Thumb rest with no drilling.

[Frog1]

Hey there, I've just acquired a new Jazz Bass which came without a thumb rest or the holes for same and I don't want to make any. I've seen the Zero Mod version and don't fancy that. I remember seeing another which works on the same principle but can't find it anywhere now. It just had two circular end pieces at either end of a curved bar which fits the existing pick guard holes in the top edge. Any ideas?

 

[JakobT]

You might be able to do it by drilling through your pickguard only, and securing the thumbrest from the back with flathead screws.

 

[WillyW]

I made one out of ebony and attached it with double sided tape.

I kept the rest lower profile to keep sideways torque to a minimum, so far it has stayed. but if the tape gives on a dark stage, good luck finding it.

 

[Frog1]

You might be able to do it by drilling through your pickguard only, and securing the thumbrest from the back with flathead screws.

Thanks Jokob, I see what you mean there but I really don't want to drill through anything, it's an alternative to the Zero Mod thumbrest I'm looking for really. Same principle but just a different product if it's out there.

 

[JakobT]

I do understand - but you could get a separate pickguard just for that, and have the original one to put back on if you ever change your mind.

 

[Frog1]

I made one out of ebony and attached it with double sided tape.

I kept the rest lower profile to keep sideways torque to a minimum, so far it has stayed. but if the tape gives on a dark stage, good luck finding it.

Thanks WillyWonka, I think I might have to make one but it's not like I don't have the time to spare at the moment. No gigs for the forseeable future.

 

[Frog1]

I do understand - but you could get a separate pickguard just for that, and have the original one to put back on if you ever change your mind.

Good shout, I'll have a think about that. Cheers mate.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

I had a luthier make one out of ebony that sat between the jazz pickups and used one of the pickguard screw holes.

And...

I have these on all of my P basses since they use on PG screw to affix.

Rosewood Bass Guitar Thumb Rest - Cute Widdle Spud Size! | eBay

They look great and are much more low profile.

 

[Frog1]

I had a luthier make one out of ebony that sat between the jazz pickups and used one of the pickguard screw holes.

And...

I have these on all of my P basses since they use on PG screw to affix.

Rosewood Bass Guitar Thumb Rest - Cute Widdle Spud Size! | eBay

They look great and are much more low profile.

Thanks Jeff, I'll have a look.

 

[sissy kathy]

Make one and use the existing pickguard holes you need longer screws but there will be no new holes. You could make a really long one and secure it to the top screw of your bridge and the pickguard screw at the neck.

 

[Frog1]

Make one and use the existing pickguard holes you need longer screws but there will be no new holes. You could make a really long one and secure it to the top screw of your bridge and the pickguard screw at the neck.

Good thinking, thanks but that's not where I naturally play. Hopefully that'll help others with the same problem though.

 

[theduke1]

I added thumb rests to all three of my basses using Gorilla Dbl sided tape (clear)
Worked like a charm
Duke

 

[Frog1]

Thanks

I added thumb rests to all three of my basses using Gorilla Dbl sided tape (clear)
Worked like a charm
Duke

Thanks, glad it worked for you but I'll keep looking for something like the Zero Mod or make my own using existing screw holes. Not keen on using glue or double sided tape on the scratchplate.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

Hey there, I've just acquired a new Jazz Bass which came without a thumb rest or the holes for same and I don't want to make any. I've seen the Zero Mod version and don't fancy that. I remember seeing another which works on the same principle but can't find it anywhere now. It just had two circular end pieces at either end of a curved bar which fits the existing pick guard holes in the top edge. Any ideas?

There used to be "Bass Buddies!" they were like small finger holds that mountain climbers grab on to, some thought they were ugly I love them!! I bought 3 sets ( iirc,4 in a set) they mounted with 3m double stick tap, found at stewmac. they were molded into comfortable organic shapes(some said looked like poos) The maker is gone, now. havent found a replacement. but I think could be easily form from wood or putty?

 

[AboutSweetSue]

I’m commenting here because I want to see what you can come up with without using tape, adhesive, or screws (holes you’ve had to add yourself). It’s like a damned mystery how that will work, and I’m curious to see the end result.

 

[JakobT]

I’m commenting here because I want to see what you can come up with without using tape, adhesive, or screws (holes you’ve had to add yourself). It’s like a damned mystery how that will work, and I’m curious to see the end result.

The best thumbrest is the string above the one you’re plucking, or the pickup, if conveniently placed. Both no-mod options.

 

[AboutSweetSue]

The best thumbrest is the string above the one you’re plucking, or the pickup, if conveniently placed. Both no-mod options.

Damn straight. Some get that fifth string…

 

[paul aspden]

Zero-mod are really expensive, and they say theirs is a quality product unlike chinese copies. So for a second bass, where can I buy a cheap chinese copy?

 

[Shindig73]

Both the double sided tape and the mini thumbrest on EBay work great for me. The attached photo is the mini attached with a slightly longer screw (included) through the pickguard.

 

[paul aspden]

That looks good. I have a stingray and the screws are too far from the strings for this type to work. Not sure about double sided tape, may mark the guard or slip? I know I'm being tight about the cost of the zero, but do feel they are over priced.