In need of a new fingerboard

[Signal Path]

I'm not sure where to post this,so please excuse me if its in the wrong place.
I've just got my hands on a Cort 4 string bass ( GB-74) the model with the swamp ash body and a maple neck/maple fingerboard with big plastic pearl blocks
Well I'd like to get shot of the maple board, and fit a nice Indian R/wood fingerboard with small 4mm MOP dots.
it needs to be slotted,but it doesn't have to be free tend as I can do this to keep the cost down
Is there anyone out there that would want to take this on,or if you know of anyone.
as I can I've had a few quotes from "known" makers and the job would cost the price of the bass.
can anyone help me ?

Many thanks,
Steve

[Matt P]

whether this can be done affordably will depend on whether the neck and the fingerboard are separate pieces of wood or actually one piece, is there a "skunk stripe" of darker wood on the back of the neck? (this would usually indicate a single piece neck)

if it is a separate fingerboard then it's not too difficult to remove the fingerboard and fit a new one, if it's a one piece neck then it's a much bigger job.

Matt

[PlungerModerno]

You could DIY it - but it would require tools, time, and some careful application of skills. Not a beginner task, removing & replacing a fingerboard, IMO.

I'd be looking for a replacement neck with what I wanted on it - or maybe having one made to my specs. Commissioning work is nearly always much pricer than the production line equivalent. It has to be for the person to break even, let alone make some dosh!

[Manton Customs]

Agree with the others, it's not a particularly easy job for a beginner to remove a fingerboard safely (apologies if you aren't a beginner). However what makes removal a bit easier is the fact you are not going to reuse the fingerboard...this means it could be routed off rather than steaming/separating, which could damage the finish if not done correctly. You'd need to build a jig which supports the router above the neck having already pulled the frets. It goes without saying that there would be some element of risk of something going wrong though if you haven't done it before. But provided you're careful, it should be achievable .

If you can remove the board yourself and cut/sand/file the final taper of the new fingerboard to the neck and you just need the board with front dots installed, fret slots and radius cut, then it wouldn't be particularly expensive. If you needed the whole job completing (eg: fingerboard removed and new board installed) then it could get expensive!

Feel free to contact me via PM or email if you'd like to discuss more .

Edited March 31, 2016 by Manton Customs