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Just a thought... custom baritone idea
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:14 pm
by grandnoise
So I'm after a Baritone but rather than buy a low range model (as I can't afford anything else) I'm thinking about maybe building one. And was wondering if it possible to get a baritone neck that would fit a Fender J-Bass body ala John Squire style.
But I'm not sure the Scale length would be right for a baritone neck.
Help me out...
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:08 pm
by Ankhanu
It would be easier to get a baritone conversion neck for a guitar body, but, with a little bit of modification, they could be fit to a bass body.
The main considerations would be bridge placement and the depth of the neck pocket. Bass necks tend to sit a bit deeper in the body than guitar necks (3.875" vs. 3"). That said, you can fill in the heel of the pocket so that the neck tapers properly, rather than having the heel of the body jutting out. Alternatively, you could cut the body heel shorter and nestle the but of the neck in the natural end of the pocket. You'll likely have to move the bridge forward as well... but, seeing as how you'd have to completely replace the bridge anyway, this shouldn't be much of an issue. Just make sure your ground wire can reach the new placement. It won't be pretty, but, unless you're planning on drilling a new wire channel, it'll get the job done (that's what I did when I converted my P-bass to a fretless with a 24 fret length neck)
EDIT - depending on the final setup, you might have to move the bridge so far that it would cover the neck pickup... so there may be more work than anticipated. Hard to say without knowing actual design choices.
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 12:22 am
by grandnoise
Seems like it might be more effort than it's worth then, I have found a shortscale jazz bass with 30 inch scale that I assume would be better setup for it, but would probably still involve a bit of work and that's if the neck heel would fit.
I Might just invest in a warmoth baritone body and neck.
I have looked into the conversion necks they offer but don't want to essentially loose one of my other guitars, although I am looking for a baritone as a more permanent player, and so the quest continues...