TRBboy

Something like this @HazBeen? https://tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk/guitar-fret-wire/sintoms-fretwire/sintoms-elite-fret-2-5mm-crown-width-25-nickel.html

Thanks very much again for the info! I'm building this bass in conjunction with a local luthier, so he has all the proper tools (including a fret press I would imagine). I have just managed to find out what size fret wire my sandberg has, so that's a good start point too. It looks to be in the medium /jumbo bracket.

Great advice, thanks! Any particular type of grease?

Thanks @itu I'm still feeling a bit out of my depth with it, but getting the feeling that medium or medium /jumbo kinda size might be best. But then there's the material too! What to go for? Stainless in assuming would be most hard wearing, but is there a downside?

Glad I'm not the only one! I was saying to someone the other day, it's really weird that the guitar world seems to have completely skipped a step compared to the bass world; we've gradually seen lighter and lighter amps and cabinets, and then more use of modelling /in-ears etc, whereas the guitar world seem to have completely skipped lightweight amps and give straight to modelling, so now you have a completely polarised situation where some guitarists want their 100w tube half stack still, and others want a Kemper and in-ears! 🤷🏻‍♂️

We generally play pubs, weddings venues, parties etc, and usually only run a pair of mid-tops for vocals (and sometimes kick drum). We're pretty loud for a pub covers band.. And regularly having battles with levels of issues getting a good sound. The drums often get lost (as does the bass sometimes) due to the two guitarists valve amps. I've been trying to sell the idea of upgrading the PA and running everything through it for years, so that we can reduce the stage volume, have more control, and achieve a more consistent sound, possibly with a view to ditching the backline at some point. Sadly no one else wants to buy into the idea. The vibe I get from the guitarists is that I'm creating a problem that doesn't exist, and that they just want to get the big amps out and make some noise. The drummer doesn't really have an opinion as he feels the whole conversation is outside of his sphere of knowledge. I find the whole thing frustrating, but a band is a democracy and I'm one voice out of 4, if I can't get the other guys to buy into it then that's that. 🤷🏻‍♂️ EDIT: We do actually have a pair of subs, but they virtually never get used because the rest of the guys don't think it's necessary. Unless we're playing a big outdoor gig or something.

Ah yes, good point! It is going to be a mixture of vintage and modern really, I generally want the ergonomics and refinements of modern design, but with the tone and response of a vintage bass, with vintage inspired styling. Vague I know, but the best I can do! 😊

Thanks for that. Fortunately I'm going to be building in conjunction with a local luthier so that I can learn to do things properly, and use all the proper equipment! 😂 Any suggestions on what wire in particular I should be looking at?

Hey folks, So, next on the shopping list for my build is fret wire. Don't really know what I should be getting, so just wondered what anyone recommends? I was reading that Dingwall use Banjo frets, is this a good idea or not? Grateful for any advice, I've no idea what I'm doing! 😂

Oooh, tempted to use one of these on the build I'm about to start, it will be largely modeled on my BBN5 anyway!

That's really helpful, thanks very much Jez 😊👍 So I think then if I want a fairly Slender neck profile, I'd be better to go for square bars rather than rectangular, as it'll leave a bit more 'meat' in the back of the neck.

Thanks so much for that HazBeen, really helpful info! My main reason for wanting to use reinforcing rods is that I've decided I want to use all native british woods on my build. So, whereas I normally like a maple neck and fretboard, I'm going to be using figured sycamore. I'm assured it'll be plenty strong enough, but it is a bit of an unknown factor, so I feel like I'd rather over - engineer it than go to all the effort of making the thing only to have the neck go all over the shop. 😊

Sorry guys, any further advice on the length required? I've been advised several things so far, from 580mm to 630mm,but still feeling a bit confused. 😊 Also @Jabba_the_gut which way around do those 4x7mm strips go, is the 7mm side parallel to the fretboard? Thanks

Superb, thanks for that @HazBeen! How much does the length matter with these? I'm not entirely sure what length truss rod I need (see seperately post... 🙄), but I've been advised by one BCer that I probably need a 580mm truss rod. The bass will be 34" scale 5 string, 24 fret, BUT I'm planning on extending the neck tenon further into the body so that I can avoid having a neck 'heel' as such and allow better upper fret access (a bit like on a Dingwall). The link I posted above, I could get two strips at 500mm of 6x6mm - do you think 500mm would be sufficient? Thanks

Ordered, we'll see how the spacing measures when it arrives next week. Thanks for your help everyone! 😊👍

Hi folks, I want to get some reinforcing rods for the bass I'm about to build, but it seems to be a bit of a minefield.... ToneTech are one of the few places that sell 'guitar specific' ones in the UK, but their fairly expensive and quite deep (10mm) which I think might be pushing it if you want a fairly slender neck profile. There's various vendors on ebay etc selling carbon fibre square rod for other applications, which is not only far cheaper, but there's far more choice of sizes (I'm thinking maybe 5mmx5mm? See here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402268193172) Just wondered if anyone has any advice on this? I've browsed some old threads, and it seems like people use all sorts of different graphite and carbon fibre products for neck reinforcement. Thanks for your help. Oli

Oh cool, weird though isn't it?! People buying one to replace a 19mm spaced bridge may be disappointed.... Well, I'll get one ordered then, that will save £40 or so!

@BassBunny I've searched and searched and they do all seem to be 19mm,apart from one I found from the US which says it's 18mm... 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️ I would love one because I know how good these are, but 18mm is a must.

Okay cool, thanks. Very strange though because all the literature states 19mm, and their diagram! I may take a punt and order one online, and return it if it's not suitable. Will let you know how I get on if I do.

Thanks for the kind offer mate, but if its 17mm I'm going to have to pass. Have just ordered and paid for my custom pickups based on 18mm spacing, so I definitely need the bridge to be right now! 😂

Thats interesting... Have you measured it at that, or does it just look about the same? Would definitely be interested to know! 😊👍

I do also like that the Gotoh is screwed down at both sides of the base plate, just seems a bit more secure.

No that's hugely helpful, thanks for sharing your experience!

I would LOVE to go for one of the Wilkinson bridges as I've used them before and think they're great for the money. Sadly they only do the 5 string model in 19mm spacing, and I'm set on 18mm.

Hi folks, I'm sure everyone's getting bored of my questions this week, anyway here's another for you: For my build (5 string, 18mm spacing) I'm set on a 'traditional' style bridge (aka BBOT). I was looking to the Gotoh 205b-5, which you can get for about £52. However, there are bog standard Chinese BBOT bridges with the right spacing for around £15.... So is it worth paying the extra for the Gotoh, or will the difference be unnoticeable? I do like that the Gotoh has brass sales and the little groves for the height adjustment screws to stop it wandering, and maybe..... Well maybe I just need to stop being a tight ar53. 😂