Hi,
It's been almost 2 yrs. since I first researched ideas and performed my at home "science" experiements via helpful advice from the Luthier's Forum folks on talkbass, but my Carey Nordstrand built Short Scale Six String is finally nearing the finish line!!!
Due to the inherent uniqueness of this project I've resisted posting about it here all this time, in order to give Carey the opportunity to design and built this instrument without having to deal with requests for info. and comments from the "multitudes" out in cyber space. Being somewhat experimental and Carey's first/only neck through design he didn't need that!
It turned out to be a LOT more work than Carey was anticipating initially. It entailed some CAD programming, retooling, and other generally unknown territory and the poor guy has probably regretted taking it on more than once but being the consummate craftsman he is, he's ultimately kept the faith!
It's been a long road but as you can see, Carey's incredible woodworking skills are looking to make the long wait both exciting and rewarding in the end. It sounds like we're a couple of months out from delivery.
The specs are: Macassar Ebony top
Ash body
Figured maple accent layer
Camphor Burl Back
Figured maple centerstripe
Neck Through Construction
Macassar Ebony Headstock Veneer
White Neck Binding (considered Cream initially/pics)
Gold Hardware
Custom Pre Amp (from a builder aquaintance of mine) and
Pickups from Seymour Duncan's Custom Shop (Although
we may use Carey's pickups also/instead.
17degree angled headstock and some through body
stringing in an attempt to get as defined a Low B as
we can. Also I've chosen a brass nut and extended low
B stringing. All "voodoo" so we don't need to "go there"
but what the heck, I LIKE Vodoo.
At the time I initially ordered, it was still common for Carey to use other makers' pickups (Adrian's F Bass pups, etc.) and aftermarket pre amps.
Carey was just getting his pick up biz underway at that time. For the record I've played his basses and pickups at his shop and they sound fantastic and I unhesitatingly recommend them,so they might have and might still be selected "down the road".
His pickup production is now in full swing and he uses them exclusively (I believe) and is finishing development of his own preamp- as those who've followed that aspect of his business know so check 'em out!
If worst comes to worst I'll string and tune this bass EADGCF but "we're" doing our best to get the best low B projection we can and that's our preferred tuning all along for this bass.
The (Keltic Knot) inlays were done separately for me, by Larry Robinson whose work I've admired and wanted to own for over 20 yrs. I really appreciate Carey being willing to work with Larry and me, shipping my bass back and forth in order to make my dream come true.
Now that we're hopefully, truly in the "home stretch" I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please DON'T contact/harrass Carey as it has already been established that this short scale six will remain one of a kind. I'd be happy to answer any additional questions I can, here.
So...what do y'all think of my baby?
It's been almost 2 yrs. since I first researched ideas and performed my at home "science" experiements via helpful advice from the Luthier's Forum folks on talkbass, but my Carey Nordstrand built Short Scale Six String is finally nearing the finish line!!!
Due to the inherent uniqueness of this project I've resisted posting about it here all this time, in order to give Carey the opportunity to design and built this instrument without having to deal with requests for info. and comments from the "multitudes" out in cyber space. Being somewhat experimental and Carey's first/only neck through design he didn't need that!
It turned out to be a LOT more work than Carey was anticipating initially. It entailed some CAD programming, retooling, and other generally unknown territory and the poor guy has probably regretted taking it on more than once but being the consummate craftsman he is, he's ultimately kept the faith!
It's been a long road but as you can see, Carey's incredible woodworking skills are looking to make the long wait both exciting and rewarding in the end. It sounds like we're a couple of months out from delivery.
The specs are: Macassar Ebony top
Ash body
Figured maple accent layer
Camphor Burl Back
Figured maple centerstripe
Neck Through Construction
Macassar Ebony Headstock Veneer
White Neck Binding (considered Cream initially/pics)
Gold Hardware
Custom Pre Amp (from a builder aquaintance of mine) and
Pickups from Seymour Duncan's Custom Shop (Although
we may use Carey's pickups also/instead.
17degree angled headstock and some through body
stringing in an attempt to get as defined a Low B as
we can. Also I've chosen a brass nut and extended low
B stringing. All "voodoo" so we don't need to "go there"
but what the heck, I LIKE Vodoo.
At the time I initially ordered, it was still common for Carey to use other makers' pickups (Adrian's F Bass pups, etc.) and aftermarket pre amps.
Carey was just getting his pick up biz underway at that time. For the record I've played his basses and pickups at his shop and they sound fantastic and I unhesitatingly recommend them,so they might have and might still be selected "down the road".
His pickup production is now in full swing and he uses them exclusively (I believe) and is finishing development of his own preamp- as those who've followed that aspect of his business know so check 'em out!
If worst comes to worst I'll string and tune this bass EADGCF but "we're" doing our best to get the best low B projection we can and that's our preferred tuning all along for this bass.
The (Keltic Knot) inlays were done separately for me, by Larry Robinson whose work I've admired and wanted to own for over 20 yrs. I really appreciate Carey being willing to work with Larry and me, shipping my bass back and forth in order to make my dream come true.
Now that we're hopefully, truly in the "home stretch" I'd appreciate hearing your comments. Please DON'T contact/harrass Carey as it has already been established that this short scale six will remain one of a kind. I'd be happy to answer any additional questions I can, here.
So...what do y'all think of my baby?
Well...guess I would've turned 54 anyway..... By the way everyone, I owe Jauqo III-X a debt of gratitude. He was kind enough to send me a very big, fat string when I first started researching/experimenting with the "prototype" Bronco-nstein for this project and advised me concerning things I could try to get as tight a low B as possible. (check out his Subcontrabass CD project(s). Thanks again Jauqo! I hope one day you'll have an opportunity to check out my Nordstrand and see where "we" ended up.
