My first Bass Build..I have some questions!

bassingeorge · #1 03-10-2010, 12:03 AM

Hello!
Ok...I've posted some threads and replies, about how much I loved a Custom Shop 1964 NOS Fender Jazz Bass in Aztec Gold! So I figured...I could build my own rendition of that CS bass but in a 5 string (I don't think I'm quite ready on letting the B string go) using All Warmoth parts and finishing it all with ReRanch Nitro in shoreline gold, matching headstock, fender decal and a bunch of nitro gloss clear coats! It seems easy...But I know it's not.
So I have a bunch of questions...I've searched...BELIEVE ME...but I still have some doubts and unsolved misteries. So here they go:

Ok, I saw the warmoth deluxe 5 J body and it seems like the only way to go, cuz 5 string jazz bodies from ebay are too expensive...and have poly finishes.
Ok, I'm trying to economize, so the cheaper choice is going with basswood. Saving a few bucks from alder, but I've read good things about basswood. Here's were my first question comes in.

Question #1: Does Basswood require a Grain Filler?

So on to the neck...The Custom Shop bass that I love has a very nice figured maple shaft. I would try to emulate that with a Birdseye maple shaft with a Rosewood board with cream phenolic dots. The neck that I like is a 4+1 tuning hole pattern in 17mm diameter. That translate into my 2nd question.

Question #2: What machines will fit in the 17mm aside from the Schaller tuners warmoth sugests (and I don't like)?

Question #3: Does anybody know if Warmoth offer the deluxe 5 J body with just the Top Rout? they just list a rear rout on their website...

Ok..I want a matching headstock...How do you do it?
I'm planning on putting a white primer on the body before the shoreline gold...but...
Should I primer the headstock too?

Should I spray equal coats of color on the headstock as on the body?
I'm planning on spraying coats of shoreline gold to the body until it's fully covered, let it dry, no sanding on the metallic color, and then spray the clear nitro, no sand, then another one with light sanding, and then start spraying "wetter" clear coats with sanding in between.

This is the source of inspiration!

I just love this bass! it looks classy, classic, TONS of mojo! and a 5 stringer would look sooo nice!

Rickett Customs · #2 03-10-2010, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassingeorge

Question #1: Does Basswood require a Grain Filler?

Basswood is a softer wood and will suck up paint, if you don't seal it up. But then again, if you're painting it, just give it a few coats of "sandable" primer, to seal it up, sanding in between each coat and ending on 320 - 400 or so sanding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassingeorge

Question #2: What machines will fit in the 17mm aside from the Schaller tuners warmoth sugests (and I don't like)?

Don't have specs handy right now, but I believe the Ultralight hipshots do (IIRC)...

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassingeorge

Question #3: Does anybody know if Warmoth offer the deluxe 5 J body with just the Top Rout? they just list a rear rout on their website...

I'm pretty sure if you request something like this from Warmoth, they may very well accommodate you. Asking them is key..

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassingeorge

Should I primer the headstock too?

I think anywhere that you're planning to paint would be a good idea to prime.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassingeorge

Should I spray equal coats of color on the headstock as on the body?
I'm planning on spraying coats of shoreline gold to the body until it's fully covered, let it dry, no sanding on the metallic color, and then spray the clear nitro, no sand, then another one with light sanding, and then start spraying "wetter" clear coats with sanding in between.

You may want to reconsider the sanding part on the color, what if you get any runs in it? If it were me, I'd do a few coats of color, then give it a good prep for the clear (sand it up to 600, wet sand it up to 800 or so) If you don't prep it good for the finish, you may kick yourself in the butt, for not doing it. If you're using Nitro, you'll want way more than just a few coats, you'll want to shoot like 4 consecutive coats at a time, about 3 separate times or more and you'll do alot of sanding to it. (getting into the very high grit sandpaper.) Check the stickies on the luthier's corner main page, there's a nitro tutorial that LedBelli posted....

Gord_oh · #3 03-10-2010, 06:42 AM

you should do it with a blocked and bound neck....

itd be sexy.

bassingeorge · #4 03-10-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

I'm pretty sure if you request something like this from Warmoth, they may very well accommodate you. Asking them is key..

Unfortunately Warmoth said that they dont have the jig or program to do a top rout on a 5er....bummer...don't want a big 'ol plastic cover on the back!
He said he could do it rout-less......

Is it too difficult to rout your own body?

What do I need?
Were can I get it?
I just own a dremel...

No money for tools.....

Thanks for all the info!
I'm still studying everything paint and finishing guitars related! Learning a lot of stuff!

bassingeorge · #5 03-10-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gord_oh

you should do it with a blocked and bound neck....

itd be sexy.

It would! and I've thought that!

but I wanna do it as close as possible to the 1964 pictured!

Rickett Customs · #6 03-10-2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassingeorge

What do I need?
Were can I get it?
I just own a dremel...

No money for tools.....

A dremel just won't do it , it can, but would be a little aggravating. A router on OTOH, is workable...... There are a few "Budget" routers out there, also CL, etc. You'd also need a few bits (1/4", 1/2", etc)..... and some time practicing too.

bassingeorge · #7 03-11-2010, 11:09 PM

A definate NO-NO for the routing....

So I've been thinking a lot...about what I want...
I already have a "decent" 5 string bass....And I quote just because it desperately needs some set up, fresh strings and a electronic tune up...which isn't that much of a deal.

I'm kind a getting into playing with my old band again..which was indie rock/hard rock...I only need 4 strings (standard tuning)

So change of plans...Im doing exactly THAT bass I posted...just with a matching headstock...

New questions arise....How low of a price can you get on an alder unfinished jazz body??

Allparts is about $260
Warmoth $185
Ebay....I've found prices from low $90 bucks to $300's for ash....

Any other place I can economize on a jazz body?

Or how's $155 for a poplar body from warmoth?? hows poplar? too cheap?

bassingeorge · #8 03-12-2010, 09:32 AM

anyone here got an alder body for cheap??

Rickett Customs · #9 03-12-2010, 09:34 AM

http://www.bestguitarparts.com/guita...y/Raw_Material

chokeslam512 · #10 03-12-2010, 09:40 AM

Well, you could just buy the 5 string SX for 139.00. Then you could sell all the parts you don't need or keep them for spares...

mikeyswood · #11 03-12-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassingeorge

How low of a price can you get on an alder unfinished jazz body?

I can get ~$20 Maybe ~$30 with electricity and tool wear included.

Once you have tools and skill you can buy your lumber in the rough and save a$$tons of money. Also, you are no longer limited by a catalog but only by your imagination.

Rickett Customs · #12 03-12-2010, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyswood

I can get ~$20 Maybe ~$30 with electricity and tool wear included.

Once you have tools and skill you can buy your lumber in the rough and save a$$tons of money. Also, you are no longer limited by a catalog but only by your imagination.

+1..............Hey I like the new sig

mikeyswood · #13 03-12-2010, 10:00 AM

I have writers now!

bassingeorge · #14 03-12-2010, 10:28 AM

Oh but I think you guys misunderstood me...
What I meant...Were Can I get a Jazz bass body without paint...not a blank piece of lumber! I wouldn't know what to do with it! String it!? HA!
I'm just looking to paint it!
I have seen the SX, but I would have to strip the poly, etc, etc...
And painting is gonna give me something to do in the weekends!

I saw USAcustomGuitars....for 190 for an alder body....
BestGuitarParts.com have them for 145....which is great! but only for p bass

Can they make a J Body?

Rickett Customs · #15 03-12-2010, 10:31 AM

Well George, there is 1 plus side to buying an SX and stripping it: Experience.
That kind of experience is priceless.

Malinoski · #16 03-12-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

Well George, there is 1 plus side to buying an SX and stripping it: Experience.
That kind of experience is priceless.

Absolutely,
it will change your life.

Don't forget the gloves.

bassingeorge · #17 03-13-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

Well George, there is 1 plus side to buying an SX and stripping it: Experience.
That kind of experience is priceless.

Thats absolutely TRUE!
But, I don't know... I haven't found the website yet...Or did I?? RondoMusic??....I did't like them as much as those that had the pearl block inlays I've seen in youtube and in here....Rather go the squier rout...The CV jazz Bass is nice...But...POLY POLY POLY!!! GRR!
I don't want to start out stripping poly!

Or just buy a cheap jazz bass body!

Anyone here have a jazz bass body for sale??

bassingeorge · #18 03-13-2010, 02:17 PM

Ok...well so far heres the list of things I need....

I found the cheapest jazz body I could find....@ edenhouse
for $124 which I think is a bargain.

I will first finish the body....

2 cans of shoreline gold from reranch
1 finishing kit from stewmac...has enough nitro lacquer and 1 sandingsealer, all the sandpaper needed and polishing compounds...for 115 bucks...I think its a great deal!

For the neck, probably look for something @ ebay...I realy would like the Warmoth with a little birdseye figuring in the back...
But, I don't mind having a plain maple/rosewood neck...
Edenhouse has them for $160
But I've found mightymites for 90 bucks @ ebay...probably buy one of those...and finish it with lacquer if I have left...

Order some 1964 Fender jazz bass decals...slap'em on the neck and match the headstock in gold...

Sounds easy....I know it will be anything but....

Im excited to start!!!

Body: $125
Finishing Suplies: $115
Color: $15 x2 (two cans shoreline gold from Reranch)
Neck: $100

Total: about $300

Not bad....Once the body and neck are finished, I'll worry about the rest later

Beej · #19 03-13-2010, 03:24 PM

You don't have to strip off the poly to repaint a body. You can just scuff sand it, and then work from there. Plan, prepare, prime, paint & polish; processing as per plenty of posts placed previously...

bassingeorge · #20 03-13-2010, 04:23 PM

I read about that also! Sounds like a good idea..Thats what I thought I would do to a Squier Classic Vibe if I had one!

Wouldn't the paint be this as hell?? :S