micro-tilt

[pacop]

Hi, I recently got a 77 stingray and after setting it up , i discovered how useful micro-tilt is, I tested different micro-tilt adjustments until the bass accomodated to my playing style and I must say I never felt so comfortable with a bass after that. I wonder why this magic feature is no longer available in modern basses, I didn´t notice any tone loss with different settings and bass neck is still so stable with 3 bolts neck.

 

[Golem]

`

Must be market pressure. Everybody who has
one loves it, and not limited to MM players. I
have a 4-bolt Peavey with it, no problems and
handy for set up. Especially cuz the Peavey is
a FL, where every element of set up is about
more than playability. FL set up differences
can be plainly heard.

I consider neck tilt to be essential to set up,
such that on most basses, lacking the micro
adjuster, I've become proficient at shimming.

Nearly all my basses are bolt-on. The few that
are not have to be verrrry special basses for
me to own a non-adjustable neck joint. Many
of my basses do not have any adjustment at
the bridge so neck tilt is the only way to affect
the action height after setting relief.

For me, the new neck-thru EBMM basses are
a toadall non-starter. You could GIVE me one
and I wouldn't keep it.

`

 

[sanderhermans]

There is pro's and con's to the system. A regular neck shim is a bit more work than the micro tilt but it is a bit more stable too, especially with 6 vs 3 bolts. And in normal situations, if the angle of the neck and setup is done correctly, chances are slimm you will ever run out of bridge sadle adjustement before you need to do a shim. So most people had more disadvantages to the system than they ever used it
Altough i must say that it was a clevver way to do verry fast neck tilting. My pre-eb guitar is pretty sollid with 3 bolts too, but not as good as 4, 5 or 6 bolt necks.

 

[pacop]

`

Must be market pressure. Everybody who has
one loves it, and not limited to MM players. I
have a 4-bolt Peavey with it, no problems and
handy for set up. Especially cuz the Peavey is
a FL, where every element of set up is about
more than playability. FL set up differences
can be plainly heard.

I consider neck tilt to be essential to set up,
such that on most basses, lacking the micro
adjuster, I've become proficient at shimming.

Nearly all my basses are bolt-on. The few that
are not have to be verrrry special basses for
me to own a non-adjustable neck joint. Many
of my basses do not have any adjustment at
the bridge so neck tilt is the only way to affect
the action height after setting relief.

For me, the new neck-thru EBMM basses are
a toadall non-starter. You could GIVE me one
and I wouldn't keep it.

`

+1

 

[Golem]

`

To anyone who's seen the "inner workings" of a
micro-tilt, it's obvious that if you want it you can
do it yourself, same as factory, with simple tools
and ordinary hardware store items.

No need to convert to 3 bolts. 4 or 6 bolts works
all the same ... even 5 bolt. If you can shim it, it
can micro-tilt converted.

.

 

[nervous]

`

To anyone who's seen the "inner workings" of a
micro-tilt, it's obvious that if you want it you can
do it yourself, same as factory, with simple tools
and ordinary hardware store items.

No need to convert to 3 bolts. 4 or 6 bolts works
all the same ... even 5 bolt. If you can shim it, it
can micro-tilt converted.

.

Yup, But the greatest challenge that I see getting a cosmetically acceptable hole through the neck plate. Once you disturb the chrome it's not long before it could start to flake or peel off and could be ruined at the time of drilling. And the heat of drilling can also damage or discolor. But solve that and, as you say, the rest is easy.

 

[Golem]

Yup, But the greatest challenge that I see getting a cosmetically
acceptable hole through the neck plate. ........ the rest is easy.

I'd make a new plate, brass or stainless if you have the tools. If
you lack metal working tools, you can make a plate out of black
or opaque color plexi. If you use plexi, you'll need trim washers
under the bolt heads or the bolts will destroy the plexi. Not the
stamped tin trim washers, use the nylon kind. And, if plexi, the
plate should be a bit larger than the original, so the holes won't
be so scary close to the edge. You can use pick guard material
as well. What can a busted PG guard cost ? [Zero if you already
have a junked PG.]

`