JCraft JB-1 Five-String Bass | Part 2

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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Neck and Fretboard

The JCraft JB-1 features a chunky C-shaped maple neck and slab maple fretboard, both finished in clear gloss. Scale length is the standard 34 inches, but fretboard radius is a little flatter than usual at 14 inches. We also have 20 medium jumbo nickel-silver frets with really smooth ends. Kudos to the people who handle fretwork at JCraft, there's no snagging at all when you run your fingers up and down the neck. I also need to mention the subtly rolled fretboard edges, a feature usually found only on high-end instruments. Finding this on a sub-1K bass is a pleasant surprise indeed. Have I left anything out? Oh yes, let's not forget the black block inlays, which impart a strong '70s vibe. And now, before we enjoy some pics, I'd like to share a few measurements with you, my good readers.

Neck Width at 1st Fret: 45.86mm
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: 22.85mm
Neck Width at 12th Fret: 62.84mm
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: 24.87mm
Neck Width at 20th Fret: 69.81mm

Chunky Maple Neck

Neck Heel

Right Side

Left Side

Butt End

Neck Pocket

Poplar Peeking Through

Slab Maple Fretboard

14" Fretboard Radius

Black Block Inlays

Smooth Fret Ends/Rolled Fretboard Edges