gary mac

28/11/2010. Set about fitting the neck today. The four fixing screws bit in nice and securely. The sharp eyed amongst you will notice that I’ve not used a period correct neck plate. I was just keen to get on and I had this one to hand. I do intend to replace it soon with a plain one with my initials and birth date engraved in the style of a serial number. Naively I was hoping that the truss rod would not need adjusting as I hadn’t grooved out the body to allow access to the adjustment screw, which is located at the heel end on these necks. Once I had put some strings on though it was very obvious that an adjustment was needed. This was a stupid error really, that now meant the strings would need to come off and the pick guard yet again to allow me to form the necessary groove in the body. This was soon completed with a small chisel. Got the strings back on and with some assistance from Mrs Mac (I haven’t got a capo), adjusted the truss rod Decided after a tune up, that this would be a good time to plug in and see if everything functions as it should. Well nothing exploded and it makes a noise. Enough for today.

[attachment=65328:neck7.JPG][attachment=65329:neck4.JPG] 25/11/2010. After weeks of countless trawls through the for sale forum and Ebay, I’ve got a neck sorted, a Fender Japanese one. From the photos it looks to be exactly what I’ve been looking for. Maple fret board, period correct decal, skunk stripe and in good nick. After some negotiating with the seller we reached an agreement and he kindly offered to deliver it to me tomorrow, which was extremely kind, saved me some postage and also the trauma of waiting for a courier to deliver it, hopefully in one piece. 26/11/2010. Got the neck today, hand delivered as promised by a very decent seller and all round nice chap. My first impression is that it was worth waiting for and looks like a good one. Slightly concerned that three of the four screw holes look a little large. Presumably just due to the fact that it’s been on and off a few basses over the years. Anyway it’s soon sorted with some wood and glue, ready to be re drilled tomorrow.

Just last week one of very own Bass Chatters Henry Norton gave me what I thought was a very good price to build me a maple neck/fboard. Gary

[quote name='TomKent' post='1039415' date='Nov 27 2010, 11:22 PM']I thought this was tomorrow! [/quote] Yes I've got to admit to that as well. Still wouldn't have been able to go though

Hope you all had a marvelous time. I couldn't get there this year due to the recent surgery. I can't risk long car journeys and although Surrey is not too far, you know how the M25 can be. So I look forward to seeing the photos that I'm sure will get posted soon.

[url="http://thedecalshop.co.uk/"]http://thedecalshop.co.uk/[/url] Someone else on here recommended them to me, but not actually tried them yet.

I'm sure I recently spotted some extra long strings by DR, might be worth checking out.

This has got to be a first for this forum, or any other bass forum on the world wide web.

Can you not use a standard off the shelf one? I think the gold anodised fender ones are about £30.00. One of the stickies on the forum has details of suppliers who do custom pickguards.

I think BurritoBass was selling one.

Oh lordy!

[quote name='thinman' post='1034348' date='Nov 23 2010, 08:12 PM']I've 84s in my Jazz and I think I know what you're saying when you say "muddy" - they're quite fat sounding and maybe have less bite than standard pickups.[/quote] Elequently put, compared to my feeble effort, thanks.

Like the others have said, he's a top chap and very helpful. I've got 64's in my jazz, my daughter has 84's in her jazz. They do sound very different. I find it very hard to describe sounds what I would say though is that the 64's sound more defined, the 84's deeper maybe more muddy. See what I mean, rubbish at describing sound. They both sound good though. Right I'm off having cleared up this discussion for you

I couldn't get the link to do it's thing Chris. Will try again later. So I've not ignored your post but been thwarted.

Nice one. I always feel that life seems extra fine when the sound is right. When it's not, I find it very confidence zapping.

Always made me chuckle back in the day and ashamed to say, it still does.

That's a weird looking beastie. Looks like the sort of thing the crew of Star Trek might use if they were to put a band together. Quite like it really.

Looking good. Hope you enjoy the upcoming tweeking and tinkering.

He sounds like the Arthur Daley of guitar sales....priceless.

Enjoy the gig matey. Look forward to seeing more pics.

That just looks mega cool. Nice job. Does it sound as impressive as it looks?