Author Topic: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?  (Read 2589 times)

BTL

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This is an idea I have been kicking around for a while now, and I'm curious to know if there is any interest.

The concept is simple and easy enough to implement as it will be based on my 32" scale conversion neck design.

The idea would be to offer either complete builds or a ready-to-install neck and bridge "kit" that converts an American Spec 34" scale four string bass to a 32" scale Bass VI (E to E) with a 1.75" nut and 2 1/4" (0.45" or 11.43mm) bridge.

I think it would be unique and different enough to be worth pursuing.

Since most of the tooling is already done, it would be pretty easy to bring to fruition.

Is this something folks might be interested in?

Granny Gremlin

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2018, 11:56:07 AM »
Interested sure.... but I doubt it's in the budget (cuz I'd also need an instrument to use it on). 
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Pilgrim

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2018, 12:35:57 PM »
I'm not sure what the market for 32" is.  I have one Gretsch in that scale, but I prefer 30".  Not sure whether the market tends to be 30 or 34, but not much 32.
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amptech

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2018, 10:06:15 PM »
For a fender 6 or Gibson EB-6 type bass, I think the 30" scale is part of the attraction. The 'toy' feel is a good thing, it urges you to do new things.

I say build one and see if it feels 'right' as a six string. 

wellREDman

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2018, 02:02:42 PM »
my Flying V bass VI project had a 32 on it and it didn't feel like a bass VI so I went to a 30

BTL

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2018, 04:51:12 PM »
As far as I can tell, there is nothing else like it on the market.

32" scale has its proponents and detractors, but I think I could sell at least five of these over time.

That makes it pretty much a green light.

The bridge would be top-loading only and would be a direct retro-fit for a vintage-style 5-screw four string bridge.

So, imagine this, but with a six-string headstock and bridge:



The bridge plate would be identical to the one shown in the Ridler 32/34 shown above.

I'm considering using two compensated, fixed-angle, barrel-style saddles with three string slots, two intonation screws, and two height adjustment screws each.

The slot depth in the saddles would be cut to match the 9 1/2" fretboard radius.

Imagine compensated, fixed-angle, barrel saddles like these:



...but with pre-cut string slots running parallel to the strings, like these:



...and two height adjustment screws and two intonation screws per saddle, like these:


BTL

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #6 on: August 14, 2018, 06:09:19 PM »
Well...I won't commit to timeframes, but I'm definitely going to make this happen.

:)

Basvarken

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #7 on: August 15, 2018, 01:23:41 AM »
I like this swivel saddle bridge by Wilkinson


Pilgrim

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Re: Would anybody be interested in a 32" Scale IV to VI conversion?
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2018, 09:10:15 AM »
I like this swivel saddle bridge by Wilkinson



Clever!!!  Nice idea.
"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any other invention with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."