My first design using Jerzy Drozd's Bass Guitar Designer's Toolkit

[foq1978]

There's a thread on BGDT going on, so I've decided to post this one about my experience so far.

You probably know what BGDT is about, and how's structured (if not, take a look at http://www.electricbasssecrets.com/i...105&Itemid=201

Anyway, I decided to have a go. I've never built or designed any instruments before, but always wanted to learn more about it. I would say I am an intermediate Rhino user, so I thought it wouldn't be difficult. And, in fact, it's not. Most of the process is matching different parts from their library.

The fun part of it, however, is changing the default shapes of body and headstock to your own creations -- and even a beginning Rhino (or any 2D vector or CAD program) user can do it without hassle.

The whole process took less than an hour. The learning videos are very detailed. I was very pleased with the product and the final result of my first experience -- but I'll let you judge it.

I am attaching my first design so you can take a look. I hope you can give me some feedback on it. Now, BGDT it's not about 3D, but I think it's not hard making a 3D model from this 2D specs. I'll work on it and let you know when it's ready.

[kuso]

How easy would it be to print these renderings out, fullscale (assuming you have access to a printer of that size)?

[funkomatic]

That is very interesting. How was the user interface? Is the software robust?

Are you using the Mac or Windows version?

[foq1978]

Originally Posted by kuso

How easy would it be to print these renderings out, fullscale (assuming you have access to a printer of that size)?

Either choose size A0 and print it or printing the A4 PDF, resizing it to A0 - (I haven't tried, but that would be it).

[foq1978]

Originally Posted by funkomatic

That is very interesting. How was the user interface? Is the software robust?

Are you using the Mac or Windows version?

The toolkit itself is not software (although it includes a proprietary software for designing nut spacing). It is mostly a library of bass parts for CAD and instructions on how to assemble / modify them into a single CAD file containing your design. So you can choose from several CAD software (although the tutorial uses Rhino). I've been using Rhino (which is a very robust software) on both Mac and PC, taking files back and forth.

If you have used CAD, Rhino is quite user-friendly -- specially if dealing with 2D only.

[funkomatic]

I see. I'll have to check and see if it works with my old version of Corel Draw. It's like verion 9 or something ancient like that.

[foq1978]

There are some free CAD software going on around - specially if you just need the 2D stuff.

[Phil Mailloux]

Very original design, I like the cartoony shape of it, that could work.

[foq1978]

Thanks! I like your definition. There is definitely something cartoony about it.

[funkomatic]

I agree, I like the design. It reminds me a little of the Xotic XB basses.

[wyliee]

Me likey! I definitely see some 3d potential on the headstock.

[foq1978]

Thank you Wyliee and funkomatic, I am glad you like it! Still trying to work on a 3d version.
I might make another 2d design before that, though.

take care!

[foq1978]

Update: 3D rendering. Still missing hardware, pickups, frets, etc. But at least I've got the basic 3D done!