$100 Bass Challenge - Marceline's Axe Bass

[StereoPlayer]

And I will make the truss rod cover in secret, and just show it when it's done

Don't want to go through that whole TRC thing again? Ha!

 

[mapleglo]

To gouge or not to gouge, that is the question

I'm hoping this doesn't turn into another truss rod cover "discussion"...

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I don't think I'd gouge. it's a graphic image of a gouge in cartoonland, I think it's fine to leave it sort of abstract.

 

[PDX Rich]

I don't think I'd gouge. it's a graphic image of a gouge in cartoonland, I think it's fine to leave it sort of abstract.

This is what I think as well. I also think this project is looking fantastic!!

 

[wintremute]

If you need someone to carry around a portable amp, just let me know.

 

[mapleglo]

If you need someone to carry around a portable amp, just let me know.

Thanks, but I've got that covered. My husband is going as Simon Petrikov (The Ice King before he turned into the Ice King), and part of his costume is a back pack. That's our plan for the amp location.

I sprayed a couple of coats of clear this afternoon.

I may spray a couple of coats tomorrow as well.

I put some thought into the gouges. For now, I think I'll leave it as is. I can always add them later if I want, clear coat withstanding.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Maple
Are using rattlecans? What brand for clear?

 

[mapleglo]

Maple
Are using rattlecans? What brand for clear?

Yes, Rust-oleum Crystal Clear Enamel for a protective glossy finish. The reds and black were also Rust-oleum enamel, so I assume they are compatible. The fact that it stops rust is paramount on a battle axe.

 

[wintremute]

Thanks, but I've got that covered. My husband is going as Simon Petrikov (The Ice King before he turned into the Ice King), and part of his costume is a back pack. That's our plan for the amp location.

Brilliant! My wife and I should go as Why-Wolves and tell you the proper method for playing an axe bass.

 

[MrArose13]

I find this build to be so cool Mapleglo. As far as the gouges go, I don't think you could go wrong either way. (watch out my $.02) At this point, to actually gouge in the gouge marks would set you back to far, go with your instincts and move on.

BTW I'm happy to see the spike worked out for you, although I didn't see anything on what you had to do to mount it and my curiosity is driving me nuts.

one more time... This is so cool!

 

[BassHappy]

Yes, Rust-oleum Crystal Clear Enamel for a protective glossy finish. The reds and black were also Rust-oleum enamel, so I assume they are compatible. The fact that it stops rust is paramount on a battle axe.

Well Mapleglo.....

Your builds always tend to amaze and delight, and this challenging budget project doesn't disappoint! Nice job all around! Can't wait to see you in the entire get-up and maybe hear some sound clips when things slow down.

Amazing that you could whip this up for under 100 bucks, simply awe-inspiring!

Nice work.....

 

[mapleglo]

I find this build to be so cool Mapleglo. As far as the gouges go, I don't think you could go wrong either way. (watch out my $.02) At this point, to actually gouge in the gouge marks would set you back to far, go with your instincts and move on.

BTW I'm happy to see the spike worked out for you, although I didn't see anything on what you had to do to mount it and my curiosity is driving me nuts.

one more time... This is so cool!

Thanks! The hanger is attached to a 1/4" stud that I screwed into the bottom of the bass. The spike screws on to the stud.

Well Mapleglo.....

Your builds always tend to amaze and delight, and this challenging budget project doesn't disappoint! Nice job all around! Can't wait to see you in the entire get-up and maybe hear some sound clips when things slow down.

Amazing that you could whip this up for under 100 bucks, simply awe-inspiring!

Nice work.....

Thanks. As soon as I get it wired up and put together, I'll definitely post some sound clips. Of course, pictures from the Comicon are a given. I just hope those tuners will work...

 

[MrArose13]

Thank you, I feel much better now.

 

[mapleglo]

Sprayed another couple of coats of clear on the body, and started on the truss rod cover. I found a piece of black plexi left over from the Ric pickguard I made. I should have pictures tomorrow as I start wet sanding the fingerboard.

 

[Rôckhewer]

I just finished reading this entire thread. Very cool, & entertaining. You're doing a great job!
My kids used to watch that cartoon all the time... I've seen it a few times. I kinda liked how just plain bizarre it was. I showed my daughter one of your latest pictures & without any hints she immediately knew it was Marceline's bass from the show. So... There ya go... Nice job!

 

[mapleglo]

I just finished reading this entire thread. Very cool, & entertaining. You're doing a great job!
My kids used to watch that cartoon all the time... I've seen it a few times. I kinda liked how just plain bizarre it was. I showed my daughter one of your latest pictures & without any hints she immediately knew it was Marceline's bass from the show. So... There ya go... Nice job!

Thanks! The show is rather bizarre, but I think that's the attraction.

I became impatient and wanted to see how the truss rod cover would look, so even though I should have let the paint cure a little more before handling it, I went ahead anyway.

I think that will work.

 

[Jon Clegg]

Looks great!

 

[mapleglo]

I wet sanded the fingerboard to 2000 grit. Note to self: do not think that spray glue is like the temporary adhesive on the back of the StewMac sandpaper for the radius block. It's not, and a pain to scrap off.

Sorry about the mess. We're in the middle of a million projects.

Anyway, I'm not even sure if I want to buff that out further, though the wool buffing pad and Meguiars Fine-cut cleaner came in. I'm also not sure if I want to sand and buff the body. Right now, there are alternating areas of gloss and poor under finishing matt. I really did not prep this body very well. The back of the neck was kinda sticky, so I just ran a scotchbrite pad up and down a few times, so it's smooth. This is a battle axe, so I just may leave it as is, and start assembly.

Also, I found that by reading the paint cans more carefully, I've been doing it wrong. Recoat the colors after 48 hours, not 24, and the clear can be recoated at any time.

In any event, I'll think on this a little more. We finished the garage door frame this morning, then I worked on cleaning up my radius sanding block, and then wet sanded, so I'm ready for a little rest.

 

[Basshappi]

Ah, changing out the pads in the Master Cool, 'tis the season!
The bass is looking great Mapleglo, well done!

 

[mapleglo]

Installed the bridge, nut, and tuners. I seem to be missing one of the tuner screws, or I would have strung it up.

I hope it turns up. It's a teeny, tiny screw...