My First EUB project

agfrag · #1 11-05-2011, 07:50 AM

So, as I have constructed about 7 electric basses over the years, (and de and re-constructed a few too), I think it's time to take on an EUB project. I've had this on the table for a while, and was in the pondering mode for about a year, but inspired by tZer's successful build First EUB build - ZEUBI I thought I've get the process in gear.

I am trying to restrict my project to wood on hand...but I've already violated that by purchasing a nice piece of Brazilian Cherry, and having it re-sawn into what I hope will be the front and back. I am also trying to use some ancient Grover tuners that are a monstrous size and have a 22 to 1 gear ratio, which should be ok. I am investigating having the tuner string posts replaced by something a little larger in length and diameter, but not much, I could probably get away with them as they are, like I said, they are oversized already compared to the norm.

As I am a little brain fogged on the project, I am going to build a foam core mock up first, and take it from there.

The EUB will have these features:

1. Semi hollow
2. Use Radio Shack piezo's, but perhaps a commercial pre-amp.
3. Be mounted on a stand for seating or standing variability, and because I'd like to make this portable as much as I can.
4. Be 1/2 size! Yup, I know, but frankly, I think this is the way to go for me. I used to have a 3/4 1940's Kay, and I just could not get used to the size. I play mostly electric, so to help make this decision, I rented a 1/2 scale, and absolutely love the playability.
5. 4 strings...traditional-ish

So, here is a pic of the wood I've got to work with...wish me luck!

EUB Wood
1. Lacewood 47.5 x 2.75 x .75
2. Purpleheart 36.5 x 1.75 x 1.25
3. Wenge 23 x 9 x 1
4. Maple 24 x 9 x 1
5. Padauk 48 x 1.75 x 1
6. Wenge 48 x 3 x 1/16
7. Padauk 48 x 3 x 1/16
8. Padauk 48 x 3 x 1/8
9. Padauk 49 x 3 x .5
10. Maple 20.5 x 4.5 x .75
11. Padauk 48 x 1 x .5
12. Wenge 34 x 3 x .75 one end and 1.25 other end
13. Purpleheart 36.5x7.5x1.75
14. Padauk 26 x 7 x 1
15. Mystery wood 31 x 1.25 x .75
16. Brazilian Cherry 49 x 8 x 1.5
17. Brazilian Cherry 49 x 8 x 1/4

tZer · #2 11-05-2011, 10:00 AM

Man - I am drooling over your wood selection! - Now there's a comment that could be interesting out of context...

Awesome! I think 1/2 size is not a bad idea at all. Mine is 3/4 and as I play it I am finding the stretch to be more than I'm comfy with. With mine still being unfinished, I could still have the option of moving the bridge... But I digress...

I like the semi-hollow thing too. I am thinking about adding semi-hollow wings both for acoustics and aesthetics.

Great to see you getting started!

grisezd · #3 11-05-2011, 11:10 AM

I'm looking forward to seeing what you do here. I've realized that my stubby fingers limit me to short scales in the standard bass guitar playing position, but I've noticed that when sitting on the couch playing around with my bass in a more vertical position I can reach a larger range by altering my wrist position. As I prefer the sound of longer scale basses, I'm considering building my own "experiment" eub, 34in 5 string. I haven't decided if I want to try to learn to bow on this, so the fingerboard radius isn't yet decided.

Subbed.

Thumpin_P · #4 11-05-2011, 12:56 PM

Very nice! Looking forward to more!

DanSwain · #5 11-05-2011, 01:58 PM

Very interesting project! I think my next one will be an attempt at an electric upright too, so this Bass is already an inspiration!

As for pre-amps, you may not need to go too far out of your way to achieve the sound that you want with buffering a Piezo transducer. A popular design to note is the Mint Box Buffer, and there's an interesting introductory video to buffering a piezo element similar to what you're planning.

I hope that helps, and I hope it saves you some money - you might have to fiddle with the EQ on your amp to get the sound you want, but I imagine that it shouldn't be too difficult!

T-34 · #6 11-05-2011, 02:08 PM

subbed

Thumpin_P · #7 11-05-2011, 02:12 PM

Hey Dan! Thanks for the links! Very cool idea!

tZer · #8 11-05-2011, 04:42 PM

Dan, where were you a month ago?

agfrag · #9 11-05-2011, 06:49 PM

Went to Lowes and Home Depot today looking for some stiff foam...jeepers! $28 for a 4 by 8 sheet of 2 inch thick stuff...might re-think that approach. Cool on the mint box and vid link Dan. I still am cracking up over his cat's name (I pointed that out to my wife, and she didn't get the coolness of it...she said the guy probably isn't married...I don't get it).

I'm pretty sure you can do the pre-amp thing with op-amps too, and you can use 9V batteries too. I used a Fishman Powerchip I had laying around on my E-cello with the Radio Shack piezo's... sounds great pizz and arco, think I'll put together something this time, I need to get the rust off my EE skills (years ago, I used to do a lot more engineering).

My biggest unsolved issue is the neck. I thought of making a one piece maple neck, but I can't find a chunk of maple big enough anywhere, so I might do a lam. I am also thinking of making the neck removeable. We'll see. That is one of the reasons I dig tZer's approach, it really simplifies things.

grisezd · #10 11-05-2011, 07:10 PM

I've been checking in at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store for some old hand rails or other old and stable wood to build instruments out of. Using Home Depot oak and poplar lams for my first bass was fun, but I want to try solid wood for this next one.

1958Bassman · #11 11-05-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agfrag

Went to Lowes and Home Depot today looking for some stiff foam...jeepers! $28 for a 4 by 8 sheet of 2 inch thick stuff...might re-think that approach. Cool on the mint box and vid link Dan. I still am cracking up over his cat's name (I pointed that out to my wife, and she didn't get the coolness of it...she said the guy probably isn't married...I don't get it).

I'm pretty sure you can do the pre-amp thing with op-amps too, and you can use 9V batteries too. I used a Fishman Powerchip I had laying around on my E-cello with the Radio Shack piezo's... sounds great pizz and arco, think I'll put together something this time, I need to get the rust off my EE skills (years ago, I used to do a lot more engineering).

My biggest unsolved issue is the neck. I thought of making a one piece maple neck, but I can't find a chunk of maple big enough anywhere, so I might do a lam. I am also thinking of making the neck removeable. We'll see. That is one of the reasons I dig tZer's approach, it really simplifies things.

You spent a lot more than $28 on the one piece of Brazilian cherry and you have a lot more tied up in the rest- why are you balking at $28 for a sheet of insulation?

Ask if they have any damaged sheets- they'll usually discount that quite a bit.

agfrag · #12 11-05-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

You spent a lot more than $28 on the one piece of Brazilian cherry and you have a lot more tied up in the rest- why are you balking at $28 for a sheet of insulation?

'Cuz I'm broke!

True, the Brazil Cherry cost $70 to buy and get it in the shape I wanted it, but that pretty much ran my budget out ( you wouldn't believe the expenses I've been hit with lately...new car, dental, dead phone, two hard drives in two computers fried...and on and on...it's been a tough fall man!

. Whine whine...

Plus, I was just a little taken aback by the $28 for a big piece of styrofoam...and the weird thing is, they only wanted $8 for a one inch thick piece same size. How does 2 x 8 = 28? I dunno, maybe I'll spring for the 1 inch thick stuff and lam it all together!

agfrag · #13 01-08-2012, 06:19 AM

Well, I got some work done on the project over the holiday. I've finished the foam mockup, and it looks like it will be a feasible endeavour after all! Each piece of foam represents a piece of wood. I intend to carve the top inside and out to present a curved appearance, but I didn't feel like doing that with the foam as working with that stuff is such a mess!

The headstock is as yet undetermined (sort of) as I am still unsure if I want to use the tuners I have, or pop for actual upright bass tuners ($$$). We'll see. Right now, I envision I need about ~$390 to finish it...$130 for a stand (thinking of this one PDS-10 :: Products :: Roland ) $110 for upright tuners from Bob Gollihur, and about $150 for strings.

Intent is to complete project before yard maintenance season starts here in Michigan!

rick0link · #14 01-08-2012, 06:25 AM

Nice!! I am building my first EUB at the moment. Your project is going to look sweet.

gnarlyopossum · #15 03-11-2012, 07:30 PM

This started cool! How did it turn out?

agfrag · #16 03-31-2012, 04:22 PM

Believe it or not, it's still going... been very busy with work, and band stuff, and got side tracked on making native American style flutes for gosh sake, but am back on the job today matter of fact. Got a set of really nice individual tuners from Gollihur (yes, budget just went out the window...oh well, they are really nice tuners man!) and I will post some pics as I have cut out the neck blank, and cut down the fingerboard to 1/2 scale. I hope to spend some time over the Easter break (which I don't get, but I get Friday off) and make some sawdust.