Can you buy a fretboard by itself?

Question

Hi, I am starting to plan out a project with my bass guitar that would involve taking off the fretboard. I fear that it mite be broken or messed up in the process and would like to have the option of buying another one incase something goes wrong.

I've looked in all the places I know of(Musician's Friend, Y!, Ebay,etc) and can't find just a fretboard by itself i can only find the neck and fretboard pre attached and I dont see the point in paying $200 for another neck if I already have one.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

you should check out Warmouth or StewMac.

i'd think StewMac would have that, because they sell lots of parts and replacement parts for stringed instruments. you can also get tools for that kinda stuff.

the fretboard might be kinda pricey though. it might be cheaper to just get a new neck, or not take the fretboard off.

Answer 2

This is not sound like a project that just anyone can do. It requires extensive knowledge of instrument construction, a great deal of patience, and the right tools every step of the way.

Talk with someone with experience building and repairing guitars. If there is a luthier shop near you, visit them in person and ask your 101 questions. Many are more than happy to talk about their craft. If customizing and repairing guitars is something that interests you, maybe they would take you in as a sort of apprentice, with on-the-job training. It can be a very rewarding and lucrative profession.

Try calling, writing or emailing the manufacturer of your instrument. They may be able to tell you how best to proceed, if what you want to do is even possible, what to look for to determine whether you can reuse the fretboard or not, and if you can purchase the fretboard separate from the neck. The two pieces may be glued together with an adhesive so strong that both the neck and fretboard would be rendered unusable if you try to separate them.

Being an amateur musician, with a variety of instruments in my possesion, guitars, fiddle, banjo, autoharp and other miscellaneous music-makers, I can appreciate a well made instrument. I once made a dulcimer from a kit, and believe me, that still took a great deal of work. It turned out ok, but even at a glance you can tell it was not professionally made.

Good luck with your project!

Answer 3

If you're not really good with it, you might damage it badly, so I agree you should look at a totally new neck - carvin.com has some good stuff.
Read this, it's a pro:
http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/fingerboard.htm

Answer 4

yes, they have them on ebay. Here's a direct link