Author Topic: Flat Neck (Read 109 times)

funkyjazzjunky · « **on:** December 19, 2008, 09:52:38 AM »

I like my necks straight; no relief at all. I think this improves intonation (Anthony Jackson plays his basses with straight necks as well)

It takes a while to get set up properly to avoid buzzing, but to me it is worth the effort.

(As a disclaimer: I sound lousy so matter what)

Most bassist I bump into in the Washington DC area prefer a 'litte relief'

What do you think?

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 19, 2008, 09:56:59 AM »

A slight amount of relief is my preference.

3rd_ray · « **Reply #2 on:** December 19, 2008, 10:38:28 AM »

A like a little relief too. I rarely use my thumb, but using my fingers I go from a light touch to hitting the strings like it was a slap with a thumb (like John Entwistle, but not as good of course). I think if you have a straight neck you either have to play with a light touch or you have to be extremely articulate to get a variety of sounds. Or maybe you could say the relief is a way of covering up sloppy playing. (Maybe I should only speak for myself on that!)

Actually I sold my first Alembic over 10 years ago because the neck was too straight. I wasn't able to get used to it, and I didn't know that I could change it.

Mike

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #3 on:** December 19, 2008, 11:36:48 AM »

I started out playing the double bass and playing classical music (which requires focused articulation)

How is your action? High... Low...

3rd_ray · « **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2008, 12:44:27 PM »

I hold the lowest string down at the 1st and 24th frets and measure around 20 - 30 mils between the 7th fret and the bottom of the string. Then I set the action so that the bottom of the strings are around 3/16 inch above the 24th fret. I guess that's fairly low.

Mike

white_cloud · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2008, 07:48:00 AM »

I would imagine that it is an extremely high maintenance job keeping any wooden neck perfectly straight!! Surely there must be constant adjustments all the time - bearing in mind changes in temperature/environment etc?

Even most graphite necks have a small built in relief???

John.

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #6 on:** December 22, 2008, 09:15:03 AM »

Yes I constantly adjust during the summer, but not so much in the winter

nikobask · « **Reply #7 on:** December 22, 2008, 03:22:31 PM »

i set up without relief and if there is buzz i stard to tweak the truss rod in order to have a better sound but near flat

Author Topic: Flat Neck (Read 109 times)

white_cloud