No Excuses Build

Headless Llama · #1 12-04-2011, 03:38 PM

Ok, here we go!

I am starting a new build. I have been putting this off for a very long time... I often plan out a build, but I never actually build it. I have made a couple of bodies before, one zebrawood, the other being walnut. This will be my first full build. The only things I will purchase are the electronic items and the tuners, and of course the wood

. Yep, wood bridge for this one.

Here are some pics of the template. I drew this up in Inventor and had it printed up at work. 1/2 inch mdf for the template material. Roughed out on the bandsaw this morning. I will be smoothing everything out very soon. I will then take the template to my hardwood supplier and see what strikes me. I would prefer to do a one piece body, but if something awesome comes up, I will do a figured top.

roberthabraken · #2 12-04-2011, 05:01 PM

Nice design! Subscribed

Headless Llama · #3 12-06-2011, 07:29 PM

Not much of an update... but I plan on getting to the wood store in the next week. Lots of stuff going on getting ready for christmas... Probably not the best time to start a build.

I'll be sure to post some wood pics when I get back!

Headless Llama · #4 12-31-2011, 02:33 PM

Now that Christmas is over, I can really dive into this project! I just got back from Home Depot with my new Ridgid spindle/belt sander. This tool is amazing! It allows a very quick tool-less change from spindle to belt configuration. The front of the table is capable of tilting, which I am sure I will find a need for.

Anyway, I now have my template done and I have sketched up some details to finalize my list for the hardwood store. My wife was awesome enough to get me a gift certificate from the hardwood store, so I will be there on Monday purchasing some wood! I plan on building the body out of ash first as a prototype, and then use flame maple for the final product. I am leaning towards dying the flame maple blue.

whodom · #5 12-31-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headless Llama

Now that Christmas is over, I can really dive into this project!

Alright now, based on that statement I think you're going to have to rename this as the "minimal excuses" build.

It looks like a cool build; very interested to see how it turns out.

roberthabraken · #6 12-31-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whodom

Alright now, based on that statement I think you're going to have to rename this as the "minimal excuses" build.

It looks like a cool build; very interested to see how it turns out.

+1 on both remarks :-)

Headless Llama · #7 12-31-2011, 03:43 PM

Very true!

Beej · #8 01-01-2012, 07:31 PM

Where's today's progress report? No excuses now...

Headless Llama · #9 01-02-2012, 11:31 AM

Here is some progress

I just got back from my local hardwood dealer. I gave them some money, and I got these. Figured Bubinga for the body, and Wenge for the neck. I am going to get some Ebony for the FB pretty soon. So, as you all can see my plan has gone right out the window! I chose these woods because they are awesome.

I have enough of the Bubinga to make another body when this one gets done. Perhaps a matching fretted one... hmmm...

Headless Llama · #10 01-03-2012, 05:21 PM

Update!

I cut out the rough body shape. I am going to the hardwood store tomorrow and have them reduce the thickness of the other half. I will make my routes in the bottom, and then glue on a black veneer and the 1/2 inch top. I feel the black veneer is needed for contrast, even though the top and bottom will be the same bubinga.

I found a nice piece of cocobolo in a stack of wood I have that would make a really nice fingerboard. I also have a thicker piece of cocobolo I plan on using for a bridge/saddles.

I should have planned this out a little more. But if I did I never would have gotten this far. For me I need to just learn to jump into it, and let things happen.

Possible fingerboard.

Some cocobolo, rosewood and the wenge.

Headless Llama · #11 04-21-2012, 07:50 PM

Update time!

I got the body cut all the way. I did the scarf on the neck, but I am not happy with how it turned out, so I am going to get some more Wenge next time I get to the wood store. I am also going to add a figured top with a thin piece separating the body and top, mainly to add some character and depth.

Thanks for looking.

DanHB18 · #12 04-21-2012, 08:33 PM

Nice!! Thats looking beautiful

You wouldnt want to donate that to a fellow bassist when its completed would you?

Headless Llama · #13 04-21-2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanHB18

Nice!! Thats looking beautiful

You wouldnt want to donate that to a fellow bassist when its completed would you?

I really appreciate the kind comment. Thank you.