We just released a new video on an often-debated topic: bass neck size. Using the 1995 Albert Jakstadt (which is currently available in the shop), Gary walks through how we evaluate neck dimensions, why numbers matter, and what makes a neck comfortable and easy to play.
A lot of players ask, “What’s the neck size like on this bass?” Words like small, big, or dainty only get you so far. So in the video, we break things down the way we do here in the shop: real measurements, taken at practical reference points. Fingerboard widths at the nut and heel, thickness at first position, profile shapes, and the flare from top to heel are some of the measurements we take so players can understand what they’re feeling.
The Jakstadt measures out as a well-proportioned, comfortable neck. We also compare it to how we make them, using a Standard Carved Upton, which is in the middle of the road of what we do. We also show some bad numbers a very chunky school bass with an overly square, fat U-profile. Seeing these side by side makes the way that numbers and neck profiles matter clear.
We explain how you can measure your current neck accurately, even with strings on, using a simple spacer block to clear the caliper. This gives players a reliable starting point for communicating the neck sizes they prefer.
And here’s the part many customers don’t realize:
If a neck on your bass feels too big, we can usually tailor your bass neck to those numbers, safely and within reason.
Not radical carving, not reshaping the personality out of an instrument, but thoughtful refinement: slimming cheeks, improving the trapezoid, adjusting depth, tightening string spacing, or modernizing the fingerboard width. We do this work all the time, whether to match a player’s ergonomics or to bring consistency to a multi-instrument setup.
Small changes can make a bass dramatically more playable, and when done correctly, they preserve the instrument’s strength and long-term stability. As Gary says: the goal is always a neck that feels natural, responsive, and secure. Neither bulky, nor fragile.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your own neck could feel better under your hand, this video is a worthwhile watch. And if you want guidance on measurements or feasibility for your instrument, just reach out. We’re happy to walk through options.
