Exactly what lengths/diameters should I get of these things? It's for a Precision bass if that matters. Also, is there anyone on here that sells them?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Threaded Steel inserts?
- Thread starter wshines1892
- Start date
a big issue is the fact that these inserts are usually designed to go into soft materials, and thus have huge but thin threads; crank one right into wood without special consideration and you risk splitting the neck.
there's a procedure where you sacrifice an insert by cutting slices along it length-wise, creating a makeshift thread tap (like out of a tap-and-die set). you use it to actually cut the threads into the material, which the regular inserts will then screw into.
this is extra-crucial with graphite necks, which have no give at all and will just crack if threaded inserts are forced into them.
there's a procedure where you sacrifice an insert by cutting slices along it length-wise, creating a makeshift thread tap (like out of a tap-and-die set). you use it to actually cut the threads into the material, which the regular inserts will then screw into.
this is extra-crucial with graphite necks, which have no give at all and will just crack if threaded inserts are forced into them.
I think one reason folks have trouble installing threaded inserts is that they use the wrong kind. There are threaded inserts for all sorts of materials.... soft wood, hard wood, plastic, etc. And they're very different from one another. Here's one source for threaded inserts going into hard wood... what a typical bass neck is made of...
http://www.ezlok.com/InsertsWood/hardWood.html
http://www.ezlok.com/InsertsWood/hardWood.html
nice! they even have stainless steel inserts, stronger than the brass.
(and you're right, i usually see the type with the really big thin threads, which aren't made for hard woods)
Yes, I know what EZ lok says, but I've done quite a few bass necks and I strong suggest that the ones to get are these:
http://www.ezlok.com/InsertsWood/softWood.html
I know it says soft wood but I urge you to get some maple scraps and TRY these inserts! They insert quite straight and easy with an allen wrench. I like to put a bit of gorilla glue on them to to make them even more permanent. Get the unflanged type.
The "hardwood" types are a disaster. they tend to screw in crooked. they take a large hole. They bind up about half way in and worst of all I don't think hold nearly as strong in hard wood!
Just run a few tests in scrap wood and you'll soon see what I'm talking about.
And by the way, these inserts on the neck joint usually produce a noticeable improvement in the tone of the instrument! Really WORTH the effort to install them.
From what I've read, you should have no issue with the soft wood ones. The hard wood ones seem like a royal pain in the backside to get to work right.
Nice links to the inserts!
The ones I used from ACE Hardware (see second post in thread) were fairly large for the neck - one size smaller would have been fine. However, it was my first attempt and I didn't want to under-size them.
The ones I used from ACE Hardware (see second post in thread) were fairly large for the neck - one size smaller would have been fine. However, it was my first attempt and I didn't want to under-size them.
Yardley Triserts are very easy to install, are available in different materials and hold well. They are difficult to find in small quantity, but the next purchase I make will be in bulk- directly from the company. The Trisert model is designed for wood and plastic.
Many people seem to worry about using brass because it is soft and wears faster than stainless. I personally wouldn't worry about it unless you take the neck off with every string change. If mine ever wear, I would open the holes and install Helicoils. No big deal.
Many people seem to worry about using brass because it is soft and wears faster than stainless. I personally wouldn't worry about it unless you take the neck off with every string change. If mine ever wear, I would open the holes and install Helicoils. No big deal.
I agree. I've done quite a few conversions, and these are superior to the so-called "hardwood" inserts. Ditto on the tonal improvement, too.
