2x2 headstock or Fender Style?

[JohnEdward]

I'm building a Telecaster-style six string and the fretwork does feel a little intimidating. I like what you're doing with the body there, I think the tortoiseshell binding is going to look fantastic! Do you plan to stain the wood, leave it natural, paint it?

Thought about painting the back, leaving the top natural with a clear finish.

 

[micguy]

I'd make the headstock look like a Martin acoustic - simple, easy to do, would look right at home with that body shape.

 

[JohnEdward]

I'd make the headstock look like a Martin acoustic - simple, easy to do, would look right at home with that body shape.

I’ve done most of the rough shaping and glued the fretboard down. The headstock shape is a slight rise in the middle, but seriously considering just going with a Martin look. One thing I now appreciate with building Fender style basses…the lack of symmetry. Symmetry is an absolute pain, especially when only relying on eyes, math, and hand tools.

 

[T_Bone_TL]

Symmetry is an absolute pain

Now, now. Just pet the nice kitty.

 

[Isaac_James]

Thought about painting the back, leaving the top natural with a clear finish.

That'll look nice. I love a natural finish, especially with tort binding.

 

[JohnEdward]

I'd make the headstock look like a Martin acoustic - simple, easy to do, would look right at home with that body shape.

I think this was the right call. A simple look for a simple bass. It’s amazing the colors on a Macassar Ebony board with just two coats of lacquer.

 

[pedrodelawasp]

Looks like I may be chiming in too late, but could it have been an option to cut off the sides of the headstock along lines following on from the fretboard, then glueing blocks on either side to allow a new shape to be cut in to it? Perhaps adding veneers front and back afterwards?

In any case it looks like you’re going to end up with a very handsome bass!

 

[JohnEdward]

Looks like I may be chiming in too late, but could it have been an option to cut off the sides of the headstock along lines following on from the fretboard, then glueing blocks on either side to allow a new shape to be cut in to it? Perhaps adding veneers front and back afterwards?

In any case it looks like you’re going to end up with a very handsome bass!

It was an option, but I figure I’d make a new one and save the Tele cut neck for later.

 

[JC BASS 91]

I don't really care either way as long as the bass stays in tune.

 

[Isaac_James]

It was an option, but I figure I’d make a new one and save the Tele cut neck for later.

This is a good idea, now you have a spare neck, and therefore a.reason to build another instrument because of you don't it'll just go to WASTE and that will just not do

 

[JohnEdward]

So here it is. Not 100% thrilled with it but it’s a cool bass. I tried Mohawk Syy Yellow for the first time ever (the product, not the color) with a primer consisting of shellac…only. Regardless, I think the shellac might have something to do with the checking which was not intentional, but I think it looks pretty cool. Body was hallowed out making it very light. Scale length is 32.5”.

 

[Dark Horse]

So here it is. Not 100% thrilled with it but it’s a cool bass. I tried Mohawk Syy Yellow for the first time ever (the product, not the color) with a primer consisting of shellac…only. Regardless, I think the shellac might have something to do with the checking which was not intentional, but I think it looks pretty cool. Body was hallowed out making it very light. Scale length is 32.5”.
View attachment 7510520

I dig it ! The new neck with 2+2 was the right call.

Would look good with a lap steel bridge cover to complete the classic look

https://ebay.io/m/esEpuQ