Custom build.

This is a continuation from this thread:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498405

I am building a custom bass in conjuction with a friend of mine, Bobby Warren, who is an amazing luthier here in the islands. My design and I will be doing as much of the work and I can with Bobby as backup.

35" scale, 4-string
African Mahogany Body
Curly Claro Walnut top
Wenge veneer accent line
Ash/Bubinga neck (Three or maybe five peice laminate)
Ebony Fret board. 24 fret
H/H pickups
Marcus miller sig preamp
Series/Parallel/single switching
DR Nickel Lo-riders ( I think)

Here's what I have so far:
Got this baby from Bruce at notablewoods.com He lives on the next Island over and is a great guy. I would highly recommend him.


Here is my minion and helper, Koen (my son 1 1/2 yrs old)


Here a better shot of the template.


I have all the hardware and electronics and am only missing the Ebony, as far as wood.

Also, all the electronics and hardware I got from TB'ers here. Putting my bass money into the hands of bassists.

I will have some photos of the Body this weekend once it is glued and basic shaped.

Thanks for reading.

Coffeebass

Here are some shots off the top and body cut out to basic shape.





I am waiting for some veneer before I glue it all up.

Advice: for any new builders - Take your time when using the bandsaw! I was trying to back the blade out a little to make a radius and wasn't paying enough attention and cut into my pattern area. Just barely, but enough to scare me. I can move the whole thing back 1/8" and it will be fine. Leave yourself a little more edge than is absolutely necessary for wiggle room.

Cheers,

Coffee

I have only done two bodies so far, but I did them in one go. They were cut to within 1/8" of the pattern, first. Then I used a big router with a 2" pattern bit and just took it slow. If there was an area that was thicker than 1/8" I did it in several passes. The router I was using has a large custom base on it so it was pretty easy to keep flat on the body etc., but I still has a few little dings. Nothing some sanding couldn't fix. Be sure that your template is in perfect order! If there is a tiny ding/dent/bump on your template it WILL be on your body! I had a jazz template made from plywood give out on the final, final part of cutting out the body and it gouged in an 1/8" on the lower bout. Lots of sanding later, no one will know it was there but me. Still frustrating.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I don't know much but I would love to share what I do.

Coffee