Author Topic: Thumb Rest (Read 196 times)

son_of_magni · « **on:** October 16, 2004, 07:58:20 PM »

I don't know if the Alembic crew have ever offered or considered offering a thumb rest option. I like to have something stable to put my thumb on but I also like to be able to move my picking position up and down the strings. So here's an idea for a thumb rest. Ok, I know I'm going to get flamed for even thinking of screwing something to the front of my Alembic. Well I haven't done anything yet, it's just laying there... So anyways, just wondering what people think... SoM

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2004, 09:19:52 PM »

Karl,
Use double-sided tape (carpet tape) to adhere it. Not a lot - maybe a few half-inch squares. Everything will come back off if you don't like it. It's an appropriately beautiful piece of wood...

dnburgess · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2004, 10:20:02 PM »

I don't think there's anything wrong with installing a thumb rest. I have a demo Excel on which, if it were a personal instrument, I would definitely consider installing a thumb rest. The pickups are so far from the neck that I usually end up playing over the end of the fingerboard so that I can use the bottom of the neck as a thumb rest. While this does give a mellow tone, I'd also like to have a thumb rest between the neck and the pickups.

David B.

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2004, 09:56:41 AM »

I believe the answer to your first comment is yes, Alembic has done thumb rests for custom orders. I think there may be one or two pictures of basses with thumb rests in the gallery somewhere, but I don't remember where.

I think the idea of a thumb rest that runs more or less from the neck pickup to the bridge pickup is a good idea; I too like to move my hand position to change tone.

Ah ... found one.

bkbass · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2004, 10:47:29 AM »

Don't ruin that beautiful top!Double sided tape or little piece of velcro down in the pit so you can remove it for certain songs or moods.If you want something more permanent take out the pickup lockdown screw find out the thread size get a longer screw(s)and some washers(between bottom of thumb rest and top of pickup)countersink the screw hole(s) in the thumbrest etc.You get the picture.

rklisme · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2004, 12:50:10 PM »

I like the thumb rest idea, however I think I would have Alembic make something that would compliment your bass. Maybe something out of the same type of wood. I personally have worn away a spot on my Ken Smith where I rest my thumb. I can see where the same thing could occur on my new Alembic if I am not careful. I would like to see what you finally come up with.

Rory

wideload · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2004, 02:08:20 PM »

Here's mine. Never had one before, but I've gotten quite used to it as time goes on.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/5651.html?1060628564

Larry

son_of_magni · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2004, 02:21:34 PM »

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and ideas.

The carpet tape is a good idea and I just happen to have a roll. I agree that while my example is a nice piece of wood it does clash a bit with the body. I do have a huge piece of claro walnut too, but I'm thinking that on this bass either purple heart or ebony would have the right contrast.

As David and Dave have implied, this will give me more flexability over tonal quality. Plus it's a little more comfortable than the corner of the pickup cover.

In this incarnation, I think it may be putting my thumb a bit too far away from the strings, especially the C string... so I'm making a slimmed down version from purple heart. I'll post back in a few days with the results.
- SoM

keavin · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2004, 05:28:34 PM »

although i put this brass fender thumb rest on 20 five yrs ago,its in the sweet spot.