Fretless Neck
continued from page one

The headstock was designed to implement correct placement of the strings so that each one flows in a straight line from the nut to a point tangent to the post of its tuning machine. Note the 'Bass Clef' inlay of gold abalone shell.	Quartersawn, highly flamed, Eastern Hard Maple (Acer saccharum) with an ivory bound fingerboard of Gaboon Ebony (Diospyros Piscatoria) is inlayed with 2mm wide ivory strips to simulate fret positions. Nut is also of ivory and position markers of multicolored abalone shell.
The bass features matte black Hipshot Ultralite® Tuning Keys, featuring annodized aluminum housings, and boast a 20:1 tuning ratio for super smooth tuning. Note the sculptural detailing on the back of the headstock.	Notice how the tinted nitro-cellulose lacquer finish on the headstock 'fades' into a mineral oil impregnated neck, to enhance asthetics and provide a silky smooth player interface.
The 'flame' (Medullary Rays) of the quartersawn maple neck is more evident in this photograph where the natural color of the mineral oil finished neck blends into the tinted lacquer heel.	... only the head and heel are finished in an amber tinted nitro-cellulose lacquer. I use a special high quality instrument grade lacquer manufactured by Mohawk Finishes. The neck itsself was finished with a thin wash coat of clear lacquer and then hand rubbed with mineral oil and OOOO grade steel wool to insure a silky smooth feel and player interface.

Note the 'fret' position inlays... This ivory look alike is actually highly refined, tempered, cowbone. It wears and finishes just like Ivory ( ...Ivory is actually bone too ) but does not pose the same threat of extinction for the African Elephant.




At Charlie's request the peghead of his custom neck was adorned with this 'bass clef' inlay of gold abalone shell.


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