I don't think anyone in the thread suggested that you make a bass that sounds like crap.
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3rd build- Lightest possible/back problems
- Thread starter Rip Topaz
- Start date
I don't think anyone in the thread suggested that you make a bass that sounds like crap.
FBB Custom said:
I know, no offense was meant. I guess that's just me being the old dude. You know, a bass has gotta be heavy to be a bass, that kinda thinkin'. I wasn't meaning to offend anyone.
I have made 2 'birds so far, the fretless ended up around 9 lbs I think. The second one was Myrtle on mahogany (fretted) and it weighs between 8-9.
I'm working on another now, see my other thread. It's black Limba with cocobolo top. Odd enough, it's not seeming as heavy as you'd think. Of course it's still in pieces but I think it'll be around 8-9 when done.
The funny thing to me is that this thread is still running. It was started before my third build, and I'm presently on my 8th!!
Use paulownia for body wood and relocate the strap button, like this:
http://www.lysator.liu.se/~wizkid/music/thunderbird_mod/
http://www.lysator.liu.se/~wizkid/music/thunderbird_mod/
The neck dive of Thunderbirds doesn't bother me. I use a wide suede strap and that keeps it pretty much in place.
The bass that this thread is for ended up balancing perfect on a strap. There was zero neck dive. I made the headstock 2+2 and that was enough to balance things out.
My second 'bird was not as balanced. Let go of the neck and it plummets.
I'm not a fan of paulownia. It just feels cheap to me.
The bass that this thread is for ended up balancing perfect on a strap. There was zero neck dive. I made the headstock 2+2 and that was enough to balance things out.
My second 'bird was not as balanced. Let go of the neck and it plummets.
I'm not a fan of paulownia. It just feels cheap to me.
pilotjones said:
The one thing I've noticed with my Thunderbird builds is that lightening the body isn't always for the best. The majority of the weight is in the neck, specifically the headstock. I haven't gone so far as to use ultralight tuners yet, but making the headstock 2+2 definitely helps.
The 'bird build I'm working on now (see other thread) has a very lightweight neck, lighter than the other two.
My first bird used a mahogany/walnut/mahogany neck
The second used a Carvin NT-4 blank. SOLID maple, and very heavy.
The present build is a 3-piece curly maple. Lightest of the bunch.
On all three builds as I was wrapping up, I found myself trying to add weight in the body to try to balance things. I think I've finally got a good combination of wood, parts and build design. Follow the other thread if you're interested.
Taking the night off to catch my favorite band, Disciple. If you haven't heard them before, give em a listen. Christian metal, good grooves and amazing vocals. Drums that'll make you wanna quit playing. I'm hiding in the corner of the front row so no one bumps into me.
BarryS said:
You should've heard it tonight. The whole show was amazing. The Ballad of St. Augustine was BRUTAL. Awesome set, tightest I've seen them, and this was my fourth time. They even played an acoustic version of After the World.
Anyone who hasn't heard Disciple should definitely check them out.
On a side note, tomorrow will be a day off. My back is KILLING me after standing in one place for three hours.
