New Bass Build

[Gecko 5]

This is my first time building a bass from new parts.
I really wanted that vintage Fender feel.
I ordered my neck from USACG. Tommy there was really helpful. I'm gonna try to finish it myself with lacquer in a "rattle-can" from Stew-Mac
We settled on a maple/rosewood neck. 1 11/16 wide.
6150 frets(not vintage...I know). Real clay dots.
Its what he calls .880 C shape. I should have it at the end of this week.
Body is from a guy I found on Ebay that makes custom bodies.
****Link removed due to problems with seller******
The price I got was unbelievable. Ash, finished in an old Fender custom color. Ocean Turquoise Metallic. Finished in nitro.

Bridge is a Gotoh Vintage Fender style from Stew-Mac.
Pickup is from my buddy at Hanson(Lakland). A Vintage P.
Tuners are Hipshot HB3.
White pickguard.

I'm having the whole thing assembled by Carl Pedigo.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[fergbassplayer]

Yeah - Dig it!

 

[Gecko 5]

Got my neck last week. I'm saving the $125 and finishing it myself. I'm using Nitrocellulose in a spray can from Stewert Macdonald. It is soooo easy to use. Smelly though.

Got the body today. A complete nightmare.
The neck pocket is 1/16" too narrow. And there is a bad defect in the paint on the upper horn, right where the strap button should go. No response from the guy that made it.

 

[fish slapper]

Sorry, dude. I, too, fell for the cheap body on Evil Bay thing once too. Same result, ended up with a body that I couldn't find a neck to fit.

My advice would be to call Tommy and get a body from him.

 

[arsie]

And there is a bad defect in the paint on the upper horn, right where the strap button should go.

If you do not get it resolved, at least its at the strap button, so if you use a larger strap button or straplock, you will never see the defect. It is probably an easy fix with superglue, sandpaper and polish.

Neck pocket provides the dilemma, do you widen the neck pocket or narrow the neck to fit.

 

[Gecko 5]

If you do not get it resolved, at least its at the strap button, so if you use a larger strap button or straplock, you will never see the defect. It is probably an easy fix with superglue, sandpaper and polish.

Neck pocket provides the dilemma, do you widen the neck pocket or narrow the neck to fit.

I'm gonna start by removing the paint thats on the walls of the pocket. I don't think there should be any there to start.

Thats what I get for a $250, finished body

 

[Gecko 5]

I was able to get the neck to fit. After an hour and fifteen minutes with a file.

This finish is not cured properly. It seems every time I touch in one place too long, there is a scratch or mar of some type.

 

[bwoodman]

You mentioned it's a nitro finish. I had this problem many years ago with a nitro finish and never used it again - it takes a hell of a long time for that stuff to cure up. I then discovered Pat Wilkins and poly finishes - more recently, Marty Bell - and IMO, Warmoth finishes are great. I'm never sure about USA - he had a paint guy, then he didn't? Any chance of sending that body back to the ebay seller? I have read too many horror stories about cheap bodies on ebay and have had very good luck with Warmoth over the years. I shoot my own necks with that Minwax poly satin clear - a few coats and a day to cure up and it's good. Good luck with your build. Here's my latest Warmoth build:

 

[Gecko 5]

I've contacted both Marty and Pat for quotes.

The seller offered me a complete refund.
Based on some of his feedback on the Bay, I seriously would not be surprised if he just told me to keep the body.

Its weird. His listings say he has a 3000 sq. ft. shop with the latest CNC machinery, yet he has no website.
He seems to be a straight up guy.

BTW- I finished my neck in Nitro. I bought it from Stew-Mac in a spray can.
Came out PERFECT!!!! Seriously cannot believe how it came out.

 

[Gecko 5]

Headstock before and after

Before

After

 

[Gecko 5]

Crappy Turquoise body returned.
Ordered an Olympic White from Warmoth

 

[PCR]

Love the color!

Waiting for my Musikraft Jazz body. Will send it off to get it shot in almost exact color.

What color is that?

I'm going for the same color as my tele (below).

 

[Gecko 5]

Got the assembled bass back tonight.
Came together really nice. Its not what I wanted when I started, but I like it alot.
I still have the Turquoise body. The guy that made it returned my money. He was suppose to send me a return label over two weeks ago but never got it.

I still have to attach the strap buttons, and the thumb rest and pickup cover.

The neck is absolutely amazing. It is exactly what I wanted.
It is very close to the early 60's P's that inspired this whole project. Tommy at USACG was able to talk me right thru what I wanted over the phone.

 

[toniwonkanobi]

I wish USACG could do a p bass neck with a 1.75" nut width. I know they do it for Mike Lull and Dan Atkinson, but I don't believe they do so for regular customers