1/2 build, half bass: jazz bass shaped 6 string guitar

wraub · #1 09-27-2012, 06:05 PM

Yes, I know these types of instruments aren't welcome here

, but it's bass related, so...

My son wants me to build him a guitar. We have had some fairly involved talks about what he wants, and ultimately, he says he wants a copy (more or less) of my Jazz bass, but as a guitar. Typical offset asymetrical body, 2 PUs, all black w/ silver hardware. Painted peghead to match body. Maybe a surprise or two...

I'll be using a Strat neck I have lying about, which I'll need to re-fret (long story). He's lanky and growing, and I'd like him to be able to grow with it, so I figure an approx. 10% reduction in size, but have to account for the neck to get an accurate scale length. And, have to figure out a scale length.
Either way, will have to cut a reduced size pickguard for it.

Also want it to be light enough for him to want to play it, but tough enough for when it inevitably gets bashed, so probably not pine, probably whatever I can get at HD or Lowes that seems light enough. I do have a decent hardwood supplier not terribly far away, and we'll see how the approaching holidays treat us. Could get it done sooner with an HD trip, though.

I have built basses and guitars in the past, when I had access to a decent shop. This one would be all at home with my meager assortment of tools. Figure I should be able to crank out a body at home (hopefully), and I don't have to build a neck, so we'll give it a go.

I will of course post build details, if anyone is interested.
Any one have any suggestions re: scale issues or body sizing?
Any other guidance? Any one seen a jazz bass shaped guitar?

Thanks to all!

wraub

BassZilla5 · #2 09-27-2012, 06:15 PM

Take the Jaguar shape and add Strat sized horns to it(?)...

F-Clef-Jef · #3 09-27-2012, 08:41 PM

If you want I can scale a jazz bass down to a guitar scale length (24"?) in CAD and see what it looks like. I could make a full scale pdf of the body if you like.

TheEmptyCell · #4 09-28-2012, 08:22 AM

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/ind...?topic=10036.0

Seems like your best bet would be to resize the body based on the size of the guitar neck heel vs. the bass neck pocket.

Here's a TB thread, scroll down and you'll see something somewhere between Jazz bass and Jazzmaster.

J shape guitar?

Stealth · #5 09-28-2012, 08:43 AM

Building threads, unwelcome here? Pah.

I'm interested in how this'll work out. If people could turn Strats into shortscale basses, I figure making the opposite should be doable too. Can't wait for the progress photos.

Edit: Natch, myself being myself, I have to ask - what will the pickups and electronics package be?

wraub · #6 09-28-2012, 11:57 AM

Well, having discussed this at some length with the boy, here's what's on order:

It'll be a 6 string guitar, styled like a Jazz bass but scaled to size. Asymetrical body, with Jazz bass shaped white pickguard, but with integrated control plate like the early 80s (83?) Jazz. Probably have Strat style pickups and switching, but this part is definitely TBD. Might go with 2 guitar PUs for switching like a J bass, V-V-T. Chrome hardware.
As of now, he says he wants it black like my Jazz, but the color may change.

I know guitars for kids are typically 22.5" scale or so, but would like him to grow with it, so possibly 24.75, but the Strat is 25.5 IIRC, so I'm not sure with which scale length to proceed. I want it to feel comfy and playable for him, so he'll want to play it.

Wood will likely be from the local HD or Lowe's, as I'd like to get it done for the holidays, and less expensive means it'll happen sooner. May end up being pine.
At least it'll be easy to work with...

TheEmptyCell thanks for that link, this one there is pretty much exactly what I was thinking of doing, with the boy's ideas combined. Again, thanks.

F-Clef-Jef, thanks to you also. Let me figure out my actual scale length and I'll be in touch.

Will indeed keep this as current as possible. That should motivate me to get it done.

Thanks to all, I appreciate it.

wraub

TheEmptyCell · #7 09-28-2012, 08:04 PM

Build it 25.5" scale, and just put vinyl fret stickers on it. Then, tune it down to D or C# with heavier strings and put a capo at the 2nd/3rd fret.

wraub · #8 11-28-2012, 04:38 PM

Hello again to all. Remember this?

Well, much has transpired here at Casa de wraub. The boy, after some further consideration and some sit-time with my basses, has now decided that a P bass shape might suit him better. The smaller body was the deal maker. So, essentially, the shape of the finished product is to be determined. Something between a Strat, a Jazzmaster, a Jazz bass, and a P bass. Just like that.

With budget in mind, I have prepared a body blank from plywood. It's here, it was free, and the finished product will be painted, so it seems reasonable. Will incorporate some body routing to reduce weight.

More to come, pics to follow...

wraub

crazydave911 · #9 11-28-2012, 10:52 PM

Well, you can get an 8' 2 X 10 from HD for 5$, and if you hand pick you can get some good wood. It's yellow pine, hard and tough

As for the body styles, have you checked out the short-scale SX basses from Rondo? I have the Pbass version and it is almost exactly the size of my strat

Only 12.5" in width

And the short-scale Jazzmaster is even smaller at 12" in width

These basses are already guitar sized, and can be copied easily

. As for scale length, might I suggest 25", it can be played when your young (most of the old Stellas were 25") and will suit an adult (PRSs are 25" scale). It's almost an ideal scale, though I liked your 24.75 scale suggestion, there's an awful lot of Gibsons like that, quite easy to play too

Dave