Official Luthiers Forum!

In order to get proper string height to be compatible with a standard 4 string bridge, how high do you leave the crown of the fretboard off of the bass body surface when routing your neck pocket? I was thinking around 12/32".

In other words, if I did this and ran a straightedge down the fretless fretboard and over the bridge area there would be 12/32" of clearance over the body surface.

What measurement do you go for that works well?

If you have adjustable saddles, there's room for error. I generally put the bridge on the body, measure the height, and use that as the determining factor. The specific depth of your neck pocket will depend on a number of factors, including the thickness of your neck heel, bridge height, and the method you use to mount your bridge. It's best to just lay it out and think through it, in my opinion.

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David Morris

Yep. Measure the total thickness of your neck at the heel, including the top of your fret (Measurement A). Measure your bridge saddle height at its lowest position, or close to it (Measurement B). Measurement A minus Measurement B = your neck pocket depth.

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http://www.tinyhouseandland.com

i think this is one of those rare cases in woodworking where too much of a cut is acceptable....you can always shim the neck if your pocket is too deep... also, make sure to set the adjustable saddles about halfway in their vertical range before guestimating, and try to compensate for neck curvature/nut rise under string tension

I went for 16/32". A bit on the high side but I think it'll work out.