Are flat radius fingerboards better at achieving an (ultra) low action?

[Greg.Bassman]

If you're luthier is leveling with a radius block, then yes, the greater radius on the board will mean a (slightly) higher action... we are talking small amounts here, but it will be more susceptible to choking when bending. A cylinder is really not the optimal shape for a fretboard.

Edited December 6, 2017 by Greg.Bassman

[dannybuoy]

I'm a big fan of flatter boards too, after working out that of all the basses I have had, my favourite necks have all had a radius of 12" or more (e.g. Sandberg and Yamaha). My favourite ever neck is my Warwick Rockbass Streamer 5-string with a 26" radius.

The 7.25" radius of the Sire basses is the only thing putting me off trying one, way too curvy for my liking.

Edited February 1, 2017 by dannybuoy

[HowieBass]

[quote name='Greg.Bassman' timestamp='1485981654' post='3228294']
[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#000000]Hi howiebass. That[/color][color=#000000]’[/color][color=#000000]s an interesting idea. What model would you recommend?[/color][/font][/size]
[/quote]

There's a thread discussing medium scale (32") basses here http://basschat.co.uk/topic/219311-medium-32-scale-electric-basses/

[Greg.Bassman]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1485984543' post='3228340']
The 7.25" radius of the Sire basses is the only thing putting me off trying one, way too curvy for my liking.
[/quote]

Lol, same here. Beautiful looking basses though

[Greg.Bassman]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1485989789' post='3228415']
There's a thread discussing medium scale (32") basses here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/219311-medium-32-scale-electric-basses/"]http://basschat.co.u...lectric-basses/[/url]
[/quote]

Awesome. Cheers howiebass!

[markdavid]

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1485776607' post='3226521']
FB radius doesn't affect action appart from the exception that Dood mentioned.

When a bass is set with a very low action the playing attack must be adapted to it, digging the strings harder will make the hit the other frets causing the "choke" and fretbuzz.

If the OP want's low action he needs to play softer and IMO get some higher tension strings as the .040-.100 gauge is too soft and the strings will have a bigger travel when vibrating.
[/quote] So many variables involved in action , my Squier has 100-40 gauge strings, I think my action is relatively low

Edited February 3, 2017 by markdavid

[tauzero]

Quite a lot of ACGs are flat fingerboard - often to be found at a bass bash near you.

[skej21]

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1486160216' post='3229820']
Quite a lot of ACGs are flat fingerboard - often to be found at a bass bash near you.
[/quote]

Yup, mine is flat. I much prefer it to a radius now. Makes all my Fenders feel weird!

[dannybuoy]

1" radius anyone?

http://youtu.be/UA3Qah6z1gg

Edited February 12, 2017 by dannybuoy

[Greg.Bassman]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1486937813' post='3235783']
1" radius anyone?

[media]http://youtu.be/UA3Qah6z1gg[/media]
[/quote]

Lol. I bet his luthier didn't know what to with himself!

Also, I reckon [i]this [/i]could double up as a pretty effective weapon (for those more lairy crowds) lol