Neck Thickness

[boristhespider7]

We talk a lot about neck RADIUS and neck WIDTH on the various bass necks. But to me, the most important measurement is neck THICKNESS at the 1st and 12th frets. I don't see this information included with the specs listed on MM's web site as it with some other manufacturers (e.g., Lakland, Ibanez). Does anyone know the neck THICKNESS at the 1st and 12th frets for the Stingray 4 & 5 and the Sterling 4 & 5? To me, this is what sets necks apart more than anything.

Also, has anyone else noticed that Musician's Friend and Guitar Center's web site descriptions of the Sterling say that its neck is "basically the same as the Stingray" just because the radius and the scale are the same as the Stingray? This seems woefully incorrect to me. Obviously, the Sterling neck has both a smaller nut width (i.e., is narrower) and is not as thick as the Stingray. That's important! The way Musician's Friend and Guitar Center describe the Sterling, the only difference is the body size.

 

[MusicMan4Life38]

We talk a lot about neck RADIUS and neck WIDTH on the various bass necks. But to me, the most important measurement is neck THICKNESS at the 1st and 12th frets. I don't see this information included with the specs listed on MM's web site as it with some other manufacturers. Does anyone know the neck THICKNESS at the 1st and 12th frets for the Stingray 4 & 5 and the Sterling 4 & 5? To me, this is what sets necks apart more than anything.

Also, has anyone else noticed that Musician's Friend and Guitar Center's web site descriptions of the Sterling say that its neck is "basically the same as the Stingray" just because the radius and the scale are the same as the Stingray? This seems woefully incorrect to me. Obviously, the Sterling neck has both a smaller nut width (i.e., is narrower) and is not as thick as the Stingray. That's important! The way Musician's Friend and Guitar Center describe the Sterling, the only difference is the body size.

I here you on that, they need to start listing how thick the neck is. The first thing I look for in a bass is how thick the neck is, because if it is to thick it will be very uncomfortable in my hand and I won't want to play it. I have come to love the Sterling because of how thin the neck is, but I had to go to GC two different times to see how thick the necks were between the Sterling and Stingray. What is so hard about listing how thick a neck is?

 

[boristhespider7]

Yes and it drives me a bit crazy when people focus on the width of the nut only and then say, "oh that's like a J-Bass or a P-Bass." You can have a wider nut and a very thin neck or a thin nut and a thick neck.

And, the statement on Musician's Friend and Guitar Center's web sites saying that the Stingray and Sterling necks are "basically the same" is a bit maddening as you know that's where a lot of people get their information.

So, does anyone have the specs requested in the OP?

 

[Aussie Mark]

So, does anyone have the specs requested in the OP?

Rulers are cheap.

 

[boristhespider7]

Rulers are cheap.

Indeed they are, but that's not really the point. In any event, for a truly accurate measurement, you need a cross-section of the neck (see Ibanez's web site for example which has a nice diagram in each bass description of how each element of a neck is measured). For a prospective buyer of a MM bass, this information would be very useful especially if they are going to purchase before having the chance to get their hands on one, which happens a lot. Radius and neck width is not the full story. Why only talk about and list radius and nut width (and rulers are available for those too, by the way) when thickness information is as relevant or more relevant to prospective buyers? And to top it off, some of the largest retailers of these basses (MF and GC) advertise the Stingray and Sterling necks as being "basically the same" because they have the same scale and radius!?!?!

 

[MrMusashi]

i like to play my bass instead of measuring it

MrM

that said, i wouldnt mind measuring the necks on my bass for reference..

 

[Aussie Mark]

is there any plan to raise the bar on Music Man cases? IMHO, as nice as the Music Man cases are, they are a bit dated. The metal latches aren't that sturdy, the lock is weak, they are oversized compared to the bass itself (especially the Sterling), the corners are prone to chipping, the handle hurts the hands for long hauls, and there is no covered compartment inside. I think it's time for a drastic redesign.

I just purchased the most beautiful Sterling HH. However, the neck H seems to be too close to the neck

Any complaints about the weather while you're at it?

 

[boristhespider7]

No complaints. I own 4 MM basses and have another on order, so no need to jump to MM's defense. Just asking for specs on the neck thickness if they were available. Wasn't that the innocent question in the original post? No complaints -- only a mere statement that radius and width do not tell the whole story when discussing necks. Well, one complaint: the inaccurate description on the MF and GC web sites which is ridiculous. That's not some accusation against MM. It's just misinformation by the retailers.

Rock on...

And post those specs if you have a ruler...thanks.

 

[Big Poppa]

calm down everyone....BOris the only problem is the title of your thread implies that we are innaccurate on our website

 

[bovinehost]

calm down everyone....BOris the only problem is the title of your thread implies that we are innaccurate on our website

I can fix that, at least.

 

[five7]

You have to own a bass to know how the neck compares.

 

[Powman]

You have to own a bass to know how the neck compares.

Yeah, I agree. The best test is to try it out in a store first. The combination of factors width, radius, etc all add together. You won't really know how it all comes together until you feel it with your own hands.

 

[kevins]

Yeah, I agree. The best test is to try it out in a store first. The combination of factors width, radius, etc all add together. You won't really know how it all comes together until you feel it with your own hands.

indeed! ive played necks that are incredibly thin but uncomfortable or incredibly thick and incredibly comfortable. my stingray's neck is waaaaaay beefier than my first bass(a pj fernandes). but the stingray is just as comfortable despite being far beefier. and for good reason. thin vs thick necks change the sound quite a bit. i used to think necks were just something to be whittled away but no longer believe that. they're supposed to be fine tuned to comfort no matter what width.

ive also played on basses that have the same beefy style neck as my stingray and they fall way short of the same level of comfort.

 

[oli@bass]

You have to own a bass to know how the neck compares.

+1

I was never interested in any measurements for a neck, but rather like to hold them in my hands. And there can be differences even with the exact same neck shape from the same manufacturer. The setup also plays into it.

Anyway, if measurements are given as technical data I think it would me nice to have all the relevat informtion available.

 

[GGK]

I concure with most that you have to actually play the instrument to actually get the feel. Having said that, it would be nice to have "reference" dimensions for a rough comparison. Not sure but EBMM may classify this as propriatary information. I would think there also may be a somewhat larger tolerance on these dimensions vs. the actual neck widths, which are essentially just straight line measurements.

 

[boristhespider7]

Of course, there is simply no substitute for having the instrument in your hands. However, the other specs are listed (width, radius) so why not list the thickness at the 1st and 12th fret? I personally find this information very useful for comparing instruments. Sometimes knowing the specs actually helps me understand what component of the neck shape is making the difference for how the instrument feels in my hands and helps me know what to look for. For instance, I'm getting a SLO Special not because the radius is 11 (the same on a Standard Stingray which is uncomfortable for me), but because of the thickness of the neck. When people talk about radius and nut width (often comparing such specs to Ps' and J's), it really ignores a central component of neck comfort. It's probably why a number of other manufacturers list the thickness measurements. Anyway, if anyone has the specs from the OP, send them along.

On another note, don't you think that MF and GC's web description of the Sterling neck is inaccurate and unfair to the majesty of that instrument?

 

[mynan]

On another note, don't you think that MF and GC's web description of the Sterling neck is inaccurate and unfair to the majesty of that instrument?

On behalf of the dead horse, I would like to request that you stop beating it.

 

[oli@bass]

On behalf of the dead horse, I would like to request that you stop beating it.

Why, it doesn't feel anything anyway, does it?

 

[zuma]

Good points all around. I, for one, would love to have all the info possible. If you have nut width AND thickness front to back I think you can pretty well guesstimate what a neck might feel like. After 20+ years of playing I think I know what kind of neck I like and I have to say, it's the most important factor when buying a bass - Do I like the neck?

Bongo necks are awesome, my '83 Stingray is just about perfect. The Classic series at BP live felt great but I am anxious to try one again at a GC or something.

Any how, there is also neck shape (C shape, U shape, asymmetrical, etc) to consider but I agree that overall front to back width, at least at the 1st fret, would be a great addition to the spec charts in ANY bass.

 

[Caca de Kick]

You can't list the thickness. It has been said that the necks are final hand sanded, and from all the StingRays I've owned the thicknesses vary alot. I just had a 30th Ray here for amonth that belongs to a friend, and I swear the back was shaped very flat and 3/16" slimmer than my old 30th. My '07 bluedawn had a very thick neck definite U shaped, and the '07 I currently have has a nice slim C shape to it. And many more....