My first bass build: pictures and words about it.

Arx · #1 08-16-2008, 02:10 AM

Hey, I finally got around to posting some stuff about my first bass build. It's been finished, other than a few minor details, for quite a while now, but I never put it up.

I'm already working on #2, and I'll probably do a more conventional build thread on that, so I figured I should put up the other one first.

Here it is:
http://arx.ca/projects/Fanned5/

I'll put on some sound clips soon, hopefully this weekend.

-Nick

jordan_frerichs · #2 08-16-2008, 02:42 AM

really nice! fanned for the first build. sweet. love the finishing job too. how does it play? what are you doing for number 2?

drugdoc · #3 08-16-2008, 02:59 AM

That is a killer looking bass!!! Nice job. I can't wait to see #2

Arx · #4 08-16-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordan_frerichs

really nice! fanned for the first build. sweet. love the finishing job too. how does it play? what are you doing for number 2?

It plays really well IMO, and I really like the sound, though I think if I was doing it again, I'd just do the bridge pup and a volume knob. It's got plenty of low end anyways, since it's not hugging the bridges too close.

It is a tiny bit neck heavy, though with a half way decent strap it's not any problem at all. (When I say a tiny bit, I'm not downplaying it, I'm just being picky)

It's not the lightest bass around either, probably due mostly to the steel reinforced dual trussrod wenge neck.

I don't have an accurate scale, but the one in the bathroom moves in the ballpark of 9-10 pounds when I stand on it and pick up the bass.

The super-wide neck takes some getting used to, but I'm really happy with it overall.

The next bass is a whole bunch of experiments jammed into one. It's probably too much off topic info to put it into this thread, but keep an eye out for the new thread in the next day or two.

-Nick

Arx · #5 08-16-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drugdoc

That is a killer looking bass!!! Nice job. I can't wait to see #2

Thanks.

I can't wait to see #2 either. It'll be very unique, I'll say that much.

varunkapahi · #6 08-16-2008, 05:49 AM

looks good!

Fretlessdude · #7 08-16-2008, 10:01 AM

that was extremly well written and informative
also sexy sexy bass
part on the finish was especially good imho

pilotjones · #8 08-18-2008, 12:00 AM

Very nice, Nick. Great blog, too.

From page 6:

Quote:

Finally I did the wiring. I used an unconventional layout which allows me to connect each wire of the pickup to one of three points (Output, ground, or a 3rd floating terminal) This way I can put the pickups in any combination. Series, Parallel, Out of phase Series/Parallel, and if I want to solo a pickup I can even decide whether the other one is left open or shorted.

What are your results on this? Is there any EMI when the unused coil is connected at one end, that goes away if it's shorted or totally disconnected?

Can't wait to see it finished, with some sound clips.

Did you ever consider putting in partial 21st and 22nd frets?

Arx · #9 08-18-2008, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotjones

Very nice, Nick. Great blog, too.

From page 6:
What are your results on this? Is there any EMI when the unused coil is connected at one end, that goes away if it's shorted or totally disconnected?

Can't wait to see it finished, with some sound clips.

Did you ever consider putting in partial 21st and 22nd frets?

I was more interested in whether there would be any magnetic effects. In theory, a shorted pickup should cause more resistance against the string than an open one. I haven't really checked that one out carefully yet. I'm sure the difference will be very subtle, if audible at all.
No EMI issues either way that I've noticed.

I did consider the partial frets, but didn't like the idea of trying to file that edge to meet the rounded end of the fretboard. It would be razor sharp.

I never play that high anyways.

I really should put the finishing touches on the thing. It's hard to get motivated when it's already playable. I've been using it for several months.

I'll do the sound clips soon. I think I've got a workable setup now.

-Nick

pilotjones · #10 08-18-2008, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arx

I was more interested in whether there would be any magnetic effects. In theory, a shorted pickup should cause more resistance against the string than an open one.

Agreed, that was my second question. I asked about both these issues here, and your wiring setup is a way to test some of the ideas.

Arx · #11 08-18-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotjones

Agreed, that was my second question. I asked about both these issues here, and your wiring setup is a way to test some of the ideas.

Yeah, when I record the samples, I'll record some tones on the bridge pickup with the neck pickup shorted and some with it open. That should be the biggest indicator, especially if I measure notes where the bridge pickup is near a node.

spaz21387 · #12 08-18-2008, 11:43 AM

It looks nice. I like the green finish. I cant wait for the sound clips.

Georynn · #13 08-18-2008, 01:12 PM

That green does look nice, much better than my first finish job...

Arx · #14 08-18-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georynn

That green does look nice, much better than my first finish job...

Yeah, I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I just wish I had done a better job of the sanding.

I know better for this time around. Also, working with a denser wood should make it easier to get it nice and smooth. (In difficulty I mean, not effort)

-Nick