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Another 8-string hybrid fretless/fretted

#41
I finally got a little more work done on monster II. I rough cut the body shape, glued the bookmatched birdseye maple top and had it drum sanded (I really need a drum sander), fit it to the body and rounded the top edges. I also convinced my client to tune this one like two 4 string bass. We'll tune his 1st bass like an 8-string. Here's some pics:

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I wetted it down a little so you can see the figure:

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#44
I got a little more work on the monster today. I installed veneer fret markers for the fretless side. I made a body-matching headstock veneer. I coated the fretless fingerboard half with superglue.
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#47
absolutly beautiful and alot of brilliant ideas; the only thing that bothers me is having the frets on the treble side; figured all the sliding around would be more comfortable off the edge; but at the same time; any more than 4 strings leaves me in the dust!
keep it up; im watching this!!!
 
#48
dremy2006 said:
awesome stuff
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Marco A. Mayer said:
Beatiful work, as always.
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Grant Bass said:
absolutly beautiful and alot of brilliant ideas; the only thing that bothers me is having the frets on the treble side; figured all the sliding around would be more comfortable off the edge; but at the same time; any more than 4 strings leaves me in the dust!
keep it up; im watching this!!!
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Thank you very much guys!

I just installed the 1/2 frets. The tops of the frets match the fretless side exactly!

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#49
Wow, this is so cool.. I'm just starting out, and so far have ventured into the world of Fender Re-issues and am just getting used to the 59 Precision necks, i can't even imagine how someone can play this thing.

i saw both you videos, and my socks are knocked off. Really curious to see how this sounds when its all finished with his personal tuning choice.
 
#52
I have a question...

And keep in mind I've never played anything like this instrument, so the answer may be obvious, but why fretless on top? Seems to me that a lot of the appeal of a fretless is being able to slide between notes, and it seems like it would be easier to slide if the fretless was on the bottom, not having to reach across the frets.

Of course, it may not make any difference, but just trying to wrap my head around it, that's how it seems.
 
#53
Cosmo420 said:
I have a question...

And keep in mind I've never played anything like this instrument, so the answer may be obvious, but why fretless on top? Seems to me that a lot of the appeal of a fretless is being able to slide between notes, and it seems like it would be easier to slide if the fretless was on the bottom, not having to reach across the frets.

Of course, it may not make any difference, but just trying to wrap my head around it, that's how it seems.
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I'd imagine it would make slap more difficult, if the fretted part was above.
 
#54
Stealth said:
Looks awesome. I knew the fingerboard would be something special, but this looks matched to a fraction of an inch. Great work.
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recreate.me said:
. . . i saw both you videos, and my socks are knocked off. Really curious to see how this sounds when its all finished with his personal tuning choice.
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Rickett Customs said:
Nice.
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Thank you!

Cosmo420 said:
I have a question...

And keep in mind I've never played anything like this instrument, so the answer may be obvious, but why fretless on top? Seems to me that a lot of the appeal of a fretless is being able to slide between notes, and it seems like it would be easier to slide if the fretless was on the bottom, not having to reach across the frets.

Of course, it may not make any difference, but just trying to wrap my head around it, that's how it seems.
Click to expand...


Classic Bass Works hybrid fretless/fretted bass

Here's a vid of me demoing the monster1 that may clear up your question. This is the way the client wanted it and I kinda like it too. Someday I may build one with the fbs reversed and I'll probably like that one too.
 
#55
Cosmo420 said:
I have a question...

And keep in mind I've never played anything like this instrument, so the answer may be obvious, but why fretless on top? Seems to me that a lot of the appeal of a fretless is being able to slide between notes, and it seems like it would be easier to slide if the fretless was on the bottom, not having to reach across the frets.

Of course, it may not make any difference, but just trying to wrap my head around it, that's how it seems.
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Imo (and having played fretless for 30+ years) sliding between notes is about the lamest thing you can do on fretless. The real reasons to play fretless are no fret noise, being able to play faster (no speed bumps), better action, and vibrato.
 
#56
recreate.me said:
Wow, this is so cool . . .
. . . i saw both you videos, and my socks are knocked off. Really curious to see how this sounds when its all finished with his personal tuning choice.
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Thanks recreate.me! Actually, we decided to tune this one like two 4-string basses. The 1st one will be retuned to 8-string 4ths.

Stealth said:
Looks awesome. I knew the fingerboard would be something special, but this looks matched to a fraction of an inch. Great work.
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Thanks Stealth. It is kinda cool, if I do say so myself.:cool:

Rickett Customs said:
Nice.
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Thanks Jason, of course, that means a lot coming from you!

These bridges are really complicated to install. Kids, don't try this at home. But, they look pretty cool, huh?:cool:
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#60
Rickett Customs said:
I do like them bridges too...as far as I'm concerned, you're really starting to corner the "dual bass" instruments.....I see a future in this "niche"....
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I'm kinda don't think there'll be much of a market for these beyond my eccentric client, but you never know.

headlikeahole said:
I think mr rickett is right If I could afford to buy other peoples instruments I would have myself one of these.
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Come on, I'm not terribly expensive. I'll put you on a payment plan. :D


David Pinton said:
That is on outstanding bass I love it. You are indeed doing good with it§
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Thanks David!
 

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