Ok, before I start, I should point out that I've never used a power tool save for a drill and maybe a dremel. I've always wanted to build my own bass and finally got started. This is just going to be a hobby, and even though it's really rough, I'm kind of happy so far.

I bought the wood from Warmoth with the neck pocket and pickups already routed. The back control panel access was also routed. I added the top route so that I could use an Audere or J-retro but also have easy access to the battery. There are some tool-kick nicks, and I'm going to try to fill them in.

It's in the first stage and I need to clean it up alot before final sanding, but how am I doing so far? Any advise would be appreciated before I get too far.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k224/nickybass/MyJazz/1J2.jpg

First time? Looks like you are off to a good start Nicky...Keep hammering it out, will look great

What did you use to cut the body shape? I'd like to know, because I live in an apartment, with no shop space. Therefore, if I want to build (which I'm itching to do), I'd like to do it with as minimal amount of tools as possible and still have a good outcome.

Looking good, BTW!

JC- thanks for the kind words. That means alot. I'm just having so much fun right now. I will start on the neck after I hammer out all the details of the body. One thing has me stymied. What's the best way to shape the horns around the neck pocket? I'm doing it by hand, and don't know if there is a more accurate approach.

Kronos -- I am probably going about it all wrong, so it might be best to ask around on this forum. There are alot of great builders here who can tell you more info. The way I did it -- I made a rough shape of the body with a jig saw. Then I used a belt sander to get it closer to the Jazz bass shape, and started rounding the sides with a router and one of those bell shaped bits. (I told you it was my first time. HA. I don't even know what the bit is called.) Now I'm using sand paper by hand to get it closer to the final shape. That's really all I used so far. One thing though...There is alot of dust. Alot. I know that you can get attachments to reduce it, but I've been doing this in my basement.

Hey Nicky, try going to Home Depot or the like, and getting a 2" long drum sander. You can put this in a hand drill and make your life a lot easier. I have an oscillating spindle sander that I use, but I don't think you want to drop $100+ for this unless you would use it frequently. When I started out 25 years ago, I used drum sanders in a hand drill. These move a lot of material, and once you get the hang of it, they do a great job on a limited budget. If there is a Woodcraft store in your Area, Philly has a couple, they always have a good selection of sanding drums. This would be the first place I'd go.....well, if I were in Philly, it would be the second place after Pat's or Geno's:p .....LMAO feed the need:bassist: :D

Hey Nicky, try going to Home Depot or the like, and getting a 2" long drum sander. You can put this in a hand drill and make your life a lot easier. I have an oscillating spindle sander that I use, but I don't think you want to drop $100+ for this unless you would use it frequently. When I started out 25 years ago, I used drum sanders in a hand drill. These move a lot of material, and once you get the hang of it, they do a great job on a limited budget. If there is a Woodcraft store in your Area, Philly has a couple, they always have a good selection of sanding drums. This would be the first place I'd go.....well, if I were in Philly, it would be the second place after Pat's or Geno's:p .....LMAO feed the need:bassist: :D




To hell with Genos and Pats. You need to get yourself to Tony Lukes. Genos and Pats are for tourists...



The drum sander is a good idea...so, from what I can tell, right now for me to get started, I need plans, at least a jig saw (or a hand held saw-probably a coping saw to do the outline), a drum sander, and from the other thread for beginners, a spokeshave, a plane, and a router. Preferably a plunge router.

Also, plenty of clamps if I plan to do any gluing.

Well Kronos....when I'm there I am a tourist. I actually used to go to a little place called D'Angelos....best cheesesteak I ever had, and some great Pasta. Unfortunately, Dave D'Angelo is now in Florida and retired. Geno's and Pat's are just common names for the Layman, amking the point that a steak is more important than woodcraft when in Philly for me...LMAO Will have to try Tony Lukes whenI am there this summer( friends in Lancaster)

The tool list is a good starting point, but make sure you get "Microplanes"...most guys, including myself, deemthese things as Mandatory. They remove material like a rasp, but much cleaner, leaving a lot less work to smooth, also, Surforms are great for roughing out a neck instead of a rasp. Rasps rip out wood, were as Surforms and Microplanes cut , making a cleaner workpiece, and more control of material removal.

I cleaned it up alot since the picture. It's starting to look like a cool bass. I just need to work on the horn shapes.

I will have to get a drum sander attachment. Thanks for the tip. In the meantime, I wraped some sand paper around a screwdriver handle and had a decent hand tool for shaping a bit better.

I think that I'm going to start on the neck now. I don't want to apply finish to the body until I get the neck to fit in the pocket. I'm sure I'll get some bumps during the process, so it might be best to wait.

Just take your time, and make sure to remove material slowly, you can always ake away a little more, but it's a task to try to put it back

looks great! I am in the process of building a jazz myself.