The Story of my FrankenBass Olp/Nordstrand/Rotos

FingerBanger · #1 12-30-2011, 07:11 AM

I am trying to assemble a new bass made of an OLP 5 Stingray and the new Nordstrand 5.4 N Quad Coil. Maybe even some backup electronics I haven't decided yet. Pickup ordered early Nov from Steamco in Winnipeg and received promptly, unfortunately it was not the narrow version but the wide one for real musicman basses.
The OLP has a tighter string pitch making for a nice narrow neck like you could never get on a real EBMM.
Unfortunately Steamco has no stock on the narrow version and Nordstrand is/was waiting on key components to build more and we're on hold.
Please give me your opinions on this build, what tuners and/bridge are best.
I am considering the mod of running the strings through the body.
Am I Nuts?

charlie monroe · #2 12-30-2011, 07:52 AM

I have come to understand the term 'FrankenBass' to mean 'assembled from two or more basses (often different models or makers, i.e. FenderBird)'. Usually requires jackhammers, welding torches and duct tape.

Sounds like what you are doing is upgrading an OLP with strings, hardware and electronics.

Having said that, if your tuners are smooth and don't wiggle, keep 'em. The only reason I would change functional tuners is for neck dive.

Since you bought the OLP for the string spacing, you should only consider a replacement bridge with the same spacing. If your action is low enough, and your intonation is good, don't bother.

As for string through body, IMO, IME YMMV there is no conclusive proof that I am aware of that this mod will appreciably improve sustain/tone. There are many opinions on this topic on many threads. What you decide here will also impact your bridge choice.

Swapping out your pickup for the Nordy and spooling up some Rotos are going to give you the best bang for your buck. Play it for a while before you spring for all the shiny chrome/black/gold stuff

edit: Let's see this badboy!

FingerBanger · #3 12-30-2011, 04:08 PM

I just wanna be able to brag that each part of my bass is at least as good as it's EBMM counterpart. If I waste up the money on Gotoh sealed tuners and a Schaller tailpiece it would be just cause I wanna!
As far as string thru body, I figure it can't hurt my sustain, may help ... may not, but definitely makes my bass even more of a one of.
Btw. She's black with the pearloid pickguard same as the one played on YouTube.
For the last many years I have played my Fender Jazz It's a Squire. Japanese. I think it's serial is JVxxxxxx,I love this awesome bass but long for my 5 string to be complete. All assembly soldering and such I have done by Neil Douglas's guitar shop in New Westminster BC Canada.
Just waiting for the right pickup to arrive
Also,where can II get a new pickguard.
It HAS to be made to fit OLP STINGRAYS
No other will do

jlr · #4 12-30-2011, 04:30 PM

Trace your current PG on paper and send it to pickguardheaven.com - they'll cut you one, but it probably won't be cheap. Or possibly a luthier in your area can cut one for you.

FingerBanger · #5 12-30-2011, 06:05 PM

It's fifty bucks for a new pickguard once its to me.

FingerBanger · #6 01-02-2012, 05:35 AM

Truth is, all I really want to do is put together the bass featured on YouTube I think it's called josh slap the bass but I want to use 5.4 pickups instead of 5.2 narrow type.
I never heard of quad core pickups before and I look forwards to the sounds they may make. I need a wiring diagram including the switches needed to switch between coil combos and series/parallel.
So your right, not really anything "Frankenstein" about it. Just my plan for a nice 5 String. ... I hope.

charlie monroe · #7 01-02-2012, 07:07 AM

Go for it, pimp that bass!

I thought you were asking if you need to do that stuff. I've played an OLP or two, and they were pretty solid.

That fiver would be a great blackout bass. Although I liked the pickguard in the video, I think it was screaming for a black bridge. On the downside, if you drop a lot of money on fancy hardware you won't get most of that paper back when you sell it.

+1 to asking the Neil Douglas boys to make a pickguard. They have the actual bass to work to. Are you getting the Nordy pre also? With all the switching that pick up is capable of, it sounds like you probably need push/pulls and toggles. Might be a good idea to let the tech layout all the holes in it.

Nice project!

FingerBanger · #8 01-14-2012, 03:23 AM

I am still waiting on Nordstrand for the manufacturing of my pickup
Would it be bad of me to say I'm getting frustrated.

FingerBanger · #9 01-31-2012, 07:20 PM

OMG the pickup has been shipped to Steamco Music in Winnipeg from Nordstrand in California
Hope that means I'll have it soon

FingerBanger · #10 02-02-2012, 07:12 PM

So I went to L&M and played a new high end ibanez 5 string bass with Nordstrand pickups from the factory. Really nice
It was 1100 dollars so it should be. But even the woodworking was beautiful
I think it was model 1205. If you like 5s
then check that one out

FingerBanger · #11 02-23-2012, 12:33 AM

That took forever.
Steamco says they have the pickup in their hot little hands.
Time to ship back to them the one they shipped me in error to begin with.
I should have it soon.

FingerBanger · #12 03-02-2012, 03:27 PM

If this bass comes out cool and if it EARNS a name, that name is already chosen .... I will call this bass
DELAY
can you believe Fedex had the wrong delivery address! !!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, I have the pickup now.
If you know of a good bass guy in Vancouver I would like his name, other than my current guy Neil or Paul Iverson . Neil is so busy that a repot and rewire on my passive Fender Squier JV Bass is taking over two weeks. I need options, good qualified options.

FingerBanger · #13 03-03-2012, 01:30 AM

The Jazz is home and sounding good. All pots wires plug replaced with same used in Fender American basses for 60 bucks, good deal eh!
And ... I dropped off the new pickup .....
And the wait begins again!

FingerBanger · #14 03-03-2012, 01:48 AM

Some pictures of my J

FingerBanger · #15 03-03-2012, 01:55 AM

Another

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FingerBanger · #16 03-05-2012, 07:51 PM

My tech don't work on Mondays
Darn it

FingerBanger · #17 03-12-2012, 10:37 PM

I know the paint is Sunburst and the pickguard is tortoise shell. Could any one tell me more about this guitar?
For example, is this the "62" body shape or is it called something else
Also. I think my guy needs help with wiring my new Nordstrand 5.4 with quad coils. I told him I wanted access to all possible combinations regardless of how many switches were necessary.
That being said if any of you can help with a schematic ...
Oh well. the project goes on!

charlie monroe · #18 03-13-2012, 03:31 PM

Carey Nordstrand is a member here. It is his shop. Send a pm to 'Carey'.
I am sure he will have someone hook you up.

FingerBanger · #19 03-16-2012, 07:06 PM

I'm supposed to be able to pick it up tomorrow but I'd still like to source a Nordstrand approved wiring schematic

FingerBanger · #20 03-18-2012, 06:55 PM

Aw, what can I say, I know my guy spent a lot of time working on it. But it's buzzing and crackling and not playable .... I have contacted an old friend who said he'd help out.
All I want is to play my 5 string.
I did play it a bit, just enough to make me not want to play my Jazz