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5 string single-cut build

kaoskater08

kaoskater08

Apr 1, 2011
171
180
#1
I've been browsing this wonderful site for a while and finally getting around to posting the progress of my second bass build. I'm currently putting the finish on and will post the complete instrument. This has taken me a while to complete...I can't wait until it is finally done.

Specs:
-5 Piece Maple w/ bubinga stringers (middle stripe of maple is flamed)
-Birdseye Maple FB
-Ash Body
-Alder "Tone" block
-Walnut Top
-EMG J5 pickups
-Michael Pope Preamp w/ mid freq switch and mute switch
-Hipshot A style brass bridge
-Gotoh gold tuners


I started with making a template from my Yamaha BB605 and modifying it for a single-cut shape and gluing up the neck/fingerboard/tone block

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#5
Now all of the shaping to the instrument. This part took the longest for me to complete but in the end very worth it.

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This Iwasaki curved file is probably one of my favorite tools now. It was so easy filing the contour of the neck heel after I chiseled out most of the wood.

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Progress photos of the neck heel :hyper:
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#6
Everything else to make this bass complete! Mike Pope Preamp, knobs, strap locks, brass bridge, EMG J5's, and pickup routing templates from Best Bass Gear.

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Drilled the holes for the preamp and routed the cavities

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#8
Now to dry fit everything before putting the finish on!! I'm not a big fan of how one of the knobs is really close to the pickup but I'll make it work. It took some work to fit that preamp in the cavity but it is in there!

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#10
A few days ago I inlaid my traditional "E3" into the headstock (My name is Eddie and I am the 3rd in the family....so why not make it mine? ;) ). Right now I am waiting for the finish to cure. The bass has a satin finish sanded all the way up to 2000 grit...it is super smooth!!

I forgot to mention in an earlier post that I put the finish on the fingerboard before putting the frets in...that's why it is taped up in the pictures below.

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#11
Mjinsk said:
Congratulations! It looks really good.
Click to expand...

Thanks!! I can't wait until it is completed...I had to put this bass on hold toward the end of the summer last year to move and start grad school. It just sat there staring at me so I decided to get everything done on it while we are out for Christmas break. There were a few very late nights of just sitting in the garage carving this thing but looking back it was worth the effort.
 

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