It feels good to be here

[bakerbass]

That fretboard is exceptional. It does the trick blending the stepped heel. Difficult to reproduce I'd expect though.

[ON the ONE]

That fret board has a book matched mate I am saving for a special upcoming bass. I have 3 others that are equally stunning. all are wide enough for a 6er.
That last shot shows the board with a splash of Naptha solvent. I use it to reveal figure and simulate finishes. It is great for finding sanding scratches and also for cleaning metals and starting fires. fairly handy all the way around
The fretboard, however, won't be finished. Ziricote will take a nice polish.

Final specs for this bass have evolved since starting but here's what is going on.
Walnut and Cedar body core with Padouk tone block
5A Maple top and back
5 pc. neck of Flame maple,Walnut and Cedar
Ziricote board
Hipshot A .708 bridge
hipshot ultralights 3/2
Bartolini 72P25C pair
Aguilar obp 3

Should move right along in the next few weeks I hope. This will be my first hand at a Nitro finish so that may take some time. How hard can it be? not much more than Poly I'm guessing.

Nitro tips and tricks are warmly welcomed.

[ON the ONE]

This is a naphtha shot of the stepped heel.
I'd like to think I can sand nitro clean enough on the steps without going through. That is my concern right now. Slow and steady wins or something.......

[ON the ONE]

A pre- finish assembly shot. Being a prototype, I wanted to check all the functions of this baby before doing any finishing work. It sounds awesome and is super lightweight. I could not have hoped for more.

[Vincent P]

Stunning workmanship; congratulations!!!

[ON the ONE]

Thanks VincentP!
I have a few hurdles yet but I am really pleased with how this one it's turning out. The next build, which is the actual bass not the prototype, is even more exciting. I will be thrilled when this gets its first few coats in a week or so.

[ON the ONE]

Ok. The fiver is still in the white but has been dis-assembled since this shot for finishing. This is the pair in their final form although not their final stage.
The p/j will be going through some changes in electronics and strings (I've never heard it with rounds) and I'm hoping the five stays as open and resonant after it has been sprayed but I hold no illusions.
I will finish with real photos and be onto a new thread soon I hope.

[ON the ONE]

The five string heel after the sealer coats.

[Thumpin_P]

Stunning work...subscribing!!!!!

[pocketgroove]

Wow, I'm super impressed. I've never seen the Ziricote before, but it's stunning! How is it to work with?

I could never in a million years do something like this without heavy guidance, so these build threads provide a lot of drive and inspiration for me to get into the Galloup school and start learning.

[ON the ONE]

Thanks all.

Ziricote is fairly easy working. I would say its a slightly heavier wood but it is very stable after initial drying. Almost all the checking associated with Ziricote happens during the drying process. It's also a bit oily, but not enough to affect glueing. The wood is hard. Harder than z rosewoods but not as hard as say, ebony. It takes an edge and a polish very well. Tone wise, it lends a crisp character to bodies and fretboards. Ziricote grows in southern Mexico and into Guatemala and us not considered endangered.

Not pictured here, but this bass has a control cavity cover of Ziricote also.

[ON the ONE]

Also, pocket groove, you can and will be able to build anything if you commit to the learning process. Several of my colleagues attended the Galloup school and excell at their craft. One of them helps out at my shop sometimes. There are other good programs out there but my experience is that students from galloup, redwing and summit schools are a cut above. Buy good tools and go for it!

[pocketgroove]

Originally Posted by ON the ONE

Also, pocket groove, you can and will be able to build anything if you commit to the learning process. Several of my colleagues attended the Galloup school and excell at their craft. One of them helps out at my shop sometimes. There are other good programs out there but my experience is that students from galloup, redwing and summit schools are a cut above. Buy good tools and go for it!

Thanks!!