Rick's Fine '52

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1342002477' post='1727678'] What I'm trying to say is that the BBOT is an outdated design from 50+ years ago, which Leo never used on any of his later creations (he went for a hi mass one). Fender still use this outdated concept because the market will not let them move onto a [b]better[/b] design! Part of the beauty of the original fender design is that is easy to upgrade if you want. So, if you don't like the bridge it's very simple to bolt on a new one, it's easy to change pick-ups (unlike a rick, alembic, warwick, etc thru this partly down to design and partly due to popularity creating a market for aftermarket upgraded parts)....... [/quote] I think the term [i]better[/i] is very subjective in this thread, and not a given, as implied. If it works perfectly, and you have the sound you want, why would you change any component on an instrument?

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1341995018' post='1727474'] This.... Personally, I don't know why some people insist on seeing design faults or outdated components as evidence of an instrument's superiority - it's like Harley Davidson riders in the motorcycle world! [/quote] I'm actually yet to hear anyone claim that a design fault is evidence of an instruments superiority, especially when talking about fenders, why would someone claim that? Having said that, if you're talking about BBOT bridges, then it clearly isnt a design issue, as they still make fenders with them, and as I've said, I've never experienced a single problem with them. If you're talkinga bout the nut access location, then yes, not the best design as i raised earlier, but it also doesnt make it superior. I think I'm struggling to see your point in the context of this thread, which is probably me, missing something.

[quote name='Fat Rich' timestamp='1341957303' post='1727159'] Transition was '74, my '74 has the 3 bolts, bullet trussrod at headstock, pearl inlays and white binding.... but still has the notch out of the scratchplate like the 4 bolt necks with the adjuster at the heel of the neck. [/quote] Didnt they have a small hole for tilt adjustment though, in the neckplate?

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1341938795' post='1726604'] If the truss rod notch was longer then you could access the rod with a tool without removing the scratchplate. [/quote] Yes, but then it would look awful, as it would be quite some notch. Removing the scratchplate wouldnt be a problem, but it still isnt enough on trad style Fenders.

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1341937003' post='1726548'] ssh don't tease, he's still saving up for the status king bass [/quote] You've sent me gassing again Luke!!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1341937003' post='1726548'] ssh don't tease, he's still saving up for the status king bass this on always made sense to me. Most fragile part on almost any guitar is the top of the neck into the headstock. (ask a gibson owner) Now drilling a big hole in this bit of wood makes it even weaker. But if you plug that gap with something else it makes it stronger... and then you can still access the truss from the bottom. viola! Would I be right in thinking that by the time it ended up at the headstock end they were either using rosewood fretboards and putting the truss in from the front, or in many cases (jazzes, Musicman, G&L) the neck wasn't as flat and wide as the early fenders? That's always been my explanation. Might be utter bollocks but makes sense to me! [/quote] Fair point, although they used the bullet truss rod from i think '75 on a maple block neck? (Unsure, not big on 70's stuff, but it was around '76/'76?)

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1341936374' post='1726534'] Alternatively why not make the truss rod notch in the scratchplate actually long enough so that the truss rod is accessible?.....the truss rod notch seems pointless if access to the rod is still impossible without disassembly. [/quote] Indeed, but you still have to remove the scratchplate. Headstock is instant, so obvious, there must be another reason that my simpleton brain can't fathom.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1341935440' post='1726493'] Good point, In fact if anything it was the main area he kept changing from Musicman then again with G&L. For some reason the Fender is too sacred for many to accept the high mass bridge is better in more ways than just tone which is personal anyway, I am man enough to admit that even as a MM fan boy that the G&L bridge design is better [/quote] With me, although I'm a purist when it comes to vintage basses, it's not about them being sacred, or not man enough to admit something, its quite simply that I've never had the need to change it, or even consider changing one. It does everything it's supposed to, and whilst I don't doubt for one minute that others say HM bridges improve the tone, tone is personal, and i like my basses to sound as intended, simple, But none of my BBOT's have ever shifted, bent, or anything else, tuning has never faltered. If I had experienced problems, then I can assure you, I'd be on here saying that the BBOT's are sh*te, fact is, they're not. Nothing sacred about Leo's creation, for example, the truss rod adjustment on a vintage Bass has to be the most ridiculously located thing ever, and this from a guitar inventing genius. Why did it take him decades to change the adjustment to the headstock, where it should always have been?? Personally I hate to see truss adjustments at the headstock, but thats the purist in me again , and I wouldnt touch one with a bargepole, but let's be honest, thats exactly where they should be!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1341934612' post='1726476'] Really? Is it going to have a maple fb on maple neck and everything..? [/quote] I'm quite OCD when it comes to detail, as you'll see from some of my other Projects, most of which are for sale now, so yes. I already have most of the parts, including the maple cap neck, original '66 tuners, original '66 black, wide bevel 3 ply guard, with shield, original '66 neckplate, original '66 pots, jack & wiring, original '66 string tree, original '66 strap buttons. Original '66 Bridge is currently in negotiation I just need the body (Already spec'd and quoted, just need to get round to ordering it), pickups, and thumbrest. Getting exciting now!

[quote name='johnp352' timestamp='1341680707' post='1722722'] Hello from Chicago..new here..though this Slab P has been in the UK for a few years now. I built it as I wanted the JAE Marque thing..and got it. Sold to a guy who is in a Who tribute band in the UK. Ash body, two piece maple neck, specially wound PU from Seymour Duncan. [/quote] Very, very cool. Working on my own version as we speak.