Take your pic

bass_drum · #1 04-14-2007, 01:58 AM

Alright well I have narrowed my design options down to 4 different headstocks. If you guys could give me your two cents on which one you like, that'd be great. Also if you guys have any other suggestions I'd love to hear them. I am mainly concerned with the proportions and the flow of the design.

Also I am trying to figure out what woods and pickups to use? I'm looking for a growly tone that will cut through the mix but still retains bottom end, nothing thin. I would like to keep things passive if possible. I was thinking some kind of mm style pickup but with a multi scale bass, pickup choices are limited.

(Note: Sorry for the poor image quality, if I knew how to make them better i would

)

Bass Designs

Anthrax · #2 04-14-2007, 01:59 AM

i like 2 the best on that body

Beej · #3 04-14-2007, 03:28 AM

I also like number two. I like number three as well, but not as much as number two. In my opinion, numbers one and four don't match the style of the body, they just aren't rounded out enough.

Should I bring out the dead and mention that Novak's 'fanned fret' design is patented?

liltommyg · #4 04-14-2007, 04:27 AM

I'll have to go for no.2 as well
tom

BullHorn · #5 04-14-2007, 07:12 AM

Only the 2nd and 3rd fit the body's design.

I like the 2nd more.

pixelpounder · #6 04-14-2007, 08:59 AM

I like #3 but the base of the headstock from 1 with it would be nice also.

Can't wait to see this one in progress. It's an ambitious build for sure, but should be beautiful when it's done.

Good work.

wilser · #7 04-14-2007, 09:24 AM

when I read the title I thought we were gonna be posting pics of ourselves!

*hits the DEL key on that pic of me taking a crap*

Anthrax · #8 04-14-2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beej

In my opinion, numbers one and four don't match the style of the body, they just aren't rounded out enough.

exactly my thoughts

pilotjones · #9 04-14-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beej

Should I bring out the dead and mention that Novak's 'fanned fret' design is patented?

1. Fanned frets are not patented. They've been done since the 1600s.
2. Novak's particular method to produce a f*nned fret board is patented.
3. Novak's particular method produces improper fret positions unless the strings are parallel.
4. The method Novak has actually recommended using, which is not covered by his or any other patent, does produce proper fret positions.
5. Novak's patent has expired, and he is no longer collecting licensing fees.
6. If you really want to pay a licensing fee, Booker has a current patent on a different, unusual method to produce a multiscale fretboard.
7. Novak does hold a current in-force trademark (not patent) on the phrase Fanned-Fret (TM).

pilotjones · #10 04-14-2007, 10:50 AM

My headstock choice would be: #3, but modified so that one of the two upper rounded points is replaced by a sharp point from #2 or 4, in order to reference and harmonize with the single sharp "hook" point on the body.

bass_drum · #11 04-14-2007, 01:45 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

I'm going to play around with number 3 a little bit and see what I think. As far as ambitious...oh I know

but atleast I'll take my time.

How do the basses look proportion-wise? Any other things you'd like to suggest or comment on?

Oh and by the way, the "Take your pic" was supposed to be a (lame) pun since I had the picture and I wanted you to pick from it...

ha ha ha

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotjones

My headstock choice would be: #3, but modified so that one of the two upper rounded points is replaced by a sharp point from #2 or 4, in order to reference and harmonize with the single sharp "hook" point on the body.

I'm thinking if I can make headstock number 2 just a little more pointy, it'll be the winner.

eleonn · #12 04-14-2007, 02:49 PM

#2 here

bass_drum · #13 04-15-2007, 01:00 AM

So can anyone comment any further on the woods or electronics they suggest?

Also does the bass look proportionate (headstock not to big, body not too small, etc)?

Bryan316 · #14 04-15-2007, 06:38 PM

Can I recommend a slight mod?

I recommended #2, but I think it'd look even better if the tuning pegs were not perfectly symmetrical. Stagger the high-end pegs down a bit, to give an alternating, back and forth look to the pegs.

stpvoodoo1 · #15 04-15-2007, 09:21 PM

I have a suggestion:

Perhaps you should try coming up with a slightly different body style instead of just ripping off someone else's shape without attribution.

Anyone know who that body shape came from? I do

Bryan316 · #16 04-15-2007, 10:29 PM

Yeah yeah, but it's like everyone copying Fender Jazzes. When you've got something great, everyone wants to copy it.

Sincerest form of flattery, right?

stpvoodoo1 · #17 04-16-2007, 09:14 AM

True, BUT Shawn May isn't Fender. No one knows whose body shape it is. I think if you're gonna use something so blatantly, you should at least give a shout out to the person you got it from.

Also, people who copy Fender, Gibson etc. have to pay licensing fees. When PRS tried to "Flatter" Gibson a few years ago by making a single cut Les Paul knock off, they got sued. Eventually they had to cease production (which they've now settled on and resumed).

It'd be lame if a bunch of people started making their own May Custom copies. Hell, 5 minutes of photoshop and you've got your own body style.

wallstreet · #18 04-16-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stpvoodoo1

I have a suggestion:

Perhaps you should try coming up with a slightly different body style instead of just ripping off someone else's shape without attribution.

Anyone know who that body shape came from? I do

i tend to agree - i wouldn't say that the design is influenced by a may bass, the body lines are an exact duplication. you could have at least given him a shout out

especially since he's just getting his name out there.

http://www.maycustombasses.com

stpvoodoo1 · #19 04-16-2007, 09:48 AM

Nice bass

dblbass · #20 04-17-2007, 05:26 PM

I'd like to make a few suggestions. First, that bass isn't going to come close to balancing. Try doing something with the lower horn and the lines on the bottom of the bass so that if you played with it sitting down your knee was at or very very close to the 24th fret. With such a massive neck this is going to be neccesary. Also think alot about wood choice because even with the lightest woods that thing is going to be a monster. Personally i think a nice light wood like spanish cedar or maybe a light peice of mahogony would work great as a body wood and do a thin top wood if you want. Also if your doing a neck through design, which i wouldn't suggest, dont use something like bubinga or wenge cause these woods are dense and heavy and will just add alot of unwanted weight. When it comes to electronics, i love passive pickups. Look into some Nordstrands or Kent Armstrongs. I hope this helps a little.