Body Blank, Opinions Appriciated.

Darkstrike · #1 06-02-2009, 01:04 PM

Ok, I had a body blank made by a joiner, out of mahogany, to build an explorer(bolt on neck), I think it'll need a solid finish, as the pieces are a fairly different colour. But the bigger problem is, it should be wider, he made it 6" thinner than I asked, and can only fit the body shape template at an angle. Making, I think the bridge at one side of the join, neck pocket on the other, I need to know if its structurally sound. Also, I'd appricate opinions on finishing it.

Here you can see the difference in the colours, though the pic is a little understated compared to how it looks in person.

This is how the two pieces are jointed.

This is the template with the body.

This is the only way the body fits the shape.

Leaving the neck pocket well to one side.

As always, thanks to anyone who reads.

Ol'Bass'ead · #2 06-02-2009, 01:28 PM

I would have him add a piece of wood to the upper bout and get it back straight. Then put a top on it-Maple, Walnut, or something-and call it good.

roberthabraken · #3 06-02-2009, 02:21 PM

^ I agree. Although I don't see why it would be less strong, I think it is a strange looking feature, unless you'll paint it opaque.

So I think it wouldn't be too much of a problem, although I, personally, wouldn't go that way..

Darkstrike · #4 06-02-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol'Bass'ead

I would have him add a piece of wood to the upper bout and get it back straight. Then put a top on it-Maple, Walnut, or something-and call it good.

Well, I doubt I'll put a top on, its about 1.85 inches already, and I'm hoping to avoid bring it back for work if possible, as it took long enough to get this much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roberthabraken

^ I agree. Although I don't see why it would be less strong, I think it is a strange looking feature, unless you'll paint it opaque.

So I think it wouldn't be too much of a problem, although I, personally, wouldn't go that way..

I honestly didn't know, I've worked with wood in the past, spent a year or two training in joinery, but, never where the wood would be under roughly 100 pounds of pressure. So taking no chances.

Ol'Bass'ead · #5 06-02-2009, 03:16 PM

The part you glue to the upper bout would not have any pressure on it unless you beat it on the ground, or against your amp or something.

Ol'Bass'ead · #6 06-02-2009, 03:19 PM

Oh, and 99% of all the basses you see here and in any store are just butt joined and glued-nothing fancy. A very few have dowells or biscuits, but that is not the norm.

Darkstrike · #7 06-02-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol'Bass'ead

The part you glue to the upper bout would not have any pressure on it unless you beat it on the ground, or against your amp or something.

I ment pressure if I left it as is, on the center join.
I suppose I could cut the excess off of the longer half, and glue it to where the upper wing would be?

roberthabraken · #8 06-02-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

I ment pressure if I left it as is, on the center join.
I suppose I could cut the excess off of the longer half, and glue it to where the upper wing would be?

Yes, that's the best solution IMO, with the least effort and best result.

Georynn · #9 06-02-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

I ment pressure if I left it as is, on the center join.
I suppose I could cut the excess off of the longer half, and glue it to where the upper wing would be?

I think i would do this as well, it seems like its the best way to get a bass that will have a natural finish to look right. you don't really want the grain to look crooked if you can help it, your eyes will see the join more easily if its not straight on...

BTW, that's a pretty nice looking piece of mahogany if the join is done right, and you do your grain fill properly, the color will even up, especially if you use a finish that has a slight amber hue to it.

Darkstrike · #10 06-03-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georynn

I think i would do this as well, it seems like its the best way to get a bass that will have a natural finish to look right. you don't really want the grain to look crooked if you can help it, your eyes will see the join more easily if its not straight on...

Its not vital to have a natural finish, I could spray it vibrant yellow, and add black hardware! 80's!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georynn

BTW, that's a pretty nice looking piece of mahogany if the join is done right, and you do your grain fill properly, the color will even up, especially if you use a finish that has a slight amber hue to it.

The join isn't bad, probably could do with a little sanding, to remove glue and such.
Actually has a little flame on the back, but just in a corner, shame it isn't spread around.

I'll try to get a better pic to show the colour differences in the two halfs.