Hand tools only bass?

Captain_joe6 · #1 09-23-2006, 08:52 PM

Does anybody know if a bass could be built, and built well, using only hand tools? Maker's skill aside, are there any areas of construction that would cause problems with this approach? I'll be moving out of my parent's house and off to college next year, but would still like to be able to construct my wunder-instrument, though in an apratment-friendly matter.

Any and all ideas welcomed!

Jazz Ad · #2 09-23-2006, 08:56 PM

It can be done but will take woodworking skills.
Handtools like chisel or fret dresser are hard to master.

Jimbow · #3 09-23-2006, 09:07 PM

I don't see any reason why it couldn't be done, especially if you're using a pre-slotted fretboard. It'll just take longer.

spudmaster34 · #4 09-23-2006, 09:47 PM

A bolt on neck might be difficult, a neck through would be easier

Jazz Ad · #5 09-23-2006, 10:23 PM

A neck through easier to build ?
This is news to me.
There are so many more mystakes to make.

spudmaster34 · #6 09-23-2006, 10:30 PM

but how would one go about routing a neck pocket ussing hand tools? it would be easier to do a neck through if he is using hand tools

ogrossman · #7 09-23-2006, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudmaster34

but how would one go about routing a neck pocket ussing hand tools?

No problem. You drill out as much material as you can to a constant depth and then chisel out the rest. All you need is patience and good sharp tools.

Jazz Ad · #8 09-23-2006, 10:39 PM

Routing with handtools is time consuming but pretty easy.
A neck pocket is nothing compared to the trussrod route for example.

spudmaster34 · #9 09-23-2006, 10:39 PM

but it is not easy to drill reliably with a hand-drill, especially one of those ancient crank things

spudmaster34 · #10 09-23-2006, 10:40 PM

he could avoid using a truss rod by using c-f stiffeners and hard woods in a laminated neck, if constructed properly, it could be solid as a rock

ogrossman · #11 09-23-2006, 10:42 PM

Any ten year old could do it with twenty years of practice.

spudmaster34 · #12 09-23-2006, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ogrossman

Any ten year old could do it with twenty years of practice.

jenious

Cerb · #13 09-23-2006, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

A neck through easier to build ?
This is news to me.
There are so many more mystakes to make.

My first was a neckthrough because I see it as easier. All of your measurements and alignment must be way more thought out with a bolt on. Plus, there's the neck pocket. It's much easier to glue body wings than to route a precise pocket.

#include <MK> · #14 09-24-2006, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudmaster34

but how would one go about routing a neck pocket ussing hand tools?

Questions like this have been covered quite a lot. A neck pocket is a joint and there are many resources available on joinery. There've been a variety of joints cut, ranging from simple to complex, using hand tools before the advent of machinery. The question really is does one have the skill or need/want to develop the skill to do the job? The best way to find out is to try cutting one out on scrap wood. You'll know very quickly whether you want to continue with hand tools or not.

mahrous · #15 09-24-2006, 12:52 PM

a bass made of only hand tools is overrated!

sure people enjoy it, but i wouldnt make every bass out of hand tools completely.

give me a router and a bandsaw. i will be happy with those. i will be even happier with a planar/thicknesser.

then it can get a bit boring using automated machinery and CNC's. its best to achieve a balance. it gets really boring to keep making one guitar for months.

Captain_joe6 · #16 09-24-2006, 05:33 PM

how could it be overrated if people enjoy it? Alas, you are entitled to your opinions. And while I agree that a planer is a very beautiful thing to have around for mass production or even production on a scale of more than 1 instrument, it is not exactly an apartment-friendly piece of equipment.

No, I'm only building 1 bass for my own use and I'm more of the spiritual/zen(ish)/japanese mindset of instrument making. Pour your heart and soul into your work and you'll get it's heart and soul in return.

That sort of thing.

mahrous · #17 09-24-2006, 07:05 PM

building by only hand tools is overrated in the sense that many boast about it non stop that it bores the hell out of me.

i did it myself. it took a lot of time and i got bored.

i like to think that i have achieved a nice balance with using machinery and hand skills to make good (may be?) instruments. then again, some machinery are a lot of fun to use too

its all good as long as you are satisfied and happy

fish man · #18 09-24-2006, 07:23 PM

It is possible, and would be quite nice to do, but being in an apartment obviously doesn't mean you can't have any power tools. Even using just hand tools + a router would make it much much easier. No reason why you couldn't use a router in the apartment, obviously you'd have to watch your hours, but it could work out nicely.

As for the neck pocket, the hardest part would be getting a flat bottom. The edges would likely be rather easy if you were to use a square-heeled neck.

#include <MK> · #19 09-24-2006, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahrous

building by only hand tools is overrated in the sense that many boast about it non stop that it bores the hell out of me.

i did it myself. it took a lot of time and i got bored.

It all depends on what you get out of it. There's a whole lot to be learned by using hand tools that actually extend woodworking skills, which are transfered when working with machinary. But, building with hand tools alone involves more hard work and can be time consuming in some areas. I generally use whatever tool (hand or power) I have that I think is better for the job I'm doing (ie. no power tool I've used finishes wood in a better way than hand tools do) - I'm not really interested in a balance. The word "better" is highly subjective. Personally, I find that I learn more about the wood I'm working with by using hand tools.

Captain_joe6,

Some apartment neighbours won't mind so much, depending on the time of day and duration of work so maybe check with them first before you make decisions that will greatly impact your processes. If it eventuates that there are restrictions and you cannot use certain power tools, maybe start with a plan as to what is involved in each process and determine how to perform the task given your environmental restrictions. If you have access to a shop that can do certain things for you work those into the plan, as well as processes using hand tools. There are lots of options. There are quite a few people here that work from apartments using power tools.

**Mark Wilson** · #20 09-24-2006, 10:00 PM

Bass made of handtools only?

Aren't they called Wishbasses?

I'm sure it can be done. no reason why not.

-Mark