Author Topic: Effect of wood displacement for truss rods (Read 93 times)

the_8_string_king · « **on:** March 26, 2007, 07:50:06 PM »

I'm curious about what effect (if any) the wood that is cut out from the neck has on: the strength of the neck; and on the sound.

Of course, it goes without saying that Alembic knows what they're doing; an obviously truss rods are necessary to allow for adjustments to the neck when they're needed. I'm assuming that they don't significantly weaken the neck in any way... is this correct? It seems irrelevent, as a stronger neck that can't be adjusted would surely be of little value.

More significantly, I wonder about the effect on sound. For example, most of us know about the wondrous effects of Ebony neck laminates...

I've been wondering if, say, someone were ordering a bass with, let's say, 2 Ebony neck laminates, if they should design their neck so that the 2 Ebony neck laminates ARE NOT in the position where they'll be partially-carved away to make space for the truss rods... for fear of reducing the impact that the Ebony has on the sound... or if the effect of the wood being carved out doesn't have enough of an impact/effect to make a difference.

I just can't help wondering. How significant is this issue? Is it something someone getting Ebony laminates should consider... or is it not significant enough to warrent consideration? I'd be curious to hear Alembics' thoughts on this... I'd be curious to hear if this thought has been considered, and whether any conclusions have be drawn in this area.

terryc · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2007, 08:11:51 AM »

Well I guess removing wood does affect the sound but I would rather have the truss rods keeping everything stable as moisture on the ebony board(even with lemon oil treatment) could end up up with bowing of the neck. I guess it is swings and roundbouts and I guess again is why they invented graphite necks(solid, uniform, stable and no truss rod)
Personally I like the look and feel of wood under the fingers, graphite necks maybe great but I cannot help thinking of 'plastic guitars'..no offence intended but stienbergers just didn't do it for me

bigredbass · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2007, 06:51:52 PM »

I've played one with Ebony laminates . . . BELIEVE ME, you won't miss whatever was lost to the router for the truss rods!

J o e y

2400wattman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2007, 07:36:36 PM »

I have two Modulus basses(bolt on necks) and the sustain is unreal, even to the point I have to decay notes myself to mimic a(bolt on jazz bass) wooden necks limits, but my Series 1's(no ebony lams. though) sustain is damn near equal to my Modulus. I could only imagine ebony lams. impact on the tone!

terryc · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2007, 01:32:57 AM »

Ebony laminates..if I ever win the lottery here in the UK then a custom with ebony in the neck and maybe a ebony hippy sandwich is top of the list..guess a lumbar support would be advisable as well!!
I would love to here the sustain offered by these, apparently the fundamental goes on for an eternity

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2007, 11:45:46 AM »

I was thinking the same thing Terryc, lets hope I win the lottery before you do. I've got my tickets this evening.

Maybe I better start going to the gym to build up some more muscles to hold that ebony sandwich :-)

:-)

Cheers
Jazzyvee

terryc · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2007, 04:06:17 AM »

Oh we can dream...all the basses, cars, motorcycles that we lust for but it is nothing if you have not got your health

jazzyvee · « **Reply #7 on:** March 29, 2007, 10:27:03 AM »

very true, But I can be just as unhealthy with an alembic as without one so If I'm gonna be unhealthy I may as well have something I can enjoy to keep my spirits up.

Fortunately at the moment I am blessed with good health.
jazzyvee

terryc · « **Reply #8 on:** April 02, 2007, 01:57:45 AM »

jazzyvee...missed you at whitby last year since i only live 20 odd miles up the road.

Any more gigs around Teesside area??