Thread: bass

I'm sure the principles of acoustic guitar building are the same. Different woods maybe, and body structure, but in reality, you're only dealing with strings vibrating between a nut and a bridge, with a few nice extras. Might wanna start with acoustic guitar building sites and books, and I'm sure there's a few guys here with the low down on acoustics.

Mitch

I found this site with a few different (FREE!) plans for acoustic basses:

http://www.liutaiomottola.com/instruments.htm

This one looks like a pretty nifty guitar. If you're familiar with acoustic construction it doesn't look like it'll be too much of a stretch.

Thanks Riph ,
they are interesting instruments aren't they ? Its good he offers plans for free like that , I downloaded the Uccello its a fretless job might be good to base a design on this. Im not really to keen with his modern type holes but you know there original looking so you got to admire that.The other one is the bassola archtop its a lefty but I like that as well. Thats good gives me a bit of a starting point. Although I m sure there must be pulications on acoustic bass , Id imagine it would have to have a pretty meaty trussrod and bracing set up things like strings and fretting calculations , although I see in his elastico model has frets. Anyway thanks for that , If anyone comes across a specific book on Acoustic Bass be sure to drop it here.
Cheers

Mr Mottola is a very helpful bloke, here is part of an email he wrote to me a while ago regarding the elastico:

Take a look at this article, which describes the ply used for the top and back for this instrument and gives suppliers for both: http://www.liutaiomottola.com/PrevPu...od/Plywood.htm

The tuning machines are factory replacement parts from Fender. I ordered them through a friendly Fender dealer. If you want to retrofit standard machines I would take a close look at the Ashbory machines first. The capstans (pegs) are very large in diameter, because the strings are so stretchy.

I have only made one of these instruments but if I were to make more I would probably modify it in the following ways:

1. Make the body deeper, in an attempt to better support the lowest notes;
2. Reduce the number of top braces. There is very little string tension on this instrument and the top braces ended up being shaved down pretty low anyway;
3. Eliminate the reinforcing patches. The top is made of plywood - none of these are really needed;

Best of luck with your project. I would very much like to see what you come up with.

I'm sure if you needed any more info, he'd be glad to help.

Regards,

P

So have you made a acoustic base ? I would also love to see what youve done .Thanks for the info Ill email Mr Mottola and have a chat with him I think. cheers

Hmmm... you haven't been round here long have you??

No, the acoustic bass is coming, but after the Canoe is finished, and the Dust Extraction ducting is hooked up!

Now since those have taken 8 years and 4 respectively, I'm hoping to learn a lot from your bass build before I start!

Cheers,

P

well If i survive the charango Ill be sure to let you know how the bass works out