Best Notched Straight Edge for Bass: Precision Neck Checks for Your Bass
Choosing a notched straight edge for bass guitars helps ensure neck straightness and fretboard flatness, simplifying setup and maintenance. This guide highlights five reliable options from trusted brands, showcasing how each tool supports accurate neck checks on 34″, 35″ and other bass scales. Whether you’re a pro luthier or a hobbyist, these tools offer flat machined edges, durable aluminum or stainless steel construction, and precise notches tailored to bass needs.
| Product | Scale Length Coverage | Material | Notched |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made In USA-Bass Straight Edge (Notched) Luthiers Tool-Neck Check | 34″ and 35″ | Machined Aluminum | Yes |
| MADE IN USA Guitar and Bass Notched Straight Edge Set | 34″ Bass, 24.75″ & 25.5″ Guitars | 6061 Aluminum | Yes |
| Bass Notched Straight Edge – Guitar Neck Setup Tool | 34″ and 35″ | Aircraft Grade 6061 Aluminum | Yes |
| Rickenbacker Bass Notched Straight Edge-Made In USA | 33 1/4″ scale (Rickenbacker and similar) | 6061 Aluminum | Yes |
| StewMac Precision Notched Straightedge for Bass Guitar | Standard bass scales | Not specified (original StewMac quality) | Yes |
Made In USA-Bass Straight Edge (Notched) Luthiers Tool-Neck Check
This tool is designed to verify bass neck straightness beyond fret-level checks. One side supports 34″ scale basses, while the opposite side accommodates 35″ scale (common for many five-string models). Its machined edges emphasize flatness, helping reduce common measurement errors encountered with cheaper tools. The notched design assists quick, repeatable fretboard checks to determine if truss rod adjustments or neck relief changes are needed.
MADE IN USA Guitar and Bass Notched Straight Edge Set
This set provides two separate tools covering common bass and guitar scales. Crafted from 6061 aluminum with a brushed finish, each edge is machined for precision. The bass tools include 35″ and 34″ scale lengths, while guitar scales are 24 3/4″ and 25 1/2″. The aluminum construction ensures durability and stable measurements across professional setups or home workshops.
Bass Notched Straight Edge – Guitar Neck Setup Tool
These beams are hand-lapped on a machinist’s surface plate for dead-flat accuracy. Made from aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum and finished with a bright orange anodize for longevity, they are designed to work on most bass guitars, including both 34″ and 35″ scale lengths. The dual-notched design helps pinpoint fretboard flatness and potential problem areas, aiding quick and objective neck adjustments.
MADE IN USA-Short Scale Bass Notched Straight Edge
Designed for shorter-scale basses, this tool is machined with a brushed 6160 aluminum finish. It specifically fits 30″ and 30.5″ scale length basses, but the notched design can aid setup across various bass models by providing a reliable reference surface for neck straightness and fret level assessments during setups or truss rod checks.
Rickenbacker Bass Notched Straight Edge-Made In USA
Designed for Rickenbacker 4001-4003 and similar basses, this tool uses a 6061 aluminum alloy with machined flat surfaces. One side is notched for the frets, while the other is a standard straight edge, enabling quick checks for fret-level consistency and overall neck flatness across common bass scales in the USA market.
StewMac Precision Notched Straightedge for Bass Guitar
The original notched straightedge from StewMac, developed with contributions from renowned luthiers. It enables accurate flatness checks on the fingerboard, quick neck relief measurements, and identification of problem areas. The tool doubles as a fret-leveling reference when placed over the frets, making it a versatile addition to a bass setup toolkit.
Dual Notched Guitar Neck Straight Edge for Bass 30.00″/34.00” – FMTDSN03
Flat machined dual notched bass neck straight edge, spanning 30.00″ and 34.00″ scales. Constructed from 3mm stainless steel and ground for precision, this tool supports a wide range of bass and guitar setups where exact neck alignment is critical, especially during truss rod adjustments and fret work.
iLuiz Guitar Neck Notched Straight Edge Luthiers Tool
Designed to fit Gibson, Fender, and most guitar fretboards, this tool also accommodates many bass setups through its notched and complete-edge options. Notched for fingerboard straightness checks and a complete edge for fret wire level checks, it offers a compact 16.9” by 1.2” by 0.08” form and light weight for easy handling during shop work or travel.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Purpose and scale coverage: Identify whether you need bass-specific notches for 34″ and 35″ scales or a broader set that includes shorter bass or guitar scales. Notches should align with typical fretboard positions to yield accurate readings.
Material and finish: Aluminum (6061) is common for its combination of rigidity and light weight. A brushed or anodized finish reduces glare and protects against wear, ensuring long-term accuracy.
Machining accuracy: Look for tools that are ground and lapped on precision surfaces. A high-quality straight edge minimizes measurement error when checking neck relief or fret levels.
Dual notched designs: Some tools offer notches on both ends or dual notches to accommodate different scale lengths in one tool. This reduces swap-outs during a setup session.
Compatibility: While many tools are marketed for bass, verify that the notch spacing and scale compatibility match your instrument family (Gibson, Fender, Rickenbacker, etc.).
Durability and warranty: Choose tools with sturdy construction and reliable manufacturers. A durable finish protects against corrosion and wear in frequent workshop use.
Price and bundle value: Sets that include multiple scale-length options can provide better value if you frequently work on different bass models. Consider whether the extra tool coverage justifies the investment.
Usage scenarios: Notched straightedges are ideal for fret leveling guidance, neck relief checks, and identifying high spots on the fingerboard. They complement digital or dial indicators by giving a quick, repeatable reference point.
Storage and transport: Slim, flat profiles are easier to store in instrument cases or workshop drawers. Lightweight tools reduce fatigue during extended setup sessions.
These options collectively provide reliable, bass-focused neck checks with durable construction and precise notches. When selecting, consider your typical bass models, preferred scales, and how you balance accuracy with ease of use in your workshop.