$100 Bass Challenge - Double Trouble

[michaelwayneharwood]

My two oldest children have been begging me to build them basses for a while now, so I am using this challenge as an excuse to put these basses on the docket. I will be aiming to build two basses for under $100 total.

The specs are as follows:

• Fretless 4 string
• 30" scale
• String through body design
• Deep set neck
• Under saddle piezo transducer
• No controls or electronics - the piezo will be wired straight to the jack
• Radiata pine body with either a white limba or ambrosia maple top
• Sassafras neck with non-adjustable neck stabilization (steel square tube)
• Oak fingerboard with zero degree (flat) radius

I have a tentative manifest and design done, but both will be tweaked as I refine things.

 

[BazzTard]

nice project, good luck.

Don't put strings on them,they'll blow your budget lol

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

nice project, good luck.

Don't put strings on them,they'll blow your budget lol

Fortunately the challenge rules exempt strings from being counted in the cost of the build.

 

[BazzTard]

hehe just as well, coz I was thinking two sets at $30 won't leave much.

How old are your kids? I hope they realise how awesome their dad is!

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

I have three kids, but the nine month old has not yet expressed desire for his own instrument.

The kids that are receiving the results from these efforts are my eight year old daughter, and my five year old son.

 

[BazzTard]

haha well, the nine month old boy really should be doing tennis and golf lessons, get in quick ! If you plan it right, in oh eighteen years' time you can put your feet up and count the cash!

 

[Ronbeast]

Loving the design! These instruments will be ergonomic, they look cool, and they're different. Exactly what I like in a bass design!

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Loving the design! These instruments will be ergonomic, they look cool, and they're different. Exactly what I like in a bass design!

Thanks!

 

[potomac]

Yes, that seems to be a good plan. I'm looking forward to your bass guitars.

 

[jamro217]

Regardless of how the basses turn out, you sound like a great dad.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Thanks for all of the "cool dad" kudos guys! I just have really cool kids and the rare opportunity where my interests align up nicely with their desires. I does help a bit that I give them free reign on all my instruments. Both kids have been helping me sand my current commission and involving them in the build will be really fun! When the time comes to color the bodies with aniline dye I foresee a week or two of blue and red hands that no amount of soap will dispel.

My poor wife.

 

[mapleglo]

Looking forward to updates. Sub'd.

 

[gmjhowe]

Fretless? Talk about throwing them in at the deep end!

Its like giving your kid a strong black columbian coffee when they ask to try some for the first time.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I am betting they will be playing cello or similar as well? Getting them started on fretless is a fantastic idea.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Fretless? Talk about throwing them in at the deep end!

Its like giving your kid a strong black columbian coffee when they ask to try some for the first time.

I assume if they start there it won't be a huge hurdle. Kids learn so quick at this age.

 

[gmjhowe]

I assume if they start there it won't be a huge hurdle. Kids learn so quick at this age.

FYI I learnt to play on fretless, and I have always had my coffee black.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

I am betting they will be playing cello or similar as well? Getting them started on fretless is a fantastic idea.

That will depend on their interests. I would love for that to be the case, but won't force it.

 

[ctmullins]

Nice project!

I have three kids, but the nine month old has not yet expressed desire for his own instrument.

Your avatar notwithstanding, eh?

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Nice project!
Your avatar notwithstanding, eh?

Thanks! The little one is interested in EVERTHING! Our poor dog....

 

[Luke19Boarder]

Awesome idea - looking forward to seeing the progress.