Frusty Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 This is perhaps a silly question, but I have never tried anything like this so bear with me! I am considering defretting an old Jazz bass copy that I have. The neck has block inlays. Are there any problems with using a neck with block inlays as a fretless neck? Will there be a change in tone as you slide from note to note over one of the inlays? Again, sorry if this is a silly question! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prosebass Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 [quote name='Frusty' post='220415' date='Jun 17 2008, 10:32 AM']This is perhaps a silly question, but I have never tried anything like this so bear with me! I am considering defretting an old Jazz bass copy that I have. The neck has block inlays. Are there any problems with using a neck with block inlays as a fretless neck? Will there be a change in tone as you slide from note to note over one of the inlays? Again, sorry if this is a silly question![/quote] You won't know if its a problem until you do it ! Certainly it will affect the sound as you will be sliding over different materials and depending on the quality of the neck there could be voids under the inlays and at worst they may become loose. Also the wear rate will be different and will be noticeable most at the edge of the inlay. You may be able to negate these problems by using a quality epoxy coating. In general most necks are stable enough to have this treatment, one of my basses had it done in 1984 and has suffered no ill effects, indeed it has never had the neck adjusted ever. Unless you must do this or really want to I would still advise against it. To do it you need to know if the frets are a push fit or if they are glued also. If they are a push fit you should be able to drift them out sideways with a small hammer and a punch. If you try to lift them the tangs will rip chunks out of the fingerboard. If they are glued you will need to heat them first with a large powerful soldering iron. Once you have removed them the easy fix is a good quality flexible wood filler , the more time consuming way is to inlay the fret slots with strips of veneer and refinish the board. Have you considered another neck ? Cost wise they are approx £50.00 from various suppliers and if you decide you don't like fretless you can put the original neck back on. Alternatively buy a cheap fretless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jase Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Do you know if they are painted inlays? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu-khag Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 If the neck is in good nick I'd sell it as I know a few peeps who'd love a jazz neck with inlays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frusty Posted June 17, 2008 Author Share Posted June 17, 2008 Just a quick post to say thanks for the replies so far! In work at the mo but will post a more detailed reply later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabootsy Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 i have an old neck you can have for a drink plus postage. Saves you defretting a neck and not liking it as frets are much harder to put in than take out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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