Greg.Bassman Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 (edited) I love the sound of my (fender) jazz, however, I find it a little restrictive in terms of playability. After compromising with it for years, I have only recently learned that a change of radius may be the answer for me. My main areas of concern: - The string height unevenness causes me to ‘trip’ over strings as I cross them; meaning that I am unable to move from string to string efficiently during fast runs etc. - I can’t get the ultra-low action that I require without ‘buzzing/choking’. Being a very light player, I prefer my action as low as I can possibly get it; this way, I don’t have to press the fingerboard as hard to fret notes. I presented this problem to a friend, who explained this is typical of fender style basses; due to its 9.5” curvature. He suggested that a change in radius could be the answer; something flatter (16" or up) would provide a more lower, even experience. Are there any ‘flat/flatter converts’ that can vouch for this, and if so, what radius inch would you suggest as a good ‘all-rounder’ for someone (like myself) who employs multiple techniques (ie. Slap/tap/chords) in their playing? Edited January 10, 2018 by Greg.Bassman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 (edited) 1st - Fretboard radius has no bearing on action height/buzzing & choking. So that's not really a factor here. 2nd - I get what you mean about the different string heights relative to each other - I noticed it more on a 7.5 radius neck but I guess it's still there on a 9.5. My Warwick is a 12" radius I think. It certainly makes a noticeable difference though you'd have to try to decide what's best for you. I actually preferred the 9.5 but each to their own... Edited March 8, 2017 by Lw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg.Bassman Posted March 8, 2017 Author Share Posted March 8, 2017 [quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1488928492' post='3253083'] 2nd - I get what you mean about the different string heights relative to each other - I noticed it more on a 7.5 radius neck but I guess it's still there on a 9.5. [/quote] Hi Lw. Cheers for the feedback. Glad its not just me on that one then lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 I far prefer the flatter boards of my Sandberg, Yamaha and Warwick basses. My Fender P has a 9.5" radius and is also very comfy to play; but I can't get on with the 7.25" radius of the vintage styled models. It feels like I have to move my hand more to press down that E and G strings, and can't even see the G if I look down. Also, I have a Squier CV Jazz that on paper has a 9.5" radius but it looks way more curvier than my US Standard P and wouldn't be surprised if it was a typo and actually 7.25"! I don't get on with this neck and intend to move it on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 My ACG's have totally flat fingerboards and are ace to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickD Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 I find the 12" Radius on my Maruszcyzcks nice and easy, with no big jump when skipping strings which is always when a tighter radius will trip me up. I had a crack on one of Alan Cringean's glorious creations at the Bass Show last year which has a completely flat board, zero radius, and that was ridiculously easy to play. Obviously they're high class kit so other factors may be involved, but it instantly made me feel like a better player... unfortunately the wife didn't believe me! One day though... one day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 My custom Jazz 5 doesn't have a radius. It feels great. For some reason I find slapping easier with a radius. But that could be because I am sh*te! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted March 9, 2017 Share Posted March 9, 2017 [quote name='NickD' timestamp='1489074976' post='3254202'] I had a crack on one of Alan Cringean's glorious creations at the Bass Show last year which has a completely flat board, zero radius, and that was ridiculously easy to play. Obviously they're high class kit so other factors may be involved, but it instantly made me feel like a better player... unfortunately the wife didn't believe me! One day though... one day... [/quote] Alan is a massive fan of zero radius boards, (hence mine), and I find it surprising that other builders have not thought about it. Less work to do in preparing the fingerboard as radiusing is pretty labour intensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted March 10, 2017 Share Posted March 10, 2017 [quote name='BassBunny' timestamp='1489087519' post='3254331'] ...I find it surprising that other builders have not thought about it. Less work to do in preparing the fingerboard as radiusing is pretty labour intensive. [/quote] I'm sure they have - the radius board weren't just made up at random. Some people do like a flatter board but i image more people like a curve, which is why 9.5 is so popular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg.Bassman Posted March 12, 2017 Author Share Posted March 12, 2017 Hi all. This is great feedback, thank you. The Fender jazz shape and sound is a familiar friend, so I don't want to stray too far from what I'm used to (just a change in radius) - are there any Jazz style basses out there with flat/flatter radius (something 16" or up) that anyone can suggest? OR luthiers that are happy to make me just a neck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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