I've been dreaming about a new bass for some time now, and, as a designer (graphic), I've been jotting them down. This is what I've come up with so far.

I've taken the basic shape from the Fender Stu Hamm Urge II bass. I like the extra room at the cutaway and I like the basic shape of the pickguard. I've made some changes -- but here's a CRAZY idea -- and if anyone's already thought of this, please accept my apologies:

I think it would be cool to INLAY the pickguard rather than screw it on. Here's why: I want this bass to be a neck-thru, and I could route from the back. There's no screws showing, so it would be clean and smooth. I plan on having the bass painted (Sherwood Green Metallic) so there'd be no covering up nice wood. Probably white pearl. Other than it being a crazy idea, is there any reason why this couldn't be done?

Passive only. Humbucker/single coil combo (probably Rio Grandes, but I'm open to others). Hipshot A bridge. I'm not totally finished with the headstock, but I thought I'd give this a try.

I dunno, I'm just sending this out into the world and hoping for some constructive feedback.

TBC pickguards are made of stained wood and inset without screws. http://www.thebasscompany.com/guitar-photos/JT-400JJ-front.jpg It really is pretty cool. I'd imagine all it would take is some really precise routing and it would look really clean, especially if it was flush with the top, which is not the case with the TBCs. Should be a very cool project! I like passive. I like the idea of the single and the 'bucker (Don't forget the coil tap!) I've heard really good things about Nordstrand Double J pickups. Does Dunlop still make those flush mount straplocks that are sunk in so it looks like you don't have any strap buttons? Those would be cool and go right along with your smooth, clean theme.

Now, here's a really crazy idea: NO KNOBS!!! You could make them like the iPod click wheel and integrate them into the pickguard!

Seems like a great idea to me. I like that ipod idea too, good thing its passive though, cause i think it might be difficult trying to dial in a tone with those kind of knobs.

btw - you might consider getting a moderator to move this to the luthiers forum. You might get more responses

I have seen inlayed pickguards before, here's a thought for you, if you are having it finished in a solid color, why not just mask of the "guard" and make it look like it is seperate, it would be easier and cleaner, you would have a nice wood guard and a green body

Thanks for your comments.

The wooden "pickguard" look is pretty cool. Thanks for that link. I've heard good things about the Nordstrands. I'll add 'em to the list. And the flush strap locks are also a great idea. I generally prefer the Schallers, but I'm open and willing to explore all options!

How does one go about getting a moderator to move this topic to the Luthier's Forum?

just send them a pm asking for it it be moved. Tber Budman made a nice violin bass with an inlayed pg, if memory serves

All the best with this project, great color by the way ! :bassist:

yeah, Bud Lecompte makes some really nice inlaid PGs.
http://lecomptebass.com/gallery/
http://lecomptebass.com/gallery/pics%5Cb-joevb014.jpg
http://lecomptebass.com/gallery/pics%5Cst500002.JPG
http://lecomptebass.com/gallery/pics%5Cjames-st12.jpg