Recent content by Ben Umlaut

I think I've reached the point where it just needs a final wipe down then I will tearfuly watch my baby walk out the door. Anyway, pictures.

I try to start with stock thick enough to give me an extra ~3/16" slice when I resaw the top to book match. This gives me a sheet of matching grain I can use for covers. That's how I did the two on this back (they still aren't fully recessed in this picture). I know it doesn't help much...

Thanks. It's getting there. The back has two coats of an antique cherry dye, carefully selected because it was already on my workbench. The inside of the flames have a little bit of black along their borders and red in the field. A shot after two coats of Tru-oil.

I put a sealer coat of shellac on (the bass, not me) before work today. Tonight I'll start swatting flaws and hopefully start topcoats tomorrow.

I've used Homestead Finishing TransTint dyes for years on furniture and now instruments. They seem expensive, but a little truly goes a long way. I use water to dilute them, alcohol flashes off faster than I like. I usually use a sealer coat of shellac then multiple light coats of TruOil. I know...

I just use plain tap water out of a jug I keep for my sharpening station. I haven't had any problems with mineral streaking or rust spots with water from this house. I do have a case of "sterile" water from a pharmacy that I used to work at that I use for light woods and lighter dyes. I don't...

Started on my ultra secret burst technique. OK, actually I just use TransTint dye and cotton balls. I start with a nice and sloppy coat of black. I sand it back with 220. I'm really pleased with how the grain turned out for the price. I was going for more of a dried blood look for the...

Started finishing the back... Still a long way to go, just an ugly shellac seal coat over the dye right now.

Thanks. I haven't built many instruments, but have done a gray beard's worth of woodworking. My favorite projects are the ones that let me make design changes as I go. I've found that no matter how much I plan, I always find ideas I like better after the wood starts flying. I managed to get...

Meh, subtle didn't seem to fit what we were going for. Trying to see if I can draw flames. Close enough. Still need to clean up between the flames, but I'm happy with it. And what is more metal than fire? More Fire!!! Should take about another hour to finish them off.

While I've come to instrument building recently, I've been carving and doing inlays for years. My best advice would be to practice on what you want to work with. I know it seems expensive, but use up those small scraps and it will save you money in the long run. You don't need to do full block...

My friend that I'm building for wanted me to incorporate something to do with "Ace of Spades." With no neck pickup, there is a nice wide open space right in the center for some carving. I sketched and erased until I was happy with the shape and then went over the line with an xacto knife...

Clamps. Yup.

This looks like a fun project. I'm looking forward to your updates.

I've designed and built everything from entertainment centers to a six foot long toothbrush, and this has definitely been the most fun. My buddy that I'm building this for is a fairly accomplished bass player, the whole idea of this build was for him to get the instrument that he wanted without...