Recent content by howardcano

I wish I could! Unfortunately I'm mostly homebound now. But I wish you good luck and a large crowd!

That's a great way to get drones to play against-- just eliminate the note-off message!

That looks like a good deal if you've got some mechanical fab chops!

You should keep one or two; lay them on your lap while seated and play them by tapping from the top with your best hand. I found it easier to play my Stick that way.

Copper isn't magnetic. It won't work with a magnetic pickup no matter how much copper is used.

Does that bridge have piezo sensors in each saddle? If so, where did you get it?

You'll need to be careful; the strength of the claw (or its screws) might be insufficient. The tension from the trem springs is MUCH less than the tension on the strings, due to the very large lever arm of the original design. The ratio is about 3.7:1, depending on the height of the original...

Here's a simple idea to use up any excess length up to about 2 inches on the low E bajo sexto string: 1) Feed the A, D, and G strings through the holes at the back of the bridge, but leave them loose. 2) Feed the E string BACKWARDS through the bridge hole for the A, D, or G string, depending...

It's really simple to do, too. And it makes the bass compatible with several lengths of strings: use the holes if necessary, don't use them if unnecessary. Mike's examples will look good whether the holes have strings going through them or they are left empty.

Didn't you also do the "wrap it around to the back" to use up excess string length on one of your conversions? I recall seeing that somewhere... similar to the Birdsong.

You can also use hex nuts or washers as spacers. Both are available in stainless steel (for a nice look!) at most hardware/home improvement stores.

How much extra length do you need to use up?

You might try some thin veneer over the top of the headstock. Even a thin piece of clear plastic, painted on the back side, will work.

Here's a pic of the Dean Vendetta XM conversion with Bajo Sexto strings; it's my go-to bass now, since it is so light. link: The Official Short Scale Bass Club -- Part 4

They have many advantages over normal bass strings for doing conversions of 6-string electric guitars. One of the best features is they fit the tuning machines! But the best thing is the sound: they sound exactly like they should when thumped, slapped, popped, picked, or plucked.