Thread: 3 builds I've been working on

Did you have a mis-hap with the router or did you carve a thumbprint in there to ease the release of the cover?

LOL, that's scary Phil. It's a thumb print, but routed not carved. I routed it with the core box bit I use for the truss rod access nut at the body end. I must say it looks much nicer routed than my earlier carving effort. I couldn't get the carve the way I wanted it due to the very small area there. I was going to centre it initially, but like it better off centre.

I did more work on this last night, drilled the bridge and electronics access holes, made the nut and finally assembled the bass for testing prior to sanding and finishing.

I've wanted a 6 string bass for a few years now and it was great to finally string it up and play it. Still need to find a stacked knob that will match the other knobs, otherwise I'll have to buy another set.

What gauge strings are those?
Nice clean work, the shape is sweet.

Can't wait to see it finished

Thanks Deano. The strings are a medium guage but they really feel like a light guage (especially the D and G strings): 30, 45, 65, 85, 105, 130.

I'll echo Deano's sentiments, there. +1

What's you'r finishing schedule ? Nitro, oil or other ?

Stu, I'll be finishing this with nitro, gloss (I prefer a matt finish, depending on whether finances permit). A light coat on the neck with a fine sand and very little buffing, and thicker coat on the body.

Bomp ba bomp bomp bomp bomp bom-bomp baa bom bom bomp
You all get it, right?
The theme for sienfeld of course.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the extent of my bass playing ability.
Damn nice build.

Hmm..................These pretzels are making me thirsty.

I can't get over how awesome this looks! If i keep looking I'm going to blow my internet cap!

it has so much flayvaaaaa

You know, I have always been told that guitars should have the least number of controls possible to attain a full range of sounds. It really looks like the complete opposite is true for basses.
The thru shot thru the control cavity looks like swiss cheese. :lol:
maybe I'll have to learn the bass, they seem to get all the girls...

Originally Posted by mongrel

The thru shot thru the control cavity looks like swiss cheese. :lol:

Ventilation to minimise the probability of termite infestation.

...ok so the termites are covered even though I didn't plan for it, but swiss cheese may attract rats, I completely missed this in my design and haven't prepared for any of it...

There is a fair bit of experimentation with custom bass builders. Every bass and guitar I have except one, well two now, has passive electronics. Although I like some modern basses with onboard preamps, I prefer passive electronics for guitar. I bought the preamp for this build about two years ago as I was interested in getting a modern sound with an onboard preamp. You don't even need them really (eg. can use an outboard pre), it's a convenience and versatility at the finger tips. Some like to wire pickups straight to the jack (good way to do a quick test), no tone, no volume or some may like just a volume knob. I like a little more flexibility, but it comes at a price as you pointed out.

Dont get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad thing. One thing I do know (I played Tuba for 7 years (snigger)) is that bass players have to have the subtle nuances that carry a song. Guitars get the showy bits that cut across the room, or can stop playing altogether. Bass players on the other hand? See what happens to a band if the bass stops.
I agree with flexability, regardless of the instrument. You can never guarantee that you "sound" will sound the same in every situation, god help you if you cant hear yourself, and to have the controls at your finger tip...pricless.