Bullet-style 1/8" versus "standard" truss rod

[dg27]

I'm putting together a Fender Jazz bass from parts. Is there any big difference between a neck with a "bullet 1/8" and a "standard" truss rod?

Standard:



Bullet:



None of my basses have this bullet type truss rod. That one is twice as much $ as the standard.

Obviously the $400 neck is better wood than the $200, but this seems to be the only other difference (besides the inlays).

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Bullet-style 1/8" versus "standard" truss rod

The "bullet" adjuster at the end of the rod is a throwback to the CBS era. It is only there for appearance's sake. There is no significant difference in the function of the actual truss rod behind the adjuster.

Inlays, binding and fret end work all add significantly to production time and costs. The wood quality might not be massively different.

 

[dg27]

Re: Bullet-style 1/8" versus "standard" truss rod

The "bullet" adjuster at the end of the rod is a throwback to the CBS era. It is only there for appearance's sake. There is no significant difference in the function of the actual truss rod behind the adjuster.

Thanks for clarifying that bullet. That's always puzzled me.

Inlays, binding and fret end work all add significantly to production time and costs. The wood quality might not be massively different.

So basically I guess this is a case of "you get what you pay for." I don't want a crappy neck, so I guess I'll have to pony up.

One thing I find surprising is that my '87 MIJ Squier neck seems to be very high quality.

Thanks for your input.

 

[dg27]

Re: Bullet-style 1/8" versus "standard" truss rod

Related question: I believe the neck on my '87 MIJ Squier Jazz and my '76 Fender P are the same slim profile.

Would that be 7.25 or 9.5?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Bullet-style 1/8" versus "standard" truss rod

Obviously the $400 neck is better wood than the $200.

Not necessarily.

Two Fender MIM necks. One more decorative than the other. It is possible that the Seventies style neck has the traditional 7.25" fingerboard radius whereas the "Standard" series gets a more modern 9.5".

"you get what you pay for."

Some times.

I don't want a crappy neck, so I guess I'll have to pony up.

Fender MIM Standard versus MIM Classic? :scratchch I once considered doing what you describe but I would have paired a J body with a P neck.

One thing I find surprising is that my '87 MIJ Squier neck seems to be very high quality.

Some Fender Japan models made between 1986 and 1989 received Fender decals for a few years before a change to Squier. (e.g. The MIJ Stratocaster models with System I, II or III vibrato bridges.) The actual parts did not change. The rubber stamps, pencil markings and QA Inspection stickers were identical.

 

[dg27]

Re: Bullet-style 1/8" versus "standard" truss rod

Two Fender MIM necks. One more decorative than the other. It is possible that the Seventies style neck has the traditional 7.25" fingerboard radius whereas the "Standard" series gets a more modern 9.5".

I just learned that my '87 MIJ Squier has a 7.25 radius (as does my '76 P, apparently: I am sure they are the same). And I believe both have "vintage" frets.

Fender MIM Standard versus MIM Classic? :scratchch I once considered doing what you describe but I would have paired a J body with a P neck.

I don't care either way as long as it's a 7.25, slim profile, vintage frets. I assume that if I am using an MIM body, I should stick with an MIM (rather than a USA or especially an MIJ) neck, right?

Some Fender Japan models made between 1986 and 1989 received Fender decals for a few years before a change to Squier.

Good to know--explains a lot.

Thanks once again.