBass: Usurping My Practice Time Since 2002 Staff Member Administrator Supporting Member

    May 3, 2002
    Connecticut
    Reviewer: Bass Player Magazine
    Les Claypool had this done a couple years back to his Rainbow bass. Thompson and Mike Browne did the work. Now that Browne's on his own, maybe you should contact him about it.
     
  67. Jul 7, 2008 #17
    bryanonbass

    bryanonbass Supporting Member

    May 13, 2001
    Northern NJ

    Taz, all due respect, but *** did you just say?
    Is that Klingon?

    seriously thats how bad I am with tools
     
  71. Jul 7, 2008 #18
    TAZ

    TAZ

    Jun 18, 2006
    Thousand Oaks, California
    Hey Bryan, maybe go with the economical decision: cheaper to mill the neck or get a different one.
     

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