Adding a quilted top

[tuBass]

is it possible to take an existing bass... shave off 1/4" of thickness, and glue on a top wood like a quilted maple?

If so, where's the best place to get a top wood?

[Jeronimofesto]

I found an amazing piece here:

http://3dhardwoods.com/

[synaesthesia]

Originally Posted by tuBass

is it possible to take an existing bass... shave off 1/4" of thickness, and glue on a top wood like a quilted maple?

If so, where's the best place to get a top wood?

Yes. Best way is to have access to a thicknesser/planer that is wide enough. Glue on new top, radius and route and your done. I've done it a few times when I have had access to a really good thicknesser. Be careful to take a bit off at a time, say 1 mm at a time. A few passes and you are done.

I suppose you could use a hand planer, but I imagine it will be cumbersome, ungainly and inefficient.

[stflbn]

Probably would be tough to do on a Neckthrough.

[tuBass]

Originally Posted by synaesthesia

Yes. Best way is to have access to a thicknesser/planer that is wide enough. Glue on new top, radius and route and your done. I've done it a few times when I have had access to a really good thicknesser. Be careful to take a bit off at a time, say 1 mm at a time. A few passes and you are done.

I suppose you could use a hand planer, but I imagine it will be cumbersome, ungainly and inefficient.

ok, obviously I dont have access to a thicknesser... is that something I can rent, or pay a real luthier to do that much of the job for me?

[Jeronimofesto]

Go to a cabinet shop, they will most likely run it through for you for little to no cost. I did that a few times when I first started out.

[mikeyswood]

Resurection of a Warlock

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by tuBass

is it possible to take an existing bass... shave off 1/4" of thickness, and glue on a top wood like a quilted maple?

If so, where's the best place to get a top wood?

Yep. They did it to Jaco's "Bass of Doom" ... top and back. Best place to get the wood is a tree.