A few pics of my most recent finished work.


Fretless 4 Finn prototype. First bass to have a piezo bridge feeding one of the lowpass filters in the pre-amp and the RFB feeding the other. This allows full EQ of the piezo and blending of the piezo and magnetic pickup.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2980578095_5e6bc212ca.jpg
Recurve 4 with Black Limba body Splated Beech top and an acrylic impregnated finger board.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/3019119748_bb310b7a8f.jpg

The owner picked up this bass today.


First 4 string single cut.
Amboyna top mahogany core with a flame sycamore back. 5 piece maple/mac ebony neck with an Ebony finger board. 2 RFB with the ACG EQ01 pre-amp.


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Beautiful work, Alan.

Thanks very much.


This bass just delivered today.

4 piece wenge/bubinga body. 7 piece maple/wenge neck with an Acrylic impregnated Ziracote finger board.
ACG EQ01 pre-amp with 18 volt supply, ACG FB pickups with coil switching,low battery indicator.
Hipshot Type A Ultralites and Schaller straplocks.
Finish lacquer.

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Both basses are stunning, Alan. I particularly like the back on the Harlot 4--love the way the light sycamore and maple look against the darker mahogany core and the black/ebony accents!

Mike

Thanks Mike.
Very pleased with the back of the Harlot and will certainly try that wood combination again.

Alan

Beautiful basses...can you pm me a build price list?:eek:

Blackheart Sassafras top with a white limba body.
Purpleheart/wenge /flame sycamore neck with acrylic impregnated Zebrano finger board. Zebrano knobs made by THG.
SB and FB narrow format passive electronics volume 4 way rotary switch used to combine the picks. This gives you bridge/bridge/neck in series?bridge/neck in parallel/neck.
Second rotary switch is for coil switching in the neck pickup.
A good range of sounds are produced with this set up.


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Very elegant wood combination on that one, Alan. The blackheart sassafras is an unfamiliar wood, but the figure is very striking and the color blends very well with the zebrano and white korina. The zebrano knobs reinforce that, then the purpleheart gives a splash of contrasting color. Cool!

Since you almost never use your pickups without a preamp, what are your impressions of the passive setup on this one?

Mike

Mike
This is my first ever passive bass being a firm believer in active basses. I was really quite pleased with it. Again first time I have used my own pickups without the filter pre-amp,I have always been happy with the pickups they work well with the pre-amp and I now know why. They are very nice in a passive set particularly the SB single coil. I have just used them in a inventory bass and I really liked them they work just as well in the passive set up. I will be recommending them without on reservations they sound great and are really quiet. The switch in the bass I have used before and also really like it. It is the Dingwall switch and is a great piece of kit. It gives you 4 distinct sounds without any need for a tone control. So in short I am pleased with the passive set up from a sound point of view but it would still be my preference to use my own pre-amp as it greatly extends the range of sounds you can get from the bass.
Cheers
Alan

Body core in Swamp Ash with a Mahogany top.
7 piece Wenge/Maple neck with a book matched Acrylic impregnated Spalted Maple finger board.
2 ACG FB pickups with coil switching and a Hipshot A Type bridge with piezo saddles.
Bridge pickup and piezo are switchable before the feed into the lowpass filter on the ACG EQ01 pre=amp. This allows the bass to be set up as bridge pickup and neck pickup or piezo and neck pickup. Full EQ of the piezo is allowed with his set up and blending between the piezo on the neck pickup.

Body core in Swamp Ash with a Mahogany top.
7 piece Wenge/Maple neck with a book matched Acrylic impregnated Spalted Maple finger board.
2 ACG FB pickups with coil switching and a Hipshot A Type bridge with piezo saddles.
Bridge pickup and piezo are switchable before the feed into the lowpass filter on the ACG EQ01 pre=amp. This allows the bass to be set up as bridge pickup and neck pickup or piezo and neck pickup. Full EQ of the piezo is allowed with his set up and blending between the piezo on the neck pickup.
East low battery indicator.


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Beautiful work mate. I really enjoyed looking at these pictures ;)

those are B-E-A-utiful...

That last one is what a 9 string? (sorry been looking at the screen for a while and the lines just turn into bluriness. can't really tell) That is incredible! Is it a short scale to? (or maybe it just seems that way because its so much wider than a standard)

WOW!

Craig

Thanks guys.
Yes 9 string 35" scale. As you suspected the size of the body makes the neck look a bit shorter than you would normally expect.
Alan

Just out the door today.
Very pleased with this bass. I have always liked headless basses so was very pleased to get the chance to build this one. Dave has been great to work with and it has been a real joint effort.

Spec
Camphor Burl top and back with a Flame Sycamore body. Bubinga/Flame maple neck with a bookmatched Acrylic Impregnated Spalted Maple finger board. The fingerboard and the Camphor both came from Larry at Gallery Hardwoods.
Custom 15 mm string spacing ETS bridge/tuners and ABM headpiece.
ACG SB pickups and the EQ01 pre-amp.
Oil finish.

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Beautiful! It's interesting that the oil finish came out as shiny as it did, but it looks great with those woods.

Mike

Mike
I went looking for something that would give the Camphor a bit more protection as it is quiet soft. I found an oil which was described as a hard wax oil which is specifically used on floors. It sets harder than the usual oil I use so I think that is why it has buffed up a bit more than usual. I also put some wax on it as the last part of the finishing. It is not quiet as shiny as the pictures suggest and I am pretty happy with the new oil and will use it again. Next oil finish will be on ebony and wenge so back to the usual oil for that as there are no worries about any of it being as soft as the camphor.
Alan

OK...just got back from the band rehearsal......and first chance to crank my new headless up...

Alan...its a monster....:cool:

I was so concerned about getting the tone I like with this new bass....

As soon as I plugged in I obtained one of the best and most articulate bass tones I have ever had the pleasure of working with......I know this sounds like a huge statement, but honestly, its just an enormous sounding bass.

I cannot explain the relief I felt. The bass plays like a dream, but most importantly it feels so comfortable and familiar, massively in part to the work Alan did to obtain the narrow string spacing of my Status, and measurements he took of the fingerboard.

I have been playing the same Custom made Status Empathy 5 string for the last 10years, and another 5 string status series II (with the same neck and spacing) for several years before that. I am one of those guys who does not change basses often, and am very comfortable with what I have, and how it should sound. I knew the bass would play well, but the sound was THE biggest concern for me, ......but damn what a massive sounding instrument he has created.....The single coils are fantastic, and very quite (other than the enormous sound of bass twangy goodness....)

When I got in from work today I got the Status out and expected (and quite rightly so) to feel 'more at home'....It took me less than a few seconds to instantly recognise that the Harlot has grabbed me and wont let go.

Alan....I salute you sir.....you have one very, very happy customer...unfortunately one who ain't likely to buy another bass for another 10 years...;)

Dave 'damn I'm happy' Perry

That fret board is rediculous.. in a good way! Absolutly stunning!

Larry does produce some excellent materials which I am fortunate enough to get my hands on.

Alan

That headless is gorgeous. Maybe I should start saving, too!

Spec
First of a new model.
4 string 34" scale
5 piece body stripy ebony/sycamore/wenge/sycamore/ stripy ebony
7 piece neck mac ebony/sycamore/wenge/sycamore
Acryilc impregnated flame sycamore board with mac ebony binding.
2 ACG RFB pickups and the ACG EQ01 pre-amp.
Oil finish.



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Stunning, Alan! It's cool to see that one finished, and I love contrast of the woods and the look of the bound fretboard. Is the pickup placement on that one a little different from your standard, though? It looks like the front pickup is a bit farther from the neck than usual.

Mike

It is Mike to make more slapping room as requested. It does however cut down on the difference between the two pickups.

Alan

Alan -

I'm an 'old school' bass player (not good enough to be a bassist... ;) ) for the last 32 years (!!!) but I have to say that your 4 string single cut is the most beautiful basses I've ever seen!

Can you PM me an estimate on the equivalent?

Spectacular work!

Rob

Wow -

I seriously avoid entering threads that show your work, Alan, just because it gets my hopes up...and then I remember you're across and ocean where the dollar is not strong and the shipping just kills.

Stunningly beautiful, and a great testimonial to the tone, too!

Z

The $ has been very good over the last 6 months losing a bit of ground at the moment but I don't see that lasting. The shipping is a real pain but nothing you or I can do about that.

That's absolutely gorgeous, I want one please....4 string, shortscale, .17mm spacing and 6 lbs. Can that be done?


Just out the door today.
Very pleased with this bass. I have always liked headless basses so was very pleased to get the chance to build this one. Dave has been great to work with and it has been a real joint effort.

Spec
Camphor Burl top and back with a Flame Sycamore body. Bubinga/Flame maple neck with a bookmatched Acrylic Impregnated Spalted Maple finger board. The fingerboard and the Camphor both came from Larry at Gallery Hardwoods.
Custom 15 mm string spacing ETS bridge/tuners and ABM headpiece.
ACG SB pickups and the EQ01 pre-amp.
Oil finish.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3344806012_c7fab13cf5.jpg
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Hi
4 string 17 mm spacing short scale would be no problem. The 6lb would be. The ABM hardware weight well over a lb on it's own. With woods like the bass above there would be no chance of hitting the 6lb mark. Wood choice would be crucial but even getting that right and using the same pickups hardware etc I think it would be doubtful if I could achieve a bass that light.

Alan

OK, how about the same headless shape but different wood and hardware. Could it be done for 6 lbs.?

Hi
4 string 17 mm spacing short scale would be no problem. The 6lb would be. The ABM hardware weight well over a lb on it's own. With woods like the bass above there would be no chance of hitting the 6lb mark. Wood choice would be crucial but even getting that right and using the same pickups hardware etc I think it would be doubtful if I could achieve a bass that light.

Alan

There is not much in the line of alternative headless hardware. The ETS stuff weights pretty much the same as the ABM stuff. So to be honest I would be very reluctant to commit to a weight as low as 6 lb. Bear in mind the above bass balances very well so even with a bass round the 9 lb mark you are not fighting the instrument at all so it feels very good on the strap.

That has got to be my most favorite bass you've built. Simply amazing!!! The thin profile reminds me of an old Curbow petite I had once.

Well, I've had 3 whiplashes (yep - 3 rear enders and I was stopped at a red light for all of them). Even my 7.2 lb bass is too much for 3 to 4 hours a night. Must be light, don't have a choice on that matter. If you think it's hard finding gear wait till you need something that almost can't be done.

There is not much in the line of alternative headless hardware. The ETS stuff weights pretty much the same as the ABM stuff. So to be honest I would be very reluctant to commit to a weight as low as 6 lb. Bear in mind the above bass balances very well so even with a bass round the 9 lb mark you are not fighting the instrument at all so it feels very good on the strap.

I thought there would be a good reason for the 6 lb bass. I have had the same thing happen but was fortunate not to have any long term damage. If I was sure I could bring the bass in at that weight I would be the first to tell you,but I am not sure I can hence the reluctance to commit to it. Let me go and have a look at the wood pile and the hard ware and see what can be done.

Alan

Thank you very much.
Louise

I thought there would be a good reason for the 6 lb bass. I have had the same thing happen but was fortunate not to have any long term damage. If I was sure I could bring the bass in at that weight I would be the first to tell you,but I am not sure I can hence the reluctance to commit to it. Let me go and have a look at the wood pile and the hard ware and see what can be done.

Alan

Alan, I read this and just wondered whether Paulownia (or Dragonwood by its other name) might help here. Light coloured wood, with tone quite like poplar and approx half the weight of Swamp Ash. Both Conklin and Adler have made basses with it. Only a thought...:)

dragonwood? Interesting.....

I have heard about it and asked a few questions about it on another forum. Most of the builders there a few of whom have tried thought it was to soft to be practical. I will have another look at it thanks for the suggestion.

Just got this bass finished and is now in Denmark.

Spec
White Limba body with a Native Walnut top usual black veneer.
Wenge/Maple 5 string neck with a Mac Ebony board 33" scale tuned E to C.
ACG FB pickups with a matching ramp in between.
ACG EQ02 pre-amp.

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OK, how about the same headless shape but different wood and hardware. Could it be done for 6 lbs.?

Hi, sorry for the off topic, but thought it would be useful to direct you to this thread:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509653&highlight=basslab

If weight and headless is the primary concern, this should help. :)

Yes - basslab - nice - the answer for my weight problem. - but I can't afford it and I'd be scared to take it to my neighbourhood bar for a jam or a gig - but yeah, I'd love to have one of those.

Beautiful instrument, in a subtle, low-key way. I like the way the woods blend together, but it comes off as rich and elegant rather than flashy--very nice!

Mike

Just got this bass finished and is now in Denmark.

Spec
White Limba body with a Native Walnut top usual black veneer.
Wenge/Maple 5 string neck with a Mac Ebony board 33" scale tuned E to C.
ACG FB pickups with a matching ramp in between.
ACG EQ02 pre-amp.

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That is exactly what we were shooting for.
Alan

First Graft bass.

Alder body with 3 piece Maple neck and Indian Rosewood 24 fret neck. Asymmetric neck carve the same as the full custom models. Satin lacquer on the neck.

ACG SB pickup connected to an East 2 band pre-amp. Controls volume bass and treble. Pre-amp has selectable frequency centres for both bass and treble on internal trim pots
Hipshot Type B bridge 18 mm spacing and Gotoh GB7 tuners with Hipshot string tree all in chrome.

Price £700 ex delivery.


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Based on the Finn but modified to accommodate headless hardware.

Wenge body with a Mac Ebony top and a 4 mm Bloodwood accent.
Wenge/Bloodwood 5 piece neck.
finger board is an Acrylic Impregnated Figured Bubinga board.
ETS hardware.
ACG EQ01 pre-amp with 18 volt supply.
ACG RFB with coil switching option.
Oiled brushed lacquer finish.
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The figure in that fretboard is amazing...one day I will build up enough courage to get a quote from you :bassist:.

Feel free, it costs nothing what so ever.

Wow, the bass very striking, but that fretboard is truly amazing! Like it's on fire...

A bit of a departure for me a guitar. Not built to many guitars but enjoy the change.
Camphor Burl top and back with a Black Limba body. 3 piece Bubinga/Wenge neck with ebony finger board 25" scale.
P90 in the neck Alinco 5 humbucker in bridge with coil tap on push/pull pot.

ABM 3D roller bridge, Sperzel locking tuners,Schaller straplocks.


Gloss body and satin neck.

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First Graft bass.

Alder body with 3 piece Maple neck and Indian Rosewood 24 fret neck. Asymmetric neck carve the same as the full custom models. Satin lacquer on the neck.

ACG SB pickup connected to an East 2 band pre-amp. Controls volume bass and treble. Pre-amp has selectable frequency centres for both bass and treble on internal trim pots
Hipshot Type B bridge 18 mm spacing and Gotoh GB7 tuners with Hipshot string tree all in chrome.

Price £700 ex delivery.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3732329548_4122d93db5.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3732329562_337904cff8.jpg

What a great looking bass!

Alder body with 7 piece Mac Ebony/Maple/Black Limba neck with Ebony finger board.

ACG FB pickups and EQ01 pre-amp.
Hipshot piezo bridge feeding a Graphtech Hexpander and 13 pin output. This will be used with a Roland V-Bass system.
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I really like the way the solid black makes the Harlot shape look so sleek, especially with the black hardware and black ebony board. Does this bass have a lot more contouring than the black Graft Harlot?

Mike

It does have more contouring than the Graft as it is a full custom bass so has a few more refinements than a Graft bass.

Flame Bubinga top and back with Black Limba gore. 7 piece Mac Ebony/Black Limba neck with an Acrylic impregnated Mac Ebony finger board.

Hipshot piezo bridge 2 ACG RFB pickups with coil switching. The bridge pickup is switchable with the piezo give either two mag pickups or the piezo and the neck pickup. This allows full EQ over both combinations and blending via the ACG EQ01 pre-amp.
18 volt option and the low battery indicator on the cavity cover.
Oil rubbed lacquer finish.
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Now THAT is gorgoeous! One of your most beautiful basses to date, Alan!

Are the pickup positions slightly shifted from normal? How do the coil splitters sound on those big RFB pickups?

Mike

The neck pickup is moved back a bit for more slap space and the bridge moved forward a bit as well as requested.

The coil switching works well on them. Only slight problem is that there is a noticeable difference in output between the series and parallel setting. There always is a difference it is just a bit more with these pickups.

that last bass is incredibly sexy :hyper:

very nice work!

all the best,

R

The neck pickup is moved back a bit for more slap space and the bridge moved forward a bit as well as requested.

I can see where it'd be nice to have a little more slap room with those big pickups, and where moving the bridge pickup forward might give a little fuller, more usable solo'd tone. I'm curious if you find the tonal difference to be major or fairly subtle with these shifted pickup positions, now that you've built a few like that?

Obviously, I'm wondering whether it's something I should be considering, but it kinda moves out of the "Wal" mode that I'd originally been going for.

The coil switching works well on them. Only slight problem is that there is a noticeable difference in output between the series and parallel setting. There always is a difference it is just a bit more with these pickups.

I'm not surprised, since I expect they're pretty hot in the series setting! But I'm still glad I included that option on mine...

Mike

I can see the point in moving the front pickup back but that is the first one where I have moved the back pickup forward,not so sure that is worth the effort. Part of the reason for putting the pickups quiet far apart is to make as much difference as possible between them sound wise. This gives the pre-amp more to work with same idea behind the different magnets. So I think I would move the neck back a bit if slapping was important to your playing style but I would leave the bridge pickup where it was. The bridge pickup is usually centred round a Jazz type position.

that last bass is incredibly sexy :hyper:

very nice work!

all the best,

R

Hi Rod
Good to see you here.

I see your point about the separation between the pickups. I also have the impression that the distance between them makes a difference in the sound with the pickups combined, as well. And since slapping is a very small part of my playing and I like the idea of having some extra depth to the neck pickup tone, it's probably best to stick with the stock locations....

Mike

Much better pics of the Harlot 6 taken by Robert.

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OMG - what a nice bass!
I wonder what such a bass would cost...?!

-FunkyPunky

I will PM you the details.

I love your take on a Stealth bass. Are there two outputs because the bass is Midi-capable?

Hi
Yes the bass has a piezo bridge and a Ghost Hexpander unit in it so the 13 pin output is for midi or in this case a Roland VB unit.

Alan

That's excellent, Alan. Could you PM me the approximate cost for a bass like that?

In terms of artistry and aesthetics alone, that bass seriously rivals 90% of the basses that Jens Ritter has ever produced.

GORGEOUS!

Cheers Phil. From you that pleases me greatly.

Alan

Would you mind PM'ing me the costs of a bass of yours, a 6 string?

Cheers Phil. From you that pleases me greatly.

Alan

It's Kerry...you got me mixed up with our French Canadian/Australian Resident mate, Phil Mailloux, again...

I'm Kerry the Italian American/Australian Resident. :D

Must be our Aussie accents throwing you off...lol ;)

I'm sure Phil would agree with my sentiment, however...

Sorry yet again. I will really try to pay more attention.

Sorry yet again. I will really try to pay more attention.

that's ok...just keep paying attention to those sweet basses

When one is building his first bass, and looking at those pics from those beautifull basses being build here, one knows he still has a long way to go, before even coming close to a level like this.
Great work, makes me wanne build basses.

Greeting from Holland

Hi Rob
Best of luck with the building if you can stop at one you are a better man than me. Becomes mildly addictive and before you know it you are bankrupt feeding the wood habit.

Alan

It was fun to spec out my new Piezo-only Skelf fretless five.

Lacewood over mahogany, chambered body. too cool.

thanks Alan!

More me thanking you for the order I think.

Alan

Spec
Okoume top with 4 mm wenge accent on to a swamp ash body.
3 piece flame maple neck with an acrylic impregnated figured bubinga finger board.
Red LEDS on the side of the neck.
ACG RFB pickup and a Hipshot piezo bridge.
Pickup feeding one of the filters in the ACG EQ01 pre-amp with the piezo feeding the other filter.
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Sa-weet! I've been waiting to see how this one turned out! The okoume top and bubinga fretboard look killer, of course, but I also really like the ash heelcap and control cover, and the way the black veneers echo the wenge toneplate. Another subtly elegant masterpeice, Alan!

Mike

Thanks Mike.
I like this one myself and am pleased with the sound from it as well. The piezo and the RFB are a good combination.

Alan

Seems to me like that would be perfect for a fretless...

You are spot on. It is a very good set up for fretless.

Quilt maple back and front with a bubinga core. 5 piece wenge/maple neck with a mac ebony fingerboard.
Green burst on back and front.
2 ACG RFB pickups with coil switching.
ACG EQ01 pre-amp.
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Not necessarily the finish I would have picked for myself--I liked it when it was still natural :p--but it does emphasize the quilt nicely. A stunning piece of work nonetheless, and it's definitely neat to see how closely this one matches the initial renders.

Can't wait to hear more about how it sounds!

Mike

I've never looked at that body shape and thought this before, but seeing that one with the paint job it somehow looks a bit like a Modulus to me.

Much better pics of the Harlot 6 taken by Robert.

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Quoted for emphasis. What a gorgeous piece. yet another new desktop courtesy of ACG!

Jaw
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V
Floor

... again. It's getting painful.

Birdseye/flame Redwood top with a Mahogany core and Sycamore accent line.
7 piece Maple/Bubinga/Maple/Wenge with Acrylic Impregnated Mac Ebony board with maple fret lines.

ACG EQ01 pre-amp with a SB in the bridge and a FB in the neck. Also piezo bridge switchable with the bridge pickup. Coil switching on the FB pickup.
Strung with TI flats.
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Beautiful! I love the way the sycamore accent line accents the body shape on this one. The redwood top is stunning, too, and matches up well with the mahogany back. Is that a single ferrule to allow the the B-string to be run through the body? Interesting--do you notice much difference in doing that?

Mike

I have tried string thru before on basses I played myself and never really noticed any difference. The plan was to run the B string thru body but the TI string is not long enough the silk wrap was sitting on the nut so I never really got the chance to try it.

Just received the bass yesterday, and wow, .... its everything I'd imagined it to be - nothing short of impressive.:hyper

The B string is really great! I've always been apprehensive of floppy B strings, but this one feels solid. (the .135 size of the TI flats B string might have helped as well... :) )

Cant wait to try it at practice later...

One more pic of the stunning top:
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It's very cool to see the bass and the redwood top from that angle! I look forward to hearing your impressions after you've had a chance to play with it a bit...

Mike

I'm also interested in hearing your impressions. Would also appreciate any input on strings for my upcoming 5 string redwood topped Harlot. Currently thinking DR Sunbeams but could also go for trying the TI flats.
-dunc

Well, I've always used TI flats for my fretless and really like it quite a lot... Its bright for flats, at the same time... very smooth, both to the touch and the tone.

It hard to describe. Doesn't have the zing of rounds, but it's got its own unique tone. You need to try it to understand. =)

Its expensive.. yes, but it lasts longer than rounds.

Have to say I liked them a lot. That would be about right I think they are quiet bright for a flat wound which is what I did not like about flats in general. Itzs I have a few guys asking if there are any clips of your bass,so if you ever get around to recording some let me know.

Alan

I reallly love the spalted beech top. May I ask what finish is on this bass?

LP

A few pics of my most recent finished work.


Fretless 4 Finn prototype. First bass to have a piezo bridge feeding one of the lowpass filters in the pre-amp and the RFB feeding the other. This allows full EQ of the piezo and blending of the piezo and magnetic pickup.
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Recurve 4 with Black Limba body Splated Beech top and an acrylic impregnated finger board.

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All the basses are sprayed with Acid Catalysed Lacquer except the oil finishes. I have two different sheen levels. I have an oil lubricate steel wool satin and a gloss.

Alan

Thank you. Which finish do you normally use on spalted maple or beech, as I hear they are soft woods.

Either of the lacquer finishes would be fine.

Have to say I liked them a lot. That would be about right I think they are quiet bright for a flat wound which is what I did not like about flats in general. Itzs I have a few guys asking if there are any clips of your bass,so if you ever get around to recording some let me know.

Alan

Hi Alan, I don't have access to record clips now, but if i ever get down to it, i'll be sure to post it.

=)

That would be appreciated.

Now a TI flats convert.

Alan

Yeah .. those are well worth the money! Never have to change them for years... haha

Two stock basses ready for UK Bassday.

First up a Chambered piezo only Skelf fretless.

Prototype chambered body with piezo bridge.
Swamp Ash body with Myrtle back and front extra depth body.
3 piece Wenge/Ash neck with Indian Ebony board with fret lines no radius 33" scale strung E to C with TI flats.
Hipshot/Graphtech bridge and ACG EQ02 3K/S pre-amp.
Oil lubricated steel wool satin which is now the standard finish on ACG basses


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Next a Recurve 6 single cut.

Swamp Ash body with 7 piece Wenge/Maple neck. Pao Ferro finger board with no radius.
ACG SB in bridge and RFB in neck ACG EQ01 pre-amp.
Hipshot Type A 17mm spacing
Schaller strap locks.
Oil lubricated steel wool satin finish.

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These turned out great, Alan! I love the more "acoustic guitar" look that the dark headstock gives the chambered fretless, especially with the Skelf shape and lighter colored myrtle facings. As with several of your other basses, the whole thing comes off as very understatedly elegant.

What's your verdict on the impact that the thicker chambered body has on the sound?

I'm not sure how I feel about the look of the Recurve singlecut shape as a bolt-on--there are other shapes I like more--but I do like the simplicity of the solid ash body combined with the beautiful laminated neck.

What's the story behind the new standard "oil lubricated steel wool satin" finish?

Mike

To be honest I am not sure. It started of as a proper experiment to find out what difference it makes. However over the course of the build I added more things like the bolt on neck and the ash neck the TI strings so to many things different to make any meaningful comparison. It does however sound very fretless if that makes sense. I had it at the Moffat Bass Bash and it went down very well.

The bolt on neck was done in order to get the bass finished on time as a set neck involves more work. The heel is not as atheistically pleasing as the set neck but there is plenty of room for upper fret access so it does work well. I intend to make some more Ash basses as I like the look of them and the sound. I have a fair amount of Swamp Ash some light some not so light but also some really nice white Northern Ash which is heavier but I think will look good.

I have been trying to get a satin finish that I was happy with. I have tried spraying it but never manged to get the finish I was looking for so always had to wet sand it back and then you are polishing and you lose the satin. I am happy with this finish,the oil stops the steel wool from cutting as much and while it is still a lot of small scratches I think it is a nice looking finish. I am using 0000 steel wool but have found some 00000 wool that I will be getting for this finish. This is now my standard finish and I ill be re working my pricing to possibly charge more for a gloss finish which requires more work in line with quiet a few other builders.

Alan

Im excited to see the Piezo Skelf!

Folks here who know me know I'm a big fan of piezo basses (I ordered the second version of the Skelf Piezo) and I've found that more than not they sound like....well....a bass.

A bit more responsive to hand positions. A quicker attack. A touch more dynamics. But ultimately pure piezo doesn't radically alter the electric bass premise. Though they tend to be very quiet.

In my experience light, resonant bodies sound best. Chambering and some more chambering is also a plus.

I'll be curious to hear if you're interested in making changes now the prototype is done.

Thanks, Alan. I've heard from builders before that getting a good glossy spray finish ends up requiring a great deal of time and effort, so I'm glad you've found something easier! Is this new finish more like an oil finish, or is is something different?

Mike

HI
I will be changing to a set neck as I think it works better from an access point of view and it looks better. The access on the bolt on is good but I think it could be improved.
With regard to the rest of the construction I think every thing worked out pretty well.

The finish has the same type of feel as an oil finish or at least as close as you can get and still use lacquer.

Another fretless.
Flame Sycamore top with a Butternut body. Black Ebony board with partial fretlines. 5 piece Maple/Mac Ebony neck.
RFB and piezo bridge into ACG EQ01.
Extender on the E string.
Oil lubricated steel wool satin finish.

Thanks to Martin for allowing me to take this bass to the Moffat Bass Bash,very much appreciated.

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I remember noticing this one "in progress" under the Gallery for a while (I have my eye on all the Harlots! :D) and thought I saw it in the Moffatt Bass Bash pics, but am really excited to finally see completed photos. Did this one start out with a ziracote board? How is the butternut as a body wood?

I hope my myrtle 5 comes out as beautifully as this one did!

Mike

It did start with the Ziracote but I had a bit of a problem and had to bin it and replace the board. I think the Butter nut being a good bit lighter and softer than the usual Black Walnut works very well for a fretless.

Looks amazing like the rest. Love the partial fret lines. You must be getting a lot of experience on matching woods for tone and balance.

dunc

what is the best body wood for a Myrtle top?

Hi
The balance I think is more to do with the placement of the strap button on the upper horn. Anything round and below the 12th fret and the bass will balance. With regard to tone I don't think you can work in anything beyond generalisations for specific woods and to be honest I shy away from any pronouncements on which wood will give you which tone.

Not sure what you mean by best body if you could give me a bit more info I can maybe help.

What I meant by body wood is that I will be using Myrtle as a top on my next bass but I'm not sure whether i should use Swamp Ash or Mahogany for the body. I'm not sure which body wood's properties would best match with the Myrtle.......any thoughts on that?

To be honest not really with regard to tone as I mentioned in the post above it is very subjective.
Either of the two body woods will result in a good sounding bass as both are excellent woods for the purpose. Not much help I know but I don't think there is a right or best answer with the choices.

OK, thanks. I understand it's all in the piece of wood you have and not just type. I was just trying to make my choice easier to make, lol

So I've picked Mahogany.....