Alembic Balance K "inspired" (semi-replica) build

[Jisch]

I like the second one better

 

[RBrownBass]

Definitely the second top plates if it were my build.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Thanks....I think so too.
the original plates have been relegated to the back, where the neck thru will show.
They were about 1/8" too narrow for the front bookmatch to center anyway.

sorry about the crooked alignment & misshapen heart omega
this isn't my pattern, just something to look at wood through.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Tough choice, both beautiful caps but I think the first one better, can't say why.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Tough choice, both beautiful caps but I think the first one better, can't say why.

I hear ya....
It's a tough choice for me too, but really it came down to the fact that I didn't want this bass to be too dark.
second one much more brighter & colorful

 

[Rôckhewer]

plus i think it accents the "feminine posterior" shape of the bass a little better?

 

[goodkingzog]

Are you going to lose too much of the figure in the 2nd one with bridge pup + bridge and tail-piece placement? If not then I'd say the 2nd one too

 

[wraub]

As is, the second one has much sexy. FTW.

Hardware choice/placement may change this opinion.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

You may have to add an extra knob to regulate The Sexy. I'm all for a walnut posterior, but that kind of Sexy could hurt somebody without a dedicated control.

 

[ctmullins]

plus i think it accents the "feminine posterior" shape of the bass a little better?

You read my dirty little mind.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Made some more progress over the holiday.
My wife & kids went to my step daughter's grandparents for thanksgiving... her ex's parents... (he is deceased btw...)...I didn't feel like that would've been my favorite way to spend 2 days off work. She was totally cool with me not going though...she's good like that!

But I digress...or digest? (She did bring me back a plate full)

I cut down the wenge for the fretboard & broke out my trusty home made fret slotting miter box.

I love this thing, ...it works really well, and I didn't spend $250 on it!

Then I cut the angle for my headstock... 11° was all I could fit into my neck blank & get the length I needed (I dont like scarf joints).

Then I routed for the truss rod....

All pretty basic stuff...

 

[Gilmourisgod]

None of it's basic to me! Post ALL of it, I have spoken! I am a complete geek, so this stuff is fascinating to me. Got a little shop time too, thank god for holidays and good women who understand the need for sawdust.

 

[Rôckhewer]

I built a fretboard radiusing router fixture /jig ...thing...
The design I used was borrowed from @michaelwayneharwood ....

I used teak for the side rails & radius plates,...because it is stable, AND the oiliness of teak helps it slide on itself....less friction.

Perfect 12" Radius.

 

[Rôckhewer]

thank god for holidays and good women who understand the need for sawdust

HERE HERE!!

 

[Rôckhewer]

Kinda proud of the detail I put on the end of the fretboard:

I used just the tip of a small ogee bit to put a slight cove on the shape. It's kinda hard to see here ...but it made a big difference...

 

[Rôckhewer]

I also got the top I'm using glued together,...

And, in the mean time, glued some flaming wings on the headstock,

and even filled the little channel from when I over-cut the truss rod slot...nobody is really gonna see it....but.....
Details!!

 

[Rôckhewer]

Time to slap on some veneers I made, to the front of the headstock.
First I cut them down to size by temporarily sandwiching them between two pieces of MDF.
I even cut the edge that butts up to the fretboard. .. ,...to the proper 11° angle...
Details!!

It's not going to be anywhere near this thick, I need to cut the backside down to where the flame maple center will only be about 3/8" thick. There will be three more veneers on the back ...plus a walnut veneer front and back.

 

[Rôckhewer]

I set up a somewhat crude, makeshift router sled to cut the neck inset to accept the top plate
But hey...it worked just fine.

 

[Why Nautilus‽]

That body grain...it's impossibly stunning.

 

[Rôckhewer]

That body grain...it's impossibly stunning.

Yep, It's pretty crazy. Almost too much so.
I have mixed feelings about using that top vs my first choice. If this was a 4 string I would have used the other. I have changed my mind about using it on the back. I'll save it for another build.