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5 string Ricken-Musicman Bass.

That body looks great! Fairing all those curves is a difficult trial and error job, looks like you nailed it. The headstock reminds me a bit of an Ibanez Aria Pro. Triple binding on a curve would have been difficult, but all those straight lines shouldn't be too bad. I like @Beej suggestion on the control plate, having one custom-chromed would be expensive. @Aceonbass has done some custom Ric bridges he's had chromed, but I think they do a bunch of parts in batches, so you might be waiting a while. You can get engine-turned chrome sheet stock on the interwebz if you like the look, or just plain stainless sheet stock. That can be polished up to satin pretty easily, but its never going to be chrome shiny.
 
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That's the stuff - you'll also see it listed as "german silver". I'd suggest 12-14 gauge, but I think 16 is still thick enough to work on it's own. Parawire don't seem to stock it in sizes that you might need for your control plate, but larger bits are out there. The last time I bought it, it was an 11x18" sheet from a jewelry supplier. :thumbsup:
 
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Whatever happens with this bass, one thing is a must: send the fretboard off somewhere to have an Alan Rickman face (pick whichever character is your favorite) laser etched as the 12th fret marker.

I was thinking on the veneer of the headstock... in lieu of a logo...

upload_2022-8-19_15-48-48.png
 
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If you, or anyone, opt for the CB Gitty fret template, be aware that it's very fragile. Yes, I found out the hard way.:eek: That said, for the money, it's worth it. I have a few of them.

I just got it last night. I noted that it is very thin and nicely rolled in a little tube. Your assessment is accurate. I think I will use it to make a more sturdy measuring tool.
 
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That's the stuff - you'll also see it listed as "german silver". I'd suggest 12-14 gauge, but I think 16 is still thick enough to work on it's own. Parawire don't seem to stock it in sizes that you might need for your control plate, but larger bits are out there. The last time I bought it, it was an 11x18" sheet from a jewelry supplier. :thumbsup:

Just spoke to a local chrome shop. They do small batch custom parts. I have to make the control plate (or have it made by a local shop - and they have recommendations). And they will do the chrome plating for about $100. Which is just a bit more than the cost of a 6x12 German Silver plate in 12-14ga (which is unobtanium at the moment...)

Steel plate scraps are cheap....

Decorative Finishing | Industrial Plating Omaha | Omaha Chrome Plating and Metal Finishing
 
Tuner question. For the bridge, I'm ok with an El cheapo static bridge. It either works or it doesn't.

Tuners matter, and crappy tuners suck. Does anyone have experience with the Guyker brand? I know they're a cheaper brand, but are they crap? The reviews on Amazon are mostly rants about how they don't fit whatever random bass the guy bought them for (usually fender or clones)...

The alternative is probably just a set of Schallers. At more than 2x the price... edit.. 3x...
 
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