To Block Or Not To Block?

[pudgychef]

No...blocks are way overdone these days ..that bass looks great as is (IMHO)

 

[csc2048b]

Thank you.

my pleasure

 

[Mechayoshi]

I stuck block inlays on a bass of mine for a while but later took them off and actually appreciated dots for once. While they don't add much to the look they never take away from the look like other inlay options is. It's a pretty bass, leave it as is.

 

[WaynerBass]

I've always dug the white pearl blocks on a P Bass... Black block on a Jazz... can't say why but seems to work well on my eyeballs

 

[39-Bassist]

here is another idea of the blocks look....I personally would do blocks but it is your choice...nice looking build by the way.

 

[WaynerBass]

 

[WaynerBass]

A nice tortoise pg would look nice the old girl

 

[Blackjac97]

I voted yes. I think that would look damn sharp.

I tend to modify an instrument for sound reasons, to change the timbre of it, or give it more sustain, those sort of things.
Those inlays make not one bit of difference to the sound of it.

Just curious... Doesn't higher mass lead better sustain? If OP were to use high-quality block, like real pearl or something, could that add to the resonating mass and thereby increase sustain? I know that works with tuners and bridges, not sure about the things between the hard points.

 

[bolophonic]

I would not.

 

[jd56hawk]

Warmoth makes a lot of necks with blocks but no binding and they look pretty nice to me but it does tend to be more of a J bass thing for whatever reason.

Exactly, blocks without binding look great.
I've had quite a few people ask me where I bought the decals for this.

 

[Doner Designs]

Exactly, blocks without binding look great.
I've had quite a few people ask me where I bought the decals for this.

I have a couple too (and the same amp).

 

[maxschrek]

No blocks without binding and never on a P...unless you're Duck Dunn.

 

[RickyWoo]

My vote is "not block". I'm a fan of blocks but I think it would put the aesthetics over the top with a blue finish. My $.02

 

[Robert Sperling]

I'm with Hondo4life on this 1. Forget the blocks and color match the headstock...would look sweet.

 

[Bassmaticmatt]

These are block stickers and I like them on my jag. That being said they were not easy to line up but the strings give you a good point of reference.

 

[Robert Sperling]

I voted yes. I think that would look damn sharp.


Just curious... Doesn't higher mass lead better sustain? If OP were to use high-quality block, like real pearl or something, could that add to the resonating mass and thereby increase sustain? I know that works with tuners and bridges, not sure about the things between the hard points.

Mass does generally add sustain, however with an inlay your replacing a small amount of wood with
a small amount of another material, so unless you were adding something like brass inlays there
would likely be no noticeable difference in sustain.

 

[RickyWoo]

...so unless you were adding something like brass inlays ...

Check out my new inlays and strap

 

[Robert Sperling]

Check out my new inlays and strap

View attachment 904764

lol...Funny, that sucker should sustain till the cows come home to rest!

 

[Bodeanly]

All my necks are blocked. I don't care what anyone says.

 

[Robert Sperling]

I have a couple too (and the same amp).

View attachment 904708

WOW, Those are gorgeous! How do you decide which one to play?