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New to bass building, where do I start?

C

ChrisisMUSE

Feb 28, 2010
24
0
#1
My name is Erik and i'm 14 years old and i've decided to build a bass for my freshman graduation project. I have all the tools necessary to make one, i'm just not sure where to start. I want to build a 4 string, and i'm looking for any advice on what wood to use, where to start with shaping, and how to place the bridge higher up the body of the bass so it's not at the bottom (I plan on putting a Kaoss Pad under the bridge). So if anyone has any tips for me that would be awesome, i'm completely new to this.

Thanks,

Erik
 
#4
Thanks for the reply, i've read all the stickys on here so i'm confident that I know what to do once I get started, i'm just looking for advice on where to start like should I buy parts first? and should I start with the neck or the body? things like that. But thanks again for the reply.
 
#5
ChrisisMUSE said:
Thanks for the reply, i've read all the stickys on here so i'm confident that I know what to do once I get started, i'm just looking for advice on where to start like should I buy parts first? and should I start with the neck or the body? things like that. But thanks again for the reply.
Click to expand...

Start with determining what TONE you want from it. Then research tone wood characteristics.
 
#8
chokeslam512 said:
Start with determining what TONE you want from it. Then research tone wood characteristics.
Click to expand...
Says the guy who hasn't done the research... ;)

ChrisisMUSE, I'll save you the trouble of searching. What you're going to find is that electric solid body instruments derive their tone from construction method, electronics, pickups and placement and strings. The tone imparted by the type of wood is negligible at best.

Tone Warz 5 has begun...
 
#9
In regards to your questions, pick up some books on the subject. A fave of mine is Melvyn Hiscock's "Make Your Own Electric Guitar".

Start with making a full-scale drawing of your instrument. Once you're happy with the shape and design, make a full size mockup out of cardboard or something, that way you'll be able to tell if the ergonomics suit your body and playing style. Since you're planning on doing the kaoss pad thing, you may want to consider a shorter scale length, as having another six to eight inches added behind the bridge on a full scale bass will put your headstock way off to the side of you making it harder to fret the lower notes.

Play lots of basses and take note of what you like and don't like, as this will help your design process. Once you have your design and materials choices, decide on and buy your bridge. The type of bridge and location will determine many of the other measurements.

There is much more to it, but its not rocket science either. Start posting your build into this thread and seek advice...
 
#11
from what i know about woods it goes like this.

harder woods will make the bass sound brighter, the harder the wood the brighter the tone.

softer woods will make the bass sound warmer, the softer the wood the warmer the tone.

now the pickup u install in the bass will have a great deal too what the bass will sound like too, so will bridge and tuners, and strings.

most people like P style pickups, or J style, or humbuckers. make sure u do alot of research on pickups for you bass.
 
#14
Erik,

I'm in the same boat as you - ten years older, but soon to be tackling my first build. Here's my advice: READ READ READ. This forum is FULL of useful info, so search, read, bookmark and take notes!

I've also been scouring: projectguitar.com and luthiersforums.com. Both of which are a plethora of info!

Not sure if you're in the position to, but I'm planning on practicing some some cheap wood (like pine) for basic things that I have concerns about, in particular neck shaping, and the point where a neck-thru neck meets the body.
 
#15
Books....Read Melvyn Hiscock, Martin Koch, and Ron Kirn. These will get you into the frame of mind to undertake the project.

Everything Beej and others have said, great idea to do full scale drawings and mock-ups.

See every wood you possibly can, and find what really grabs your interest. Neck woods being more important to structure, body woods for look.

Start pricing parts so you have a price range that you will be in. See Stewart MacDonald, Luthiers Mercantile, Best Bass Gear, Bass parts depot, and of course EBAY. You will find parts to fit your budget, and style you are aiming towards.

Finally keep your ambition level high, walk away once in a while so you can come back with fresh eyes, and desire. Sometimes it's best to let drive subside for an hour or two, so you avoid costly mistakes bled out of overambition.

Post pics here for all the drooling pic hounds that say"no pics, no build"..LMAO

most of all good luck
 
#16
I've just read for about 2 years all there was to find on bass building. That is the best preparation.
The tone discussion is nonsense, just choose wood thats defect free. And just gather all the hardware parts that you need before you start, so you know the exact dimensions.
 
#19
pilotjones said:
Oh boy. Here comes TW 5.
Click to expand...

There were skirmishes of TWIV. Did I miss the full version?



Beej said:
Says the guy who hasn't done the research... ;)

ChrisisMUSE, I'll save you the trouble of searching. What you're going to find is that electric solid body instruments derive their tone from construction method, electronics, pickups and placement and strings. The tone imparted by the type of wood is negligible at best.

Tone Warz 5 has begun...
Click to expand...

TWV?

staysictonkpils said:
from what i know about woods it goes like this.

harder woods will make the bass sound brighter, the harder the wood the brighter the tone.

softer woods will make the bass sound warmer, the softer the wood the warmer the tone.
Click to expand...

No.



M0ses said:
JUST STOP! STOP NOW! NO MORE TONE DISCUSSION! STOP RUINING HIS THREAD!!
If he wants to hear it, he can read it elsewhere.
Anyway. :D
Click to expand...

Yes.

pushifier said:
The tone discussion is nonsense, just choose wood thats defect free. And just gather all the hardware parts that you need before you start, so you know the exact dimensions.
Click to expand...

Bravo!
 
#20
mikeyswood said:
There were skirmishes of TWIV. Did I miss the full version?





TWV?



No.





Yes.



Bravo!
Click to expand...


Whutchoo talkin' bout Willis? ;)

No Mikey's right.......

OP, do some reading first, search the internets for additional info and get 2 books:

Melvyn Hiscock

Invalid Link Removed

and check out Martin's site, while your at it:

http://buildyourguitar.com/

Once you've done some reading/Research, then decide what you want to do at that point.
 
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