Can LEDS be installed to a neckthrough bass with no LEDs?

lalogarcia · January 14, 2011, 06:33:19 AM

Is it possible to install Leds to a neckthrough that was born without them? Or can they only be installed when you build them from scratch? What about a Bolt-on bass?

elwoodblue · January 14, 2011, 09:34:39 AM

I've heard these folks do great work on retrofitting LEDs

http://www.simscustom.com/

...in the short run you could also try fretFX , (they stick on so it is reversible):

https://fretfx.com/

hydrargyrum · January 14, 2011, 11:21:49 AM

Here's a quote from Mica from 2003. I'm sure that price increases would need to be considered.

It costs $970 to do it as a retrofit job. We route out a small channel under the tangs of the frets and install a strip with the LEDs fitted on it. We also route an axtra cavity on the back to hold the batteries for the side LEDs. If the bass has been played alot and has never been refretted, it's a good idea to have that done before we put the LEDs in (we can do this for you too) so you get the longest life possible out of the investment.

terryc · January 15, 2011, 05:50:04 AM

Sims did my MK last year, front facing with magnifier lenses. Click on link below
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/393/65418.html?1247439350

terryc · January 15, 2011, 06:08:52 AM

On SIMS website 'Gallery', mine is Gallery 1 third line down second in from the left

cozmik_cowboy · January 15, 2011, 07:46:50 AM

As to bolt-on, about 30 years ago a friend of mine had side LEDs retro-fitted on a P-bass. Shouldn't be a problem for a competent luthier.

Peter

lalogarcia · January 15, 2011, 06:33:36 PM

But are Sims in England or in the USA ? I don't wanna pay $500 in shipping charges!
Thanks...

mike13 · January 16, 2011, 01:17:18 AM

Try fretex,give them the scale length fit it yourselve,costs about $100,I have a set on a Black Tiger about to do my 92 Essence

kalenzaj · February 15, 2011, 07:15:22 AM

I would also refer to FretFX I had got a set up on my Gibson T-bird and they look great and you will not hardly feel the difference. Great head turner plus much cheaper. Check their web site and see for yourself.

jazzyvee · February 15, 2011, 09:13:56 AM

I have fretfx on my Europa 5 and they work well. Although I haven't been in many situations that have needed them turned on. :-)
They do have two settings so you can have them low or high. With wearing glasses like I do, the low setting is preferable as there is less flare if your glasses aren't spotlessly clean.

Jazzyvee