Some Concern About the SUB

**midopa** · 11-12-2005, 12:30 PM

I was over at GC yesterday and tried out an active SUB. What an awesome instrument. I was playing the Beatles' "When I'm Sixty-Four" on it and it sounded grrrrrrrrreat.

My only concern was that the fret slots were cut too deep - there were small gaps beneath all the frets in the fretboard. What's the dealio?

**BassPooch** · 11-14-2005, 08:10 AM

I own a SUB active. I noticed the same thing for the past year about why the fret slot are cut so deep. Two weeks ago I was looking at a new StingRay and the fret slots are cut perfectly. I would also like to know what is the deal here?

P.S. The SUB still sounds and plays great.

**dlloyd** · 11-14-2005, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by BassPooch

I own a SUB active. I noticed the same thing for the past year about why the fret slot are cut so deep. Two weeks ago I was looking at a new StingRay and the fret slots are cut perfectly. I would also like to know what is the deal here?

P.S. The SUB still sounds and plays great.

The difference, as far as I can see, is one of wood filler.

**Big Poppa** · 11-14-2005, 08:37 AM

you are correct sir the gap is strictly cosmetic and one of the reasons why the sub is priced where it is.

**BassPooch** · 11-14-2005, 10:00 AM

Interesting -then why are they cut so deep if "cosmetic"? Does then mean that less care is taken when necks are made for SUB basses? Or are these necks originally destined for StingRay but had this "cosmetic" (hate to use this word) defect?
Just wondering (I still love my SUB regardless).

**SteveB** · 11-14-2005, 10:05 AM

I'm as far from a luthier as you could possibly get, but I do know that wood expands & contracts with humidity.

So, I think it's probably customary to cut fret slots on the deep side and then backfill with wood filler just to make it look pretty. (The deep cut to ensure the frets don't pop out with the first climate change.)

Sounds like they're just skipping the last step with the SUBs. Saves time & money which can be passed along.

**phatduckk** · 11-14-2005, 11:58 AM

on the tour i saw an employee doing this fret filling. so pretty much this step is skipped for SUB and you get a price break

i dont think that means the same care isnt taken for the subs ... i seriously doubt that when someone gets to install something on the instrument they pay less attention and think to themselves "eh, f-it its a sub".

**midopa** · 11-14-2005, 01:05 PM

That's good to hear. That SUB was awesome. Add that to my GAS list!

**Big Poppa** · 11-14-2005, 08:30 PM

Check other brands with finished necks and you will see a goopy finish fill. THere is no less care i8n making a sub we just dont put mascara on it. Yo0u have to cut the frets evenly and as deep as we do to insure proper setting.