My First Almost Build - Rondo SX 5 redo

chasplaybass · #1 01-05-2009, 08:41 PM

I've always wanted to build a bass guitar so I decided to take a Rondo SX 5 string jazz style ($139) and change the body and electronics. Here the materials I used:

Maple Burl Veneer top (www.certainlywood.com) $35
Maple Burl lumber (www.ebay.com) $40
Bartolini 59S72 L1-LN1 set (www.bestbassgear.com) $135
Audere 4-band classic pre (www.audereaudio.com) $130

Now mind you I envisioned something better but I think if I had better tools my vision would match the reality. Oh well.

The bass I started out with had the classic chrome bridge cover and neck pickup cover sorta like this:

I sanded down the body and altered the shape.

chasplaybass · #2 01-05-2009, 09:10 PM

Since the veneer was thin and dry I had to moisten in order to get it flat. I used Titebond dark to glue but as the glue dried so did the veneer and thats why you see all the cracks. Plus without adequate clamping the veneer did not stick on the edges so I had to keep sanding until I could get it flush without an edge.

OliverH · #3 01-05-2009, 09:14 PM

Well I'm sure it was educational at the very least, as a first build will always be. Don't be put off because it wasn't what you had hoped... I'm doing a similar thing at the moment and I know it won't be perfect at the end.

Most importantly, how does it sound?

chasplaybass · #4 01-05-2009, 09:22 PM

I needed room for 2 - 9 volt batteries, preamp and 6 pots so I used a chisel to crudely carve out a compartment big enough to accomodate. I created the control cover from a piece of claro walnut.

I'm ordering maple burl knobs from Roger at www.thgknobs.com

The volume knob will be LED.

I also used some maple burl lumber for the bottom and the back just because...

Herrlster · #5 01-05-2009, 09:22 PM

Cracked or not, that thing looks kick ass.

chasplaybass · #6 01-05-2009, 09:32 PM

So there you have it. I planned to get you pickup covers to hide the gaps but I figure I'll perfect that on the next one. The Audere 4-band with the Bartolinis? Man my disappointment quickly turn to joy with the sound. I also move the bridge back and inch to improve the B (yeah I know but it worked!)
I hope to put up a sound clip tomorrow.

So hopefully any first timers can learn from my mistakes. It's ugly but I love it because I made it and it sound as good or better than some boutique basses.

chasplaybass · #7 01-05-2009, 09:38 PM

The Fracture Bass = well the cracks speak for itself

OR

The Rivers Bass = because I took something , gave it a face lift and the results were worst than before.

Does that break any forum sensitvity rules?

chasplaybass · #8 01-05-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OliverH

Well I'm sure it was educational at the very least, as a first build will always be. Don't be put off because it wasn't what you had hoped... I'm doing a similar thing at the moment and I know it won't be perfect at the end.

Most importantly, how does it sound?

Oh dude! Thats all I can say. The Audere with the Barts is nice. The only thing I have to fix is the buzz I get when I turnup the bridge pickup. Got any ideas?

Ahh buzz was really feedback from the speaker. I was so geeked to play it I sat directly in front of the speaker.

chasplaybass · #9 01-05-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herrlster

Cracked or not, that thing looks kick ass.

Wow is that a first on talkbass?

The thing
I like!

sheepdog · #10 01-05-2009, 09:54 PM

I'd rock the **** out of that. Audere+Barts with a wood control cover? Looks good to me. No, not perfect, but I'd rock it. Congrats!

chasplaybass · #11 01-06-2009, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepdog

I'd rock the **** out of that. Audere+Barts with a wood control cover? Looks good to me. No, not perfect, but I'd rock it. Congrats!

thanks

**Basschair** · #12 01-06-2009, 09:14 AM

This bass turned out so much better than my first bass alteration that I told you about. Who cares if it's rough in areas? No one else will have another like it, and it's your work

.

kesslari · #13 01-06-2009, 09:18 AM

I think it looks pretty good, and looks-wise you can say it's relic'd...

Looking like that and sounding great? I'd say WIN.

sheepdog · #14 01-06-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basschair

This bass turned out so much better than my first bass alteration that I told you about. Who cares if it's rough in areas? No one else will have another like it, and it's your work

.

unless I get him to do similar with my SX PJ

chasplaybass · #15 01-06-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basschair

This bass turned out so much better than my first bass alteration that I told you about. Who cares if it's rough in areas? No one else will have another like it, and it's your work

.

True but I'm going to need tips from independent master luthiers like you and others to make THE ONE...you know?

**Basschair** · #16 01-06-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasplaybass

True but I'm going to need tips from independent master luthiers like you and others to make THE ONE...you know?

No no no, I'm no master, though I am happy to help. The guys around here will definitely be willing to give their advice, but remember: it's up to you to not cut off any fingers

.

chasplaybass · #17 01-06-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepdog

unless I get him to do similar with my SX PJ

Please I'm going to do more reading up in the Luthiers Corner especially the threads from Basschair. It only took me about 10 days to do it only because I have a family AND the Mrs has asthma so imagine trying to clearcoat and varnish in a garage in Chicago!
I used a jig saw to cut off the lower horn and to shape the bottom. I used a table saw to resaw the claro walnut. Then power sanders, hand sanding, chiseling. I definitely will not be doing veneer again.

chasplaybass · #18 01-06-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basschair

No no no, I'm no master, though I am happy to help. The guys around here will definitely be willing to give their advice, but remember: it's up to you to not cut off any fingers

.

Dude look at that bass you made from scratch, you made the neck, a set neck? That is a $3K or more bass that can stand up against any boutique bass yet they call the KS, Tobys and Fodera builders master luthiers. I've seen basses produced by " no names " that are just as good or better.

Now me? I'm just starting - I'm a luddier.

Tony-bobs · #19 01-06-2009, 01:35 PM

I really like what you did with the lower horn, makes it more than just another J copy. I'm not big on wood control covers, but i think you did a really good job on this one. nobody would guess that this started out as a $140 bass, esp after you put some new pup in her. I think you did a pretty amazing job for a first (sort of) build. Congrats!!

chasplaybass · #20 01-06-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony-bobs

I really like what you did with the lower horn, makes it more than just another J copy. I'm not big on wood control covers, but i think you did a really good job on this one. nobody would guess that this started out as a $140 bass, esp after you put some new pup in her. I think you did a pretty amazing job for a first (sort of) build. Congrats!!

thanks