Here's another bass I'll be starting soon. This one is going to take longer than the other basses given that I had some other customers in the queue before him, but nevertheless, it's probably going to be a cool bass. This dude really went custom!

It'll be my KSC shape in 5 string strung up E to C. Specs are:
hipshot black hardware A bridge and ultralites
bass Xtender on the E string
3 piece hard ash neck
walnut body
set neck construction
burl maple top
cocobolo fingerboard and ramp
33.5" scale length
28 banjo frets
Qtuner pickups
Audere 3ZB 3 band preamp with true passive treble

Here's the model, the drawing is a 6 string, but this bass will be a 5er:
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8867/modelksc6ck4.jpg

Walnut body blank:
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6508/p1000161in1.jpg

Congrats Wilser ! Its nice to see youre receiving orders for customs, you deserve it, youre a great builder! Peace.
-Mario-

MMMmm an ash neck, very tasty! Cant wait to see more, the pups will be very interesting.

the pickups got here yesterday from the netherlands. cosmetically I expected more QA out of Q-Tuners. I'm sure they sound much better than they look. Justin ordered them with wooden rosewood covers.

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/6740/p10001642pk9.jpg

Honestly for what those things cost thats pretty dang pathetic. :( ON a positive note, I know you can make them look better with a little Wilser magic.

What kind of rosewood is that? Is it dyed?

What kind of rosewood is that? Is it dyed?

+1
That is some dark rosewood.

it's probably the exposure from the camera ...it's browner than it looks in the pic.

I don't think that's the rosewood, I think it's black epoxy that they pot the pickups into.

EDIT: I guessed wrong...

Wil, did they do the RW covers themselves? Why all the holes?

I don't think that's the rosewood, I think it's black epoxy that they pot the pickups into.

nope. it's wood. I was told it is rosewood by the guy who ordered it. the grain looks like rosewood, but it looks like it is either dyed or it is a very dark piece of rosewood. The bobbins are epoxied into channels in the wood.

Here's another view:
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/9803/p10001623ii4.jpg

The pickups don't look that bad, actually...and it's definitely rosewood...but a dark piece for sure...

but why rosewood? when the top is maple and the fingerboard is cocobolo...:confused:

Probably Indian rosewood.

...but why rosewood? when the top is maple and the fingerboard is cocobolo...:confused:

I don't know, that was the customer's choice, not mine. I didn't know they were wooden covers until I opened the box ...I just assumed it would be their clear or black epoxy thing.

...
Wil, did they do the RW covers themselves? Why all the holes?

It was either them or someone contracted by them. It was done on the netherlands and shipped that way directly to me. They have a bunch of set screws that you can adjust the height with a hex key. I never found much use for that, but hey, to each his own.

Lol any chance of getting you to bust one apart and tell us how they make em? J/K :)

Lol any chance of getting you to bust one apart and tell us how they make em? J/K :)

From their website, it looks like the coils are just wound around empty bobbins (air core) with neo bar magnets at the bottom (i.e. not inside the coils). N-S oriented parallel to the strings.

But Wilser's look different, I don't see the magnet at the bottom; it would have to be inside the coil, or on top of the coil.

Unless the hex screws actually contact the neo mags (which I've heard are a b*tch to drill & tap), then their magnetization is just induced...not sure how useful their height adjustment would be in that situation. Especially if the magnet is on top.

From their website, it looks like the coils are just wound around empty bobbins (air core) with neo bar magnets at the bottom (i.e. not inside the coils). N-S oriented parallel to the strings.

But Wilser's look different, I don't see the magnet at the bottom; it would have to be inside the coil, or on top of the coil.

Unless the hex screws actually contact the neo mags (which I've heard are a b*tch to drill & tap), then their magnetization is just induced...not sure how useful their height adjustment would be in that situation. Especially if the magnet is on top.

They set them in black plastic, white plastic or clear acrylic.

I believe that the magnets are set horizontally and in the second pic you can see the winding around them and how they are oriented. The hex screws are adjustable in a couple of positions to bring out different fundamentals of your pickups. Sounds like Z-mode for a pickup to me. :ninja:

There've been numerous threads about Q-tuner pickups involving the poles, orientation of magnets, and comparisons with other pickups. do a search and i think all the answers you guys have will be answered.

Yeah, magnets horizontal are in the coils, just like Aaron Armstrong's pickups, just like some old Gibson pups, just like...

Have any pics of that top wilser?

looks like fun Will

Have any pics of that top wilser?

I'll post pics of the top once I fill the voids.

MMMmm an ash neck, very tasty! Cant wait to see more, the pups will be very interesting.

1+ alltho i have never bin 2 big on the single cut

My new custom clamps arrived last week. They are incredibly strong and stiff. I recommend wetzler clamps to anyone looking for clamps that will not bend under stress.

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5237/p1000358tu7.jpg

Oh, these is Justin's neck being laminated.

I'm jealous! Nice clamps!

Those things look really strong!! We don't have those here... just chinese chepo ones and stanley around... and ones even cheaper than chinese!!!

Here's the neck blank ready after being resawed out of the big blank and jointed. One thing I must say about a hard ash neck, I'll probably have to charge a fee the next time someone asks for it. My bandsaw blade is done and the jointer blades will probably need replacing as well. Oh well, I guess they were going dull anyway. The neck is sure to make a very strong and stable neck! I will probably be able to carve this thinner than usual ...gotta talk to Justin and confirm if he wants chunky or thin for the profile.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1083/img0909yn8.jpg

Here's a shot of the end grain. You can see you get some nice quartersawn laminates by choosing nicely flatsawn pieces with straight grain and laminating perpendicular to the fingerboard plane.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6347/img0910cr7.jpg

On another note, Justin decided to return the wooden covered Q-tuners and opt for black epoxy cast ones. I'm sure they'll look better. Justin, I sent out those pickups yesterday.

Here's a nasty looking shot with the burl maple top having the voids filled with epoxy mixed with wenge dust. Don't worry, all that nasty stuff will be sanded off soon enough.
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/3527/img0859if9.jpg

for a second there i thought that was the actual wood...then i read it and all became well...nice piece of wood by the way!

Here's a shot of the end grain. You can see you get some nice quartersawn laminates by choosing nicely flatsawn pieces with straight grain and laminating perpendicular to the fingerboard plane.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6347/img0910cr7.jpg



Thanks for the pic.

Here's some body update. still have to do another round of void fill on that top, but it shouldn't be as messy as the first one.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/9188/img1022cq8.jpg

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7919/img1023qq6.jpg

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/6312/img1027pd2.jpg

Wilser, you gotta stop buying those eBay tops :D

Wilser, you gotta stop buying those eBay tops :D

hehehe, nice try. I didn't buy this top. The customer purchased himself it and sent it to me. I didn't see it until I opened the package. I don't know if it was ebay or 'the competition'. It's not so bad. I guess it's the same kind of work jerzy drozd or roscoe have to go through with some of the tops they use.

wow what a top..

Subscribed! Looking KILLER thus far! :)

That is one of the nicest tops I have ever seen! Can't wait to see the finished product :)

That is a nice looking hunk o' wood!

subscribed

Justin decided to switch to a 35" scale and wenge fingerboard and ramp. So here's the update. Justin's neck is third from the right.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5813/img1681ll1.jpg

Justin decided to switch to a 35" scale and wenge fingerboard and ramp. So here's the update. Justin's neck is third from the right.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5813/img1681ll1.jpg

are you sure it's not the second one from the left? :hiding:

Fingerboard is on, neck is tapered for thickness and width. Transition block glue up is curing as I write this.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1536/img1699lu6.jpg

That is going to look great, Wilser!

Very clean :cool:

banjo frets are in

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/4173/img1722ms4.jpg

dont u just love qs wenge fretboard..so nice

i might have to give you a call in a couple months. beautiful work!

started shaping the back of the neck

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9360/img1735jf9.jpg

finished shaping the neck. didn't use rasps, microplanes or spokeshaves a single time and shaped 4 necks this morning. I'm really liking my belt sander technique. I'm finishing up with a new pneumatic drum sander I got from Grizzly. It really makes all that work with sanding blocks and RO for finishing up the shape disappear!

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3729/img1737va6.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/91/img1738nj7.jpg

neck glueup!
http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/1426/img1772vs0.jpg

whats that weird circular looking piece of wood for? is it a special piece you cut just for gluing necks?

whats that weird circular looking piece of wood for? is it a special piece you cut just for gluing necks?

:D no, that's my neck rest. It was just handy for using as a clamping caul at the time.

finished shaping the neck. didn't use rasps, microplanes or spokeshaves a single time and shaped 4 necks this morning. I'm really liking my belt sander technique. I'm finishing up with a new pneumatic drum sander I got from Grizzly. It really makes all that work with sanding blocks and RO for finishing up the shape disappear!

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3729/img1737va6.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/91/img1738nj7.jpg

Do you use a hand-held belt sander like I do? That's how I like to shape my necks as well. I wield my belt sander like a samurai sword!

Do you use a hand-held belt sander like I do? That's how I like to shape my necks as well. I wield my belt sander like a samurai sword!

It works great ! Once you get the hang of it and you learn how to not let the sander dig in.

Do you use a hand-held belt sander like I do? That's how I like to shape my necks as well. I wield my belt sander like a samurai sword!

no, it's a stationary belt sander ...I like the idea and feel of moving the wood through the tool instead of the other way around.

Here's how it's looking so far:

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5997/img1779fa5.jpghttp://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2005/img1780yq1.jpg

I don't usually like single-cuts, but this one is nice!

Good work!

Dig it, Wilser! That's pretty slick. You did a flat fingerboard on this one, didn't you?

I've resisted the un-radiussed fingerboard trend up to this point, but I may have to rethink that...

From their website, it looks like the coils are just wound around empty bobbins (air core) with neo bar magnets at the bottom (i.e. not inside the coils). N-S oriented parallel to the strings.

Actually the coils are self supporting... they don't have bobbins. He uses bondable magnet wire. He winds them on a form, and then they are placed in an oven. This activates the glue on the wire and makes them a solid mass. Then they are removed from the form.

The magnets are inside the coil, near the outside row of poles close to the bottom of the pickup. The coil is mostly empty space though.

From the bottom you are just seeing the coils, which are rather wide but thin. The magnets are right behind that copper wire.

Here's a side view. You can see the silver magnet with the coil under and over it.

http://www.q-tuner.com/gallery/Q-tuner%20Gallery/Q-tuner%20Gallery_files/IMG_4832.jpg

Here's Wilsers picture color corrected to get rid of the blue cast common on digital cameras.

no, it's a stationary belt sander ...I like the idea and feel of moving the wood through the tool instead of the other way around.

That's the way I do it too... well I did when I had my stationary belt sander!

Mostly it's rasps, surplanes and spoke shaves.

Will.. real nice work there!

dont u just love qs wenge fretboard..so nice

No. I hate wenge. It looks like brown plywood! Ugly open pores too. I refuse to use it. Revolting stuff.

That goes double for lacewood (silky oak). Yuck!

I'll take pau ferro, bubinga and cocobolo for fingerboards any day over wenge.

To each their own though. :)

My bandsaw blade is done and the jointer blades will probably need replacing as well. Oh well, I guess they were going dull anyway.

You know you can have the jointer blades sharpened. I always have two sets on hand. Changing them is the worst experience I can think of though! It's nerve wracking trying to get them all level... and I even had one of those magnetic jigs.

Same with bandsaw blades... I keep several sizes from thin to wide, and one just for resawing.

Hey wils,
How far down the neck does that volute come? Seems longer/lower than most, like it's more than halfway up to the 1st fret.

Hey wils,
How far down the neck does that volute come? Seems longer/lower than most, like it's more than halfway up to the 1st fret.

no, not really. Must be the angle of the pic that makes it seem that way. It goes just a hair past the first (zero) fret ...less than 1/2".

zomg...what a bass...love the woods, especially the back!

Beautiful Work!
Hope I can order some fretless from you next year.

wow...very nice!

Thanks guys,

Here's the heel and tummy cut rough carved:
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3560/img1785dd5.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/7777/img1786zl6.jpg

still gotta blend the neck in a bit more, but the contour shape is final

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7826/img1790ui5.jpg

Wow Wilser, your like awesome and such.

Wilser, using a set neck what do you do at the end of fingerboard? Extend it to the first pickup route or make a square-ended neck pocket?

Wilser, using a set neck what do you do at the end of fingerboard? Extend it to the first pickup route or make a square-ended neck pocket?

I assume you mean end of the neck at the body side?

Well, both actually. It's a square ended pocket that goes all the way up to the neck pickup. Depending on how clean it comes out the pickup will be placed from 1/8" to half way the width of the pickup covering the end of the joint.

I assume you mean end of the neck at the body side?

Well, both actually. It's a square ended pocket that goes all the way up to the neck pickup. Depending on how clean it comes out the pickup will be placed from 1/8" to half way the width of the pickup covering the end of the joint.

That's what I've been been doing too. I make a taped pocket in the top and slide the neck into it. The end is where the neck pickup ends up so you never see it. The end of the neck is routed flush with the top, and in this case with the end of the extended fingerboard swoosh.

I hadn't seen that done when I did it in 1994... good to see others doing it too, since it's a cool way to do a set neck.

http://www.sgd-lutherie.com/images/DSC02732.jpg

http://www.david-schwab.com/images/test-bass.jpg

done with the neck/body transition, getting ready to route the pickup holes.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9114/img1821ss3.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2792/img1822ik2.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5528/img1823ma1.jpg

Dude thats pretty sweet. Yuz gots da skilz!:D

A bit of progress:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8753/img1835wn1.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1600/img1836hk8.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2300/img1838wo4.jpg

wowwwww now i know what i want as a graduation present

Wilser, what's going on in the last pic? Just have it clamped up in the vise to CA glue the fret ends?

Wilser, what's going on in the last pic? Just have it clamped up in the vise to CA glue the fret ends?

:smug: it's not really clamped, it's just snug to hold it in place, you know, so that the CA doesn't drip down.

Real nice work Wilser, have a good Christmas.

Robbie.

:smug: it's not really clamped, it's just snug to hold it in place, you know, so that the CA doesn't drip down.
I see, thanks for the explanation. I do each fret one by one, I think I'll adapt towards this method. ;)

I see, thanks for the explanation. I do each fret one by one, I think I'll adapt towards this method. ;)

I think you may have misunderstood what I'm doing on this step (and I your question). This is not the fret installation. I installed the frets using an arbor press and then applied a drop of super glue on each side. That was prior to gluing the neck to the body. What I'm doing here is filling out the fret slots at the ends of the frets on the edge of the fingerboard. What I do here is sand with 320 and let the dust accumulate in the slot, then put a drop of superglue to fill it out. Hope that makes it clearer.

Nope, no misunderstanding here. That's exactly what I do, but I do them one by one. I just don't have a jig set up to hold my necks in place to safely do all the frets at once, so I do them in my lap one by one. Mostly so I don't get CA glue everywhere. :eek:

ramp almost complete. just need to round over the sharp edges a bit.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8196/img1849la7.jpg

Man this is perfect how the hell u do that..

And what kind of sandwich would you like Wilser? Name your ingredients and it's yours.

Cuban Sandwich will be fine, thanks ;)

Here's the latest pics. At this point the bass just needs to be finish sanded before getting the finish applied.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8971/img1964ps0.jpg

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5716/img1965ae1.jpg

Sexy as always, Wilser!

I've got to build an ash necked bass now....

That's looking great! Nice work.

I dont like the back, too unmatched.

That is truly amazing, Wilser... looks great.

Come to think of it, I could go for a nice Cuban sandwich, myself...

DAMMIT! You can't even *find* a Cuban sandwich in North Idaho!!!!

<heads for the grocery store>

you cant find a REAL/GOOD cuban sandwich unless you're in tampa or south (florida) i miss real cuban food...

great lookin bass too man

beautiful work as usual Wilser

ramp almost complete. just need to round over the sharp edges a bit.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8196/img1849la7.jpg

Hey Wilser, what is that on the body laminate joint? CA glue?

Hey wilser, I was just checking out your site and noticed that it is only a $50 upcharge for fatstacks, how do you get nordstrands so cheap?

lowsound

you cant find a REAL/GOOD cuban sandwich unless you're in tampa or south (florida) i miss real cuban food...

great lookin bass too man

Too much talk about cuban sandwich and now I'm curious about it and usually peruvians don't get curious about others food cause ours its simply great. I will have to see if I can get any cuban sandwich here.

Wilser those black spots over the top are the ones you filled? I guess you used CA and dark wood dust right? Why you didn't used wood dust from the top itself?

Hey Wilser, what is that on the body laminate joint? CA glue?

yes, sir.

Hey wilser, I was just checking out your site and noticed that it is only a $50 upcharge for fatstacks, how do you get nordstrands so cheap?

lowsound

OEM. Nordstrand has been wonderful to me and Carey has helped a LOT since the very start. But just to clarify, they don't cost me $50 it's the upcharge for using OTHER pickups than my own, so it would be what my pickups cost PLUS the $50. Get it?

...
Wilser those black spots over the top are the ones you filled? I guess you used CA and dark wood dust right? Why you didn't used wood dust from the top itself?

Epoxy and wenge dust. The top had bark incursions and other big voids. Maple dust turns dark beige when you mix it up with epoxy or CA so I just embraced the problem and decided to accent them out with dark filling instead of having them look like bad fills.

OEM. Nordstrand has been wonderful to me and Carey has helped a LOT since the very start. But just to clarify, they don't cost me $50 it's the upcharge for using OTHER pickups than my own, so it would be what my pickups cost PLUS the $50. Get it?


That is what I was figuring. I want cheap nordstrands, guess I might just have to cave and fork over the big bucks.

lowsound

That's looking so sweet! I love burl maple :p
What kind of roundover bit are you using on the sides of the body? .....is it a roundover bit that's not completely 'flush' with the baseplate of the router?? (if that makes sense) or am I just trippin'?
You're productivity is inspiring! I've been watching this thread trying to play catch-up!:hiding:

Too much talk about cuban sandwich and now I'm curious about it and usually peruvians don't get curious about others food cause ours its simply great. I will have to see if I can get any cuban sandwich here.

Wilser those black spots over the top are the ones you filled? I guess you used CA and dark wood dust right? Why you didn't used wood dust from the top itself?

if you try a cuban anywhere that doesnt have real CUBAN bread (its made a certain way and really only stays fresh for about 24 hours) then its not worth it....damnit im hungry now.

back on topic though, with the mid hump; when its finished is it flush with the top of the pups?

That's looking so sweet! I love burl maple :p
What kind of roundover bit are you using on the sides of the body? .....is it a roundover bit that's not completely 'flush' with the baseplate of the router?? (if that makes sense) or am I just trippin'?
You're productivity is inspiring! I've been watching this thread trying to play catch-up!:hiding:

No, you're not tripping. That's how I do it. But it's on the router table, mind you.

...
back on topic though, with the mid hump; when its finished is it flush with the top of the pups?

You sir have just been black listed! You are here by sentenced to a life time of writing "I will not take the mid-hump® in vain".

Seriously, though, I assume you're talking about the ramp. Each player has their own personal preference and I don't know if Justin will have the pickups flush with the RAMP or not.

Wilser, what size roundover bit are you using on that? 3/4"? 1/2"?

Wilser, what size roundover bit are you using on that? 3/4"? 1/2"?

you know, I just realized I don't remember! I know I meant to get a 3/4" at some point and I know I had been using a 1/2" ...but I don't know if I ever did get the 3/4" ...getting old sucks!

This looks great!

you know, I just realized I don't remember! I know I meant to get a 3/4" at some point and I know I had been using a 1/2" ...but I don't know if I ever did get the 3/4" ...getting old sucks!

Yeah, OLD... how old is that, again? I've been feeling that myself, lately.

I'm cheap (VERY) and have never stepped up to a "real" router with a 1/2" collet, so the largest roundover bit I have is 1/2". Maybe with some of my Christmas money, I'll pick up a nice PC router or something...

The top had bark incursions and other big voids.

:D I'm sure you meant "inclusions". You been reading Crook Woods web site to much. :D

:D I'm sure you meant "inclusions". You been reading Crook Woods web site to much. :D

HELP! the wood police! :D

yeah, it has bark in it :cool: Thanks for the correction.

you know, I just realized I don't remember! I know I meant to get a 3/4" at some point and I know I had been using a 1/2" ...but I don't know if I ever did get the 3/4" ...getting old sucks!

I just hit the big 3 0 my friend........:crying:

The bass is ready for finishing! should start applying the sealer probably on the weekend.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5051/img1984av8.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6936/img1985sp5.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7505/img1986lm5.jpg

Thats looking pretty killer.

I can't wait to see this one finished!

How do you do that sweet volute?

Nice work!

That bass is hot. Great work, as usual.

Love that grain in the neck and the darker color-variations...
Nice clean work, as usual!:p

will, you are awesome.

Ok, I applied the first sealer coat yesterday and took some pics just today. Looks like the weather will be nice for the next few days so I should have all sealer coats applied soon.

The white spots are light reflections, by the way!

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1600/p1000703wz1.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/52/p1000704rf5.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9774/p1000707ov0.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/5039/p1000708ld5.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/260/p1000709ze8.jpg

i am speechless....nice pictures, what camera did you use? (photo nerd talking)
amazing bass...i wish i had it...=D

These were taken with my Panasonic L1, although sometimes I use my wife's Canon S80. I'm photo-horny as well. Can't live without an SLR.

Here are some booty shots.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2999/p1000710tx7.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9159/p1000713rk8.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2083/p1000715ti1.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3174/p1000718qr1.jpg
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/4566/p1000720nw6.jpg

Its amazing what all figure pops out of burl whenever the finish starts a flowin, looking great Wil! Are those chocolates I see?? ;)

wow...amazing bass...once again, i have been wowed

Those looks like ferrero rocher chocolates and I love them. May I have some of them Wilser!!??

Beautiful Work, Wilser. How was working with that burl? Darn figured wood, can't live with it, can't live without it.

P.S. Inlay tutorial on the way (this year, at least!)

Those looks like ferrero rocher chocolates and I love them. May I have some of them Wilser!!??

:D and they are delicious and crunchier from sitting in the cold garage!

Beautiful Work, Wilser. How was working with that burl? Darn figured wood, can't live with it, can't live without it.

P.S. Inlay tutorial on the way (this year, at least!)


Thanks Karl. The burl was ok but filling the voids and small surface irregularities is a pain! Maybe a regular burl without the voids and bark inclusions would have been easier to work with, but definitely not as striking.

that is one fine looking bass Wilser! looks better everytime.

What type of nut are you planning on using? I've seen you do some wood nuts before and was just curious as to your plan on this bass. Additionally, I think I read that you leave 3/16" between the zero fret and nut. How much wood is left between the nut and the end of the fingerboard? Great looking work as always (I told my wife that I want one of your basses for our 10th anniversary.... only 1 1/2 years to go!).

(I told my wife that I want one of your basses for our 10th anniversary.... only 1 1/2 years to go!).

Then you better hurry and order it today!! He'll have his hands full for the rest of the year :bassist:
I'm glad you're getting more orders Wilser, your basses are simply amazing ;)

What type of nut are you planning on using? I've seen you do some wood nuts before and was just curious as to your plan on this bass. Additionally, I think I read that you leave 3/16" between the zero fret and nut. How much wood is left between the nut and the end of the fingerboard? Great looking work as always (I told my wife that I want one of your basses for our 10th anniversary.... only 1 1/2 years to go!).

This one will get a bone colored corian nut. I try to leave about the same after the nut, but honestly I eye ball it based on the particular piece of wood and how much of the fingerboard after the nut will 'look good' to me.

Then you better hurry and order it today!! He'll have his hands full for the rest of the year :bassist:
I'm glad you're getting more orders Wilser, your basses are simply amazing ;)

why, thank you! :D

the bass has been hanging for about 4 days in the finishing closet, which I recently outfitted with halogen lights and a thermostat to keep it at a constant 65deg in the winter time ...big help!

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7444/img2097qg5.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3554/img2098pk0.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2104/img2099wc0.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3928/img2100ii9.jpg

does that help your asthma, Justin? :D

No problems with wood shrinkin' on ya with that difference in temperature? Mind you I have no clue what 65 degrees is in Celsius (yep, Canadian.) Thats lookin quite amazing Wilser!!

^ About 18 degrees.

Please excuse my laziness, I could simply have checked online to convert that. Anyways, I guess 65 is great, not too hot at all. Not too cold either. Reason I asked is cuz I put my first bass in a closed environment, about 102 degrees (woo hoo, conversion!) thinking that heat would help in the drying process. First thing I saw the next morning is a top (Maple) that was slightly shorter in width than the main body wood (Mahogany). I was downright pissed off. So I learned my lesson. But I figured Wilser was smart enough to know this.... Good job Wilser. So when we havin' that beer in your garage?

wow...this one has kept me on the edge of my seat for quite a while, and i think i just fell off...beautiful bass wilser!

That is d*** fine dude!!! :eek:

Yeah, that's... that's good Wilser. I'll be good for a week or so.

</pron>

Sweet!!!!

The body looks smokin'.

Will will be happy...

Justin will be happy.....

...then we can all look forward to the next project...


:D

Wonderful take on the singlecut. Very sleek design.

Wilser, is that a permanent ramp or removable?

Wonderful take on the singlecut. Very sleek design.

Wilser, is that a permanent ramp or removable?

Thanks, emjazz. The ramp is permanent.

Thanks, emjazz. The ramp is permanent.

I thought so but I'm suprised. Wouldn't you want to be able to adjust the height for optimum playability as chosen by the buyer when the strings are on? I'm guessing it was the buyers request?

I thought so but I'm suprised. Wouldn't you want to be able to adjust the height for optimum playability as chosen by the buyer when the strings are on? I'm guessing it was the buyers request?

The option was given, what was done was the customer's choice. The ramp is set up at about the same height as the fingerboard, minus the frets (which is about where I set the pickups as well), so there shouldn't be any problem regardless of strings used or setup.

The option was given, what was done was the customer's choice. The ramp is set up at about the same height as the fingerboard, minus the frets (which is about where I set the pickups as well), so there shouldn't be any problem regardless of strings used or setup.

Was just curious..thanks Wilser. Really wonderful looking bass.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7505/img1986lm5.jpg


DAAAMN. I dunno why, but I want a large version of this picture, for my Windows wallpaper. That ash grain down the center with the openness is just AWESOME. Please tell me you can post the original in 1280x1024???


EDIT: forgot to mention how STUNNING your work is, Wilser. This is the only single-cut I've seen that I'd want to play. It looks stunning.

That is looking great Wilser! really makes me want to start a new build, maybe even a SC... time to hit the drawing board and make me a SC design!

...
DAAAMN. I dunno why, but I want a large version of this picture, for my Windows wallpaper. That ash grain down the center with the openness is just AWESOME. Please tell me you can post the original in 1280x1024???
....

thanks! sure, no problem. shoot me an email and I'll reply with a full resolution image. I'd be flattered to have my work as wallpaper :D

Excellent work Sir. The bass is coming along nicely.

Now that's what I call yummy burl:D....

here is a soundclip, as always, guess the song (Justin doesn't play, as he knows it).

http://www.archive.org/download/JustinWilliamsCustomBass/JustinWilliamsBass.mp3
http://www.archive.org/details/JustinWilliamsCustomBass

Hey Will,
What kind of strings did you use???

Hey Will,
What kind of strings did you use???

DR Hi-Beam, whenever possible.

What gauge are those Hi-beams and how do you feel about their response to the banjo frets, particularly the low B???

What gauge are those Hi-beams and how do you feel about their response to the banjo frets, particularly the low B???

there's no low B, it's tuned E-C. The gauge is .105-.30

How does it feel Wilser? it sounds awesome... I can't wait. But how does it... Feel?

How does it feel Wilser? it sounds awesome... I can't wait. But how does it... Feel?

it feels great! the action is set pretty low (per your specs) so I hope you play with a light touch or you'll have to raise it a bit. it balances real well and it's not nearly as heavy as I thought it was gonna be. Still learning the finishing, though, but this one is a small step up. also, the q-tuners use angled countersink screws instead of the normal flat countersunk ones, so I have to figure out how to get the longer ones the q-tuners need. I have the pickups mounted with temp regular screws, but they protrude a little bit right now.

Awesome work Wilser!:cool:

the bass has been hanging for about 4 days in the finishing closet, which I recently outfitted with halogen lights and a thermostat to keep it at a constant 65deg in the winter time ...big help!

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7444/img2097qg5.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3554/img2098pk0.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2104/img2099wc0.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3928/img2100ii9.jpg

does that help your asthma, Justin? :D

All I can say is gnarly!

I've been watching this thread develope and now I feel confident in posting, this is very beautiful!

Peace

-Benny

Wilser, hypothetically speaking, if I wanted a bass VERY similar to that (and tuned B-G), what kind of costs would I be looking at? PM me.

Wilser, hypothetically speaking, if I wanted a bass VERY similar to that (and tuned B-G), what kind of costs would I be looking at? PM me.

Ditto?

Peace

-Benny

Wilser do you use banjo frets?

some pics of the finished bass:

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6765/p1000836tp2.jpg http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7808/p1000837ye6.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2235/p1000839go7.jpg http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6795/p1000840zv7.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8840/p1000842jf5.jpg http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/82/p1000843qs5.jpg http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6853/p1000846zh7.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/152/p1000847hn1.jpg http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/3756/p1000848dd2.jpg

That came out amazing will, great job!

That is really a beautyful piece of work.

Beautiful work. Wow.

You've got to be kidding me?!?

That's incredible!!

Oh my... I need a change of pants...

Wow. Every time I see another one of your finished basses I think I'm just going to have to order my own one of these days.

Usually this is immediately offset by, say, a $600 vet bill, but one of these days man, one of these days...

Congratulations on another beautiful instrument.

J.

Very nice, Wilser. Love the shape.

Thanks guys, you are all very kind. But please don't hold back! tell me what you don't like about it ...it's the only way I can improve my work.

Bud, you da man!

Ok. Now that you ask... I don't like... I don't... ehhhh... hummmm.... a ver.... esteeee..... bueeeeno digamos queeeee......... tal vez tuuuuu.............. hahaaaaa

Everything is just what is should be. There is nothing wrong IMHO in any of your buildings!!! Maybe, but this is just a matter of personal taste, is that I don't like much plastic cavity covers.

That is BEAUTIFUL...... I need one!

Nice!

Thanks guys, you are all very kind. But please don't hold back! tell me what you don't like about it ...it's the only way I can improve my work.


Hmmmm, what don't I like- - - - -

- - - - -:hmm: - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - :mad:VA HA!!V:mad:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/152/p1000847hn1.jpg


What kind of piece-of-@#$% shoe-string did you use to hang this perfectly crafted bass?!

WHAT KIND OF IRRESPONSIBLE HACK ARE YOU !?!?:mad:

Hmmmm, what don't I like- - - - -

- - - - -:hmm: - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - :mad:VA HA!!V:mad:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/152/p1000847hn1.jpg


What kind of piece-of-@#$% shoe-string did you use to hang this perfectly crafted bass?!

WHAT KIND OF IRRESPONSIBLE HACK ARE YOU !?!?:mad:


that's the shoestring from a pair of $200 Nike basketball shoes...the shoes were bought just for the string, string removed and then shoes thrown out :D

:( don't tell my wife. it's not a shoe string ...it's one of those ribbon making thingies. I know I gotta get some fishing line to take the pics, but for some reason I always forget!!! if my wife sees those pics I'm a dead man.

thank God the pic doesn't show the bent clothes hanger I used to hang the bass on the door

looks amazing wilser...im pm'ing you.

Will:


Dude, awesome bass! It's smokin':hyper:

I don't like it though...'cause...


IT AIN'T MINE!!!!

Other than that...it's Grrrrrrrrrrreaaat!


I can only hope that mine will look even better!


:D

Dude, I mean.... what the ... Dude. Ok this is just freakin me out... The back of that bass makes me want to do something illegal. Its just kinda........ dude I dont know. Youre a beautiful thing in this world Wil. Dude. beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful Instrument Wilser. not just a bass. Instrument. Or tool if you prefer. Great job as always.

Okay here we go, I think the bass is actually gorgeous, excellent craftsmanship. So now I'm going to be a little bit anal. And believe me it's not that big a deal. I'm sure as time goes on and you build more basses you will be able to work this out...http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/82/p1000843qs5.jpg I'm referring to the line that joins the neck to the body, it appears to be a little wavy, other than that she's a work of art!

DISCLAIMER: Wilser asked for criticisim to help in his quest for perfection. I am only honoring the request of an obviously skilled and talented luthier. Please don't burn me guys.

The slightly wavy neck/body line is about the only thing I can seem to find that looks just a hair off. You might also think about using a nice piece of wood for the control cavity covers, but that is of course a matter of taste. I imagine a plastic cover is more durable. Also, I am just wondering why you chose to place the input jack on the front of the body? Its not wrong, and it cetainly doesn't look bad. Just curious as to why there instead of on the side of the body. Personally I find that the classic input jacks that come with Seymour Duncan electronics are more robust and have a better feel than a barrel jack, which you would have to use to place the input on the side of the body.
Bottom line is that this is an increadible, well-built instrument. And, from a person who dables in instrument building and realizes how damn hard these thing are to plan much less build, I want you to know how impressive that instrument is Sir. Cheers!

Thanks guys! this is the kind of stuff I need! keep it coming!

The jack on the face of the instrument is a personal preference. I have (and will on some other orders) installed jacks on the side, but to me it's just more convenient on the face of the instrument. I have always left the bass on a stand or rested against the amp on a corner when I used to gig and now between church services. I also leave the bass plugged in so it's just convenient for me. The customer can always choose what he wants, of course!

I don't know Southpaw 76,
I think that "waviness" might be a result of the bubinga transition block tapering off at the edges of the neck.
The transition block's tapering is a little more evident in this shot.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9159/p1000713rk8.jpg

Maybe the transition block could have been darker so as not to blend in and create that effect-- - -

- - -Yeah, that's it!!!
More contrast in the transition block so the neck/body connection line doesn't seem wavy, Wilser!!

Man-o-man!! between that and "shoe string-gate", I can't believe you're in business!!:mad:



Oh, and I would have kept the ramp the same finish as the fingerboard- just a personal preference.

I'm not a fan of how the black plastic covers and cover screws contrast with the back of the body, I think it takes away from the back of the instrument. Other than that, this instrument is amazing.

Have you thought about using neodymium magnets for the covers instead of using screws?

I'm not a fan of how the black plastic covers and cover screws contrast with the back of the body, I think it takes away from the back of the instrument. Other than that, this instrument is amazing.

Have you thought about using neodymium magnets for the covers instead of using screws?

yes, I've actually used them before a few times and offer it as an optional feature.

For those of you who don't hang out at the OT here's a related build thread:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=404694

the wavy look that people have discussed is an issue. The other one i have (and this is personal preference) is the neck showing through on the front. I prefer to have the front of the body look like one wood and not have the neck wood show through.
other then that.... AMAZING!

The other one i have (and this is personal preference) is the neck showing through on the front. I prefer to have the front of the body look like one wood and not have the neck wood show through.
other then that.... AMAZING!

I would have to agree with this... These basses are amazing and the generosity of sharing all the build details and techniques are invaluable. But... the neck showing through the front always seems to detract from an otherwise seamless bass!

Someday I hope to have this problem! Beautiful bass Wilser!

Just out of curiosity Will, what kind of strap locks or strap buttons are you using for this bass???

Just out of curiosity Will, what kind of strap locks or strap buttons are you using for this bass???

this bass has dunlop flush straplok pins.

WOW! This is an absolutly incredible instrument. Your work is really top notch and I appreciate all of your work in progress postings.
I have noticed that you use zero frets often. What do you think are the advantages over a traditional nut?
Joe

WOW! This is an absolutly incredible instrument. Your work is really top notch and I appreciate all of your work in progress postings.
I have noticed that you use zero frets often. What do you think are the advantages over a traditional nut?
Joe

Thank you, very much!

I feel the zero fret allows me to set up the bass with lower action in the first few frets and also helps get more consistent sounds of open and fretted strings.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=406984

In-depth Review of my bass.

I think you may have misunderstood what I'm doing on this step (and I your question). This is not the fret installation. I installed the frets using an arbor press and then applied a drop of super glue on each side. That was prior to gluing the neck to the body. What I'm doing here is filling out the fret slots at the ends of the frets on the edge of the fingerboard. What I do here is sand with 320 and let the dust accumulate in the slot, then put a drop of superglue to fill it out. Hope that makes it clearer.

Wilser,
It looks like you are fretting the neck prior to glueing it to the body. Do you put your necks under tension and level the fingerboard before fretting and if so, how do you do that without it being attached to the body?
Thanks, Joe

Wilser,
It looks like you are fretting the neck prior to glueing it to the body. Do you put your necks under tension and level the fingerboard before fretting and if so, how do you do that without it being attached to the body?
Thanks, Joe

Hi Joe,
What I do is level the fingerboard without tension on the rod so that the neck is dead straight at that point. I also fret it without tension. I do this because I go for no-relief dead straight neck on my setups.