First-Timer Seeks Advice

barbarbass · #1 01-26-2009, 01:57 PM

All right, first-timer, and sort of a newcomer to the luthier's side of things here -- I've made a point of checking all the "newbie" links before posting this. Here's a rough drawing of my design. I call it "The Pear", for the obvious reason.

My questions:

1. Is anyone else doing something like this -- a single-horned body? If so, I'm curious to see. Links are appreciated.

2. Does the design scream "neck dive"? I'm worried that the body will not have enough weight to counter the neck -- plus, I'd like to do this in a 35" scale.

3. Any other thoughts? Is it really that ugly? Be gentle.

vbasscustom · #2 01-26-2009, 02:10 PM

no, it doesnt scream neck dive, it just screams, when it falls off your knee as soon as you let go of it. the single horn thing isnt going to work, i dont think. with out the lower knee contour it will not stay on your leg, at all. and you can argue that you ALWAYS use a strap and stand up to play, but i guarantee that more than once you will be caught without a strap. i dont mean to sound harsh, but im just giving the facts, i had an idea like this once, and i did a mockup, didnt work, at all.

barbarbass · #3 01-26-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbasscustom

no, it doesnt scream neck dive, it just screams, when it falls off your knee as soon as you let go of it. the single horn thing isnt going to work, i dont think. with out the lower knee contour it will not stay on your leg, at all. and you can argue that you ALWAYS use a strap and stand up to play, but i guarantee that more than once you will be caught without a strap. i dont mean to sound harsh, but im just giving the facts, i had an idea like this once, and i did a mockup, didnt work, at all.

But, but, but I swear I AM ALWAYS GOING TO STAND UP.

Would you mind showing your design?

ctmullins · #4 01-26-2009, 03:09 PM

Hmm. I generally love alternative body designs, but V is right - at some point you'll want to be seated while playing it. However, there are ways around this - you might consider a removable or hinged leg rest, like some of the Steinberger designs employ. In fact, I can envision a hinged version that follows the contour of the lower body when not in use, but can swing out 180 degrees towards the neck when you need it.

Proper balance is usually achieved when the end of the upper horn is around the 12th fret. And your headstock looks reasonably economical, so I wouldn't think neckdive would be a problem.

barbarbass · #5 01-26-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctmullins

In fact, I can envision a hinged version that follows the contour of the lower body when not in use, but can swing out 180 degrees towards the neck when you need it.

Ah, CT, now that is clever -- and I can envision exactly what you're talking about. I've never heard of such a thing, but I may have to do that. Thanks for the recommednation.

vbasscustom · #6 01-26-2009, 04:10 PM

yeah sure, heres the design i made my mock up of, i didnt take any pictures that mock up, and that met its end with some used oil and a cheap "stay lit" lighter, it was awsome, i just layed it on my drive way, and lit the lighter, and tossed it on the bass, it like exploded, i may have put some gas in the oil too...

pilotjones · #7 01-26-2009, 04:28 PM

It has been done, at least once.
http://www.wittman-spins.com/bassesAurora.html

vbasscustom · #8 01-26-2009, 05:41 PM

even that has a VERY small horn, a flat place to sit your leg, but a circle insprired shap has so flat spot, try and make an egg sit on the top of your thigh for very long

barbarbass · #9 01-26-2009, 07:16 PM

vbass -- that's a nice design. I'm sorry to hear of its untimely end.

Again, thanks for all the helpful hints, everyone.

Arx · #10 01-26-2009, 08:45 PM

I'm building one with a similar idea in mind right now.

I think it'll work, because it has pretty much no bottom. I think it should hang the same when I'm sitting, as when I'm standing, since it won't go down far enough to sit on my leg, even seated.

Your design will definitely have that problem when sitting, because it will sit on your leg, but without any support for the neck end of the body.

My dad has a teardrop shaped hollowbody guitar. It does not stay in place at all if I play it sitting down.

if you are truly okay with having to stand all the time, that general shape should be okay. Neck dive is mostly caused by designs with too short a top horn, or a neck not mounted deep enough into the body, so that the bridge is a few inches from the end.

If you put the end of the top horn around the 12th fret or so, most designs should balance okay.

You will, of course, want to put the top strap button further to the right than it is on your drawing. As it is now, it would obviously pop off.

Looks-wise, your sketch is vague enough that it's tough to say. I think it could certainly look alright if the proportions are correct, and I think the angle of the headstock curves compliments it nicely.

Of course, you would want to do some to-scale drawings, including the neck with correct scale length, before making any final decisions. You might find the proportions need tweaking, or just don't work.

-Nick