Full width inlays on new basses?

[lennon211]

Here's a 2008 4003 currently on Gbase. Its a small pic, but the inlay material appears to be the bright mother of pearl type material we've seen on the 360s. If it is the new material, it looks like basses aren't getting the full width treatment... unless this is a transitional feature.

That's the new material. Maybe they didn't get the full-width treatment.

[ken_j]

I seem to recall JH mentioning that the full width markers on the bass weakened the neck.

[rickfan60]

Yes, they do make the fingerboard more flexible. Rickenbacker necks rely heavily on the strength of the fingerboard. You would be alarmed by how much like a wet noodle the maple part is on its own. Deep cuts across the fingerboard reduce the rigidity / strength. Despite that, if there were structural reasons for the switch, Richard did not mention them.

[lennon211]

It's too bad. At least they get the new inlay material as it is very striking on the necks.

[johnallg]

Wasn't it stated the new routs for the also-routed inlay material is a lot shallower, thus not weakening the fretboard like the old deeper cuts?

[jwr2]

step by step the 4003 bass seems to be getting closer to a V68 bass ...

[ilan]

i don't want to throw a metaphorical wet blanket, but personally I much prefer the look of post-73 inlays.

[weemac]

The next step is to get the neck pickup back where it should be!
emac.

[revolver323]

I like the unbound dot necks myself.

[loverickbass]

Hey guys, long time no see. I just picked up a new 2008 4003 and it has very dark grey inlays, not full width. I'll try to get some pics tommorrow.

Cole

[jingle_jangle]

Wasn't it stated the new routs for the also-routed inlay material is a lot shallower, thus not weakening the fretboard like the old deeper cuts?

Yup. The new material is not as thick as the old poured inlays, so the routs are not as deep. My own belief is that, although full-width inlays probably do decrease total strength of the neck, it should be remembered that the neck of a Rick (bass or geetar) is very shallow and incredibly weak without a fretboard. Once a fretboard is glued on top, it becomes a tension/compression member, and actually gains strength from the presence of the two truss rod channels, although substantial material is remove in the process of routing them.

Anyway, this discussion is now history:

[eric_b]

Looks like Rosa is laying down quite the bass riff...

[sloop_john_b]

[ajish4]

BASS EROTICA!

[bassduke49]

Hot diggity! Good to see those full-width inlays on the basses. Now I'll have to order a new one! Let's see, what color, though? Hmm.