Building an EUB

[thebeatcatcher]

I am planning an EUB project this summer and I am thinking about the scale, maybe shorter: 1/2, 1/4, or EB string length. Most of the info I find is on 3/4 size EUB's. Any opinions?

Also, on some models people have what I would call string-thru bodies, so how much of the string can you "wrap around" the bottom of the body before you run into tuning/tension problems?

Has anyone had experience with using a cello neck on an EUB?

Thanks in advance.

[Bob Gollihur]

Originally Posted by thebeatcatcher

I am planning an EUB project this summer and I am thinking about the scale, maybe shorter: 1/2, 1/4, or EB string length. Most of the info I find is on 3/4 size EUB's. Any opinions?

Also, on some models people have what I would call string-thru bodies, so how much of the string can you "wrap around" the bottom of the body before you run into tuning/tension problems?

Has anyone had experience with using a cello neck on an EUB?

Thanks in advance.

Shorter scale EUBs just don't seem to have "it", but I have to say that I've got a 34" scale EUB project on the back burner, just to see if I can pull it off.

The string wraparound is typically used to take up the length of string that normally would go from bridge to tailpiece- at least that's why I did that on my original project EUB with a full 3/4 scale. If you want to build a shorter scale EUB, I would suggest using 1/2 or 1/4 size URB strings, and design your bass accordingly.

As far as cello necks go, any I've seen are going to be too narrow for URB strings IMHO.

[mikjans]

I´ve had a custom built 34" scale EUB for a couple of months now, and I´m perfectly happy. An Underwood pickup and a set of black nylon Rotosounds give a fairly convincing pizz sound.
Check it out here: Got myself a new EUB!

Mikael

[thebeatcatcher]

I like the looks of it, also better late than never.

I think I have decided to go ahead with a 3/4 scale bass.

BTW are you using a preamp with your underwood?

[mikjans]

I use an old Sadowsky preamp between the Underwood and my G-K MB-200 amp.

[thebeatcatcher]

Has anyone experimented with a DIY preamp?

Any links to circuit schematics out there?

[Francois Blais]

Has anyone experimented with a DIY preamp?

Any links to circuit schematics out there?

Check that thread:
Impedence question about SWR California Blonde
A few schematics are included.