Model VD5 for Lester

[wilser]

Lester is going to get a great looking and sounding bass!

Here's the specs:

• 5 String Custom Bass Model VD
• Spalted Beech top
• 21 frets
• Humbucking pickups with top matching wooden covers
• Matching headstock
• 3 piece maple, bubinga neck
• exposed pole pickup covers
• Audere z mode 3 band preamp w/passive tone
• coiltap switch
• Sappy cocobolo fingerboard
• Dot markers on fingerboard
• Black hardware

Here's what Model VD looks like in virtual mode:


This is Lester's version (render courtesy of Bob Kowal)


Here's what I got so far
the top:


the body blank:


the fingerboard blank (damn thing gummed up my bandsaw blade!):


the neck blank:

[scottyd]

Should be a winner! That fingerboard is friggin sweet. The top looks like its gonna require a tender touch, you go get it you smooth criminal!

[Rodent]

absolutely sick!

you going to drop top that Beech, or are you planning for some of the body core to be exposed on the arm cut? either way ought to look sexy

all the best,

R

[wilser]

Originally Posted by Rodent

absolutely sick!

you going to drop top that Beech, or are you planning for some of the body core to be exposed on the arm cut? either way ought to look sexy

all the best,

R

nope. the customer didn't opt for anything like that. No accent stripes either ...just plain rounded over forearm contour, here.

[eleonn]

What wood are you using for the body? I love spalted wood. Nothing looks on the earth looks so nice... not even crotch walnut!!

[kris pung]

Wow this one's going to look incredible.

[contakt321]

man, that top and that FB look amazing!

[Skelf]

Hi Wilser
That top would be from Larry.
The reason I know.

Just Ordered a Custom Built ACG

[wilser]

yeap, I had asked him for a spalted beech top about a year ago and didn't get it then for finance reasons. When a customer paid off his bass about 6 months ago I got a batch of I think 3-4 tops, one of which is this, the other is Rudy's. Thank God he still had it 'cause I fell in love with it at the time!

[wilser]

Well, Bob Kowal couldn't resist, he just sent me this rendering.

[Rudyboy98]

Originally Posted by wilser

Well, Bob Kowal couldn't resist, he just sent me this rendering.

Holy smokes!

That looks tight!

Awesome looking CAD rendering Bob! You make it seem easy to do!...J/K

Master Jedi Wilser: Have you ever used bubinga on a neck the other way around? (Meaning 3-piece bubinga/maple) Does that sound ridiculous? I see most builders using bubinga only as stringers on the neck.

[Skelf]

Originally Posted by wilser

yeap, I had asked him for a spalted beech top about a year ago and didn't get it then for finance reasons. When a customer paid off his bass about 6 months ago I got a batch of I think 3-4 tops, one of which is this, the other is Rudy's. Thank God he still had it 'cause I fell in love with it at the time!

The ironic thing for me is that this is Scottish beech I live in Scotland but had to go to Larry to get some of it.

[wilser]

Originally Posted by Rudyboy98

...
Master Jedi Wilser: Have you ever used bubinga on a neck the other way around? (Meaning 3-piece bubinga/maple) Does that sound ridiculous? I see most builders using bubinga only as stringers on the neck.

My young padawan, I have not. But I don't see any reason not to. As a matter of fact it's a great and different idea for one of the prototypes. Good call.

[mrniceguy715]

I like. your clients have good taste in wood choices.

[southpaw76]

That fingerboard is to die for ...

[wilser]

Using the big guns to kill small birds? gluing the top to the body.

[Triad]

Wilser... I can't say that I like it... but only 'cause I end up liking all your instruments!
Congrats! That body shape looks great too.

[Rudyboy98]

Can't wait to see this bass come alive...!

Look forward to more progress pics!

[joeyl]

gorgeous design and wood.

[TrevorOfDoom]

looks beautiful. though i must say, you might want to reconsider your model name. VD? really?


so Lester's paying you for VD? and it's spotted!
what a world we live in...