Fretless 5 comp/showcase - the "*@#$ Cancer" Bass - Page 10

Basically Bob · #**181** 05-18-2011, 05:35 AM

... and I'm just a few more miles down the road. Been drooling over this project for quite some time, now, and like dug dog hope to see and hear it in person, one day.

Thanks for posting, Paul!

I have been drooling over all of the builds but my heart has been with Kev's bass since day one!

miziomix · #**182** 05-18-2011, 06:01 AM

...and I'm just on the other side of the world. Kev, I'm afraid I'll be knocking at your door one of these days

Warrioralex · #**183** 08-13-2011, 11:47 PM

wow men ! amazing work ! it's looks awesome, very nice job sir !

fjadams · #**184** 08-16-2011, 07:16 PM

That is just such a remarkable build. Just incredible, would love to hear how it sounds.

miziomix · #**185** 08-16-2011, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjadams

That is just such a remarkable build. Just incredible, would love to hear how it sounds.

That's right. Where are the sound clips??

Spas · #**186** 08-17-2011, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miziomix

That's right. Where are the sound clips??

+1, I would really like to hear it in action too!

StoutFellow · #**187** 08-17-2011, 05:47 AM

I'm really impressed with the look of this bass. Also with the use of the magnets to simplify the trussrod cover and the electronics "drawer" - that last idea is pure genius! Two questions:
(1) how much force is required to pull the drawer out? (I'm guessing you're not leaping about on stage or anything, but just curious)
(2) How does it sound unplugged? Does is sort of work as an acoustic bass?

Again, magic build and massive respect for your choice of battleground!

R

Kev2007 · #**188** 08-17-2011, 06:36 AM

Thanks, guys, I really appreciate the comments/kudos.

Sound clips: er... yeah. I don't really have the technology to do that, but I'll try to figure something out. All I have is an old BOSS BR-532 digital recorder, and I'm not sure how to get their proprietary format converted to something useful like an mp3 file.

I've played the bass on some gigs, and I'm really happy with the way the piezo pups cut through the mix. It's definitely got a different tone than my slab basses. Usually on these gigs I'm doubling on double bass, and the sound of the two complements each other nicely. Comments from fellow musicians and audience memebrs have been excellent. Keep in mind also that the strings are tape wound nylon core, which will already give a 'thumpier' sound.

And in terms of strings, the low B is a bit weak. I'm not sure if that's the due to the design, the setup, or inherent to the tape wound/piezo combo. I continue to tweak the setup.

Also, those piezos are hot! Like, 30% louder than my slab bass magnetic pups. I'm not sure if the acoustic nature of the bass (vibrating top) contributes to this, or if they're just really sensitive pups.

@Stoutfellow...

1) I'm happy with the magnets on the truss rod cover. I know others who have tried this have had problems with the cover moving. Having learned from their bulids, I used four rare earth magnets and mine hasn't moved at all.

The drawer: admittedly, some mixed results here, but nothing that can't be improved with a MkII version. It stays put just fine, though with changes in humidity it slides in/out more or less easily. No chance of it coming out while playing, though, if not for the fact that with the patch cable plugged in and wound back through the strap (as per usual practice), it's got 'back-up' pressure holding it.

The thumb wheel pots have worked a charm - very handy and intuitive.

2) It does have an acoustic quality when unplugged, though I won't pretend that it would compete with even an acoustic guitar. Maybe volume more akin to jammin' with a ukelele.

Finally, I just realised that I neglected to congratulate the winner of our friendly little competition. Beautiful bass, Simo, and you deserve the glory.

There will be more builds from me, but right now I'm playing 7 days/week (about 10 gigs/week), and mired in some home renovations. As for my health, thanks for all who are asking. Over the winter, the drugs, etc. managed to beat back the disease pretty heavily, and the cancer is now completely out of my colon and just lurking in my lymph system. I've been off chemo for 2 1/2 months and everything is stable, my body's natural defenses seem to be controlling it for now. Nonetheless, it will be a long road to total recovery, but I'm living life fully and loving it. This bass build did a lot to keep my spirits up and mind busy over that tough winter, so thanks TB and all of you for presenting the opportunity.

Peace,

Kev