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Making an Ashbory That Isn't an Ashbory

H

honestjohnny

Nov 24, 2006
1,341
132
#1
I recently sold my DeArmond Ashbory bass. I loved the sound and the look, but couldn't keep it in tune or play with consistent intonation.

I was wondering how I would go about making a longer scale bass (25-30" vs. 18") sound like an Ashbory. I've thought about getting a Fernandes Nomad Bass, defretting it, and stringing it with tapewounds, but I don't want to sink a lot of money into it if it won't yield good results. If I did this I would tune the bass ADGC to accommodate the extremely short scale. I would use one of the many external preamps I own rather than putting one in the bass.

What do you luthiers think? Could this work? Will anything give me that Ashbory sound with better intonation?
 
#2
If you build your own ashbory you could probably stretch the scale length to 22 inches. I'm not sure the strings would cope with much more than that.

I'm not sure how one would get the ashbory sound without ashbory strings.

If you're interested in building your own ashbory have a look on the largesound forums (google). Also heres my ashbory build, you might find interesting:
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#3
I'm already a member of that forum. I think the problems I had with the Ashbory were due to the strings, in that they stretched and wouldn't stay in tune (after a year) and the scale was just too short for me to play well, without frets.
 
#4
Well, I just answered my own question. Played an Alvarez MSB1 with nylon tapewounds and it was close enough! So I'm fairly sure that by defretting a Fernandes Nomad Bass, I'll get even closer. I'll just change the hardware to black and I think I'll be happy.
 
#5
Bumping this just to amuse myself, although comments by experienced luthiers and repair persons are always welcome.

Rather than use the Fernandes Nomad as a platform, I've decided to use the Samick Greg Bennett MCR-1. Same 25.5" scale, but the body is more of a P style so it will balance better on a strap. Also has an angled head, so no need for string retainer. Base cost is cheaper, by ~$200.

Still going to defret, string with Fender 9120s, replace strap buttons with Grippers, and change to black hardware. I'm going to use the Graph-Tech Ghost pickup-loaded, Hipshot A-style bridge in black, wired passively straight to jack, initially. Also, going to fill original pickup and electronics routes and refinish in metallic blue, to honor my old Ashbory.

On paper this looks to be a total cost of $700 + or -. Not bad if it works. Not a terrible waste if it doesn't :D

If I decide I need the Acoustiphonic preamp, I'll also add an LED light and preamp on/off switch.
 
#7
But then I might as well get this:

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Except it doesn't strap on like a guitar.

I think I may have to get the Acoustiphonic Preamp. I think it replaces the resonance of the hollow body that I hear with an ABG and the rubber strings on the Ashbory.
 

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