New EUB

scojack · #1 09-16-2009, 05:51 AM

After completing the last build...
EUB Build
Its time for another.....

I have taken the lessons from the last build and made a few design changes.
Its going to have a seperate set neck this time, kinda like a Single Cutaway BG and with facings of Fine Cocobolo it should be a stunner.

Finished Roughing out the Scroll/Pegbox, which has been heavily modified to accomodate BG Machineheads.
Gone for an open Pegbox this time.

Hopefully its elegant and functional.
I'd be interested in any opinions....

Heres the Facings just off the saw..

draftsmann · #2 09-16-2009, 06:46 AM

Your last project came out very well - I'll subscribe to this one.

Just one thing - I wondered why you're planning to use BG machine heads - particularly as I recalled you had problems with them on the earlier build.

DB machines are more costly for sure, but there are a couple of Chinese eBay sellers that list them at a reasonable price. I've just bought an attractive brass set from a seller called Musicstorema - less than 50 quid including shipping, which I can live with.

Adrian

scojack · #3 09-16-2009, 07:08 AM

Hi Adrian,
Thanks for the input, i appreciate it.

The main problem last time was when I bought Long strings, 3/4 strings were absolutely fine. The new Pegbox and machinehead spacings will also eliminate the tight string angle especially on the bottom E.
Im using BG machineheads because there is simply a bigger variety of options (eg ..i quite fancy Black Hardware on this bass).
I have also went for this Pegbox/Scroll design because it elimates a lot of wastage. The more traditional scroll reaches quite far back (especially with the Tyrollean type of machines) and this requires a lot of extra wood, most of it ending up on the floor.

Hope this makes sense.

Ian

Quote:

Originally Posted by draftsmann

Your last project came out very well - I'll subscribe to this one.

Just one thing - I wondered why you're planning to use BG machine heads - particularly as I recalled you had problems with them on the earlier build.

DB machines are more costly for sure, but there are a couple of Chinese eBay sellers that list them at a reasonable price. I've just bought an attractive brass set from a seller called Musicstorema - less than 50 quid including shipping, which I can live with.

Adrian

draftsmann · #4 09-19-2009, 07:02 AM

What shape is the body going to be Ian? Your last one was a masterpiece of elegant simplicity IMHO - one of the best-looking EUBs I've seen.

Incidentally, I've just bought a neck, ebony fingerboard, ebony nut, ebony tailpiece and set of tuners from a Chinese eBay seller, Musicstorema. These will be used for a simple EUB project ("simple" inasmuch as my main task will be constructing the body, for which I have a very nice slab of old mahogany). Total cost, including shipping, came in at just over $280, which I thought was pretty reasonable. My scroll came ready carved, and just requires sanding. You're a better man than me, carving your own!

Adrian

scojack · #5 09-19-2009, 09:03 AM

Hiya Adrian,
Thanks for the kind words.
Shape-wise its basically the same, a little slimmer at the bottom.
The body will extent further up on the bass side and will have a gente curve into the fingerboard. The treble side however will be cut-away even further down the neck but will have a curve into the fingerboard too. I think this will look better than the square 'shoulders' on the last one.

Good deal on the stuff from china, hows the quality? I get my FB from China and have absolutely no complaints. Keep us posted with the build!

Its much better fun carving your own scroll imo, really enjoyable whittlin'. Gives me the opportunity to experiment with different ideas.

Thanks again and good luck with your eub.

Ian

scojack · #6 09-26-2009, 09:03 AM

Got the top cut and carved today. ..

scojack · #7 09-26-2009, 09:07 AM

Everything Assembled..
Im very happy with the new body shape, still tons to do before i glue it up.

scojack · #8 09-27-2009, 02:25 PM

Just a little whittlin' today.
Got the tailpiece done.
Rubbed some sealer on to bring out the grain of the rosewood.
Not a great picture...but you get a better idea of the final colour.

scojack · #9 10-11-2009, 10:47 AM

I have now set the neck and got the back on.
You may notice two cables. Plan is for a magnetic pup right against the fingerboard and piezzo's under the bridge.

scojack · #10 10-11-2009, 10:49 AM

Got the Cutaway carved......
The fingerboard will sit 3/4 inch over the body. This will allow me a slightly taller Bridge.

scojack · #11 10-11-2009, 10:52 AM

Rosewood looks a treat..

scojack · #12 01-04-2010, 06:18 AM

Sub arctic conditions means progress in the shed is slow, roll on the spring! Got the fingerboard on before the sub-zero temperatures set in ...

Also finished carving the pegbox area and neck.

Please feel free to post comments, im always looking for feedback in any form....

scojack · #13 01-10-2010, 03:44 PM

Been whiling away the long winter nights developing pickups.
This is the end result...
Its a resin cast Neodymium Split-Coil Humbucker. Tried it on the old EUB today and it sounds amazing.
Winding Pickups is probably my least favourite job (Very fiddly !!) but when you hear the end result its well worth it.

Ian

**Francois Blais** · #14 01-10-2010, 06:48 PM

Where will you put it on the new EUB?
At the end of the fingerboard?

scojack · #15 01-11-2010, 02:54 AM

Bonjour Francois,
Yes...the new EUB has a raised fingerboard and this will fit on the end. The pickup is contoured to fit the radius at the end of the FB. I wont need to do any routing, just a few screws into the body to secure it.

Ian

scojack · #16 01-12-2010, 11:06 AM

Out of interest does anybody know who makes strings which are steel core AND steel wound?
Im using a steel core string at the moment but i have a feeling they are nickel wound. They are an unbranded set ....fine for me as i only play the eub for my own enjoyment.

Just wondering what was available that might have more Iron in them.

Although being a BG player for 20 years ...the thought of paying over £100 for a set of strings sends me into convulsions !!
Hmmm maybe because im Scottish too ....

**Francois Blais** · #17 01-12-2010, 11:57 AM

Hi.
In fact, most DB strings are wound with chromesteel.
What strings do you have now?
What's your EUB?
Regular DB scale or short scale like a BG?

scojack · #18 01-12-2010, 05:00 PM

Francois
You may me correct, they just dont look like steel wound but i only have BG strings to compare them with.

They are an unbranded set so i have no idea of their make up other than steel cores. I have tested with a magnet and there doesnt appear to be any more 'pull' when you compare the magnetic response from the core to the outer winding which makes me think they may be nickel or some other cheap alloy.
(They did not cost much compared with what more serious players would pay!)

I have a broken one somewhere so i will strip off some winding and test with a magnet.

My 'old' EUB I built for myself and is 41.5 inch scale (3/4).

I was just wondering what strings are good for magnetic pickups as i would like to put a better set on the new bass.

Strings have such a big influence on sound and feel, you could probably fill a complete forum on this subject alone.

**Francois Blais** · #19 01-12-2010, 08:29 PM

A close-up of the tailpiece silk colors would help to ID them.
That said, nickel has even better magnetic properties than steel!

scojack · #20 01-13-2010, 03:15 AM

Thanks Francois I appreciate your help ;-)

But I think were getting a bit distracted with my current cheapo strings.
Im more looking for recommendations for strings that are good for mag pups.
I'll ask the question again on a seperate thread when im looking to buy some.
Ian