Bass Build ideas needed

[Allen_VA]

like i said, i have done research, but no planning, really. Does anybody have some extra tips?

#1: Research! I can't stress this enough - Talkbass's Luthier Forum here is going to be your best friend. I wish I'd known about TB when I built my first bass. There are some true pro's here, and you'll find at least one build that's very similar to what you want somewhere in the older threads. Study them inside and out!

#2: Sit down and put some time into the design. Visualize what you think you want then sketch out body shape ideas, write down what you've seen in other instruments that you really liked, come up with some options, etc.

#3: Have fun! If you've done woodworking before, you know the old mantra "measure twice, cut once". With instruments, I think it's "measure three or four times, cut once carefully"

Good luck!

 

[xmaddogx]

I say go for it. It 's what you what to do. Everyone here will help you all they can. Worst case scenario you have a worthless peice of wood(art) and all the hardware to make your next bass.

 

[543432321234]

I really have to thank all of you for these ideas, and i think i am going to take the plunge!probably single saddles, compound scale, lighter timbers, all great ideas, and i really have to thank you all again. i will probably have a lot of questions, and ill stick to the luthiers forum on here, and this is probably the end for this thread. bye everyone!

 

[Beej]

Might want to contact James Hart on this board, he's got a few ERB's and probably has some opinions on the subject...

 

[jworrellbass]

I really have to thank all of you for these ideas, and i think i am going to take the plunge!probably single saddles, compound scale, lighter timbers, all great ideas, and i really have to thank you all again. i will probably have a lot of questions, and ill stick to the luthiers forum on here, and this is probably the end for this thread. bye everyone!

Are you planing to show us your build process? By documenting and showing your build you will get feedback and lots of help. I highly recommend it.

 

[James Hart]

Might want to contact James Hart on this board, he's got a few ERB's and probably has some opinions on the subject...

thanks for the mention... I'd be glad to contribute feedback, but I neither build nor design basses. Just played them long enough to be opinionated about what I like

I do wish there was an Amp/effect DIY subforum here... THAT is where my free time sits. I'm 'jumping in' to the boutique tube head and preamp game sometime in the next year... I've spent the better part of a year studying and researching the lost voodoo of vacuum tubes as best I can.

 

[543432321234]

Yes, i will be posting build pictures, but not for a couple of months, probably 2 or 3. I just do not have the money right now, but i should be getting some soon, and yes, i will be posting.

So James Hart, do you have any opinions on ergonomics of the bass? also, have you ever played a 7 string? I have, but it was a conklin, and i think the body was somewhat modified; it felt weird, as in the strap button was placed on top of the upper horn. any comments on that?

also, what style of boutique amps are you building? small, compact, or monster rock stadium heads (maybe a touch extreme)?

 

[James Hart]

So James Hart, do you have any opinions on ergonomics of the bass? also, have you ever played a 7 string? I have, but it was a conklin, and i think the body was somewhat modified; it felt weird, as in the strap button was placed on top of the upper horn. any comments on that?

also, what style of boutique amps are you building? small, compact, or monster rock stadium heads (maybe a touch extreme)?

my main bass is a fretted 7 string Bee (check my sig link for pictures, videos, clips). Mine sits very balanced on a strap... it does have an extended upper horn. The strap button is on the back of the horn near the end... it works well there.

I'm soon to start building a dual parallel preamp with a blend knob using both 12AX7 and 6SL7 tube paths. It will first be mated to a 100 watt power section (pair of KT88 with a 6V6 driver) with plans for a stand alone pre, 50 and 200 watt versions. I'm doing it for fun / for myself, but I've had a few inquiries about one from other bassists. Time will tell, it might end up sounding like crap

 

[543432321234]

Yes, i'll check it out, how much did you pay for it also?

hey, if these amps sound good, maybe you could start a business; become the next mesa/boogie!

 

[James Hart]

Yes, i'll check it out, how much did you pay for it also?

hey, if these amps sound good, maybe you could start a business; become the next mesa/boogie!

Price is between me and the builder... but you can see his prices on www.beebasses.com He's very competitive in the ERB market I think.

If it sounds good... and interested parties actually place orders, it will be a part time side business not Boogie sized, but I'd be happy putting out a dozen heads / preamps a year... I like my day job and would like to still have some bass playing time

 

[543432321234]

How much would you be selling these amps for? sounds like you are going for quality over quantity.

 

[James Hart]

How much would you be selling these amps for? sounds like you are going for quality over quantity.

IF I go commercial, I'd be breaking the rules by stating my price... I haven't gotten far enough in my venture to begin to guess at my costs let alone the selling prices.

And yes, this is going to be top quality parts without any cut corners... so I don't imagine them being cheap or in much demand. I'm building myself the best possible amp for my needs / wants / desires... so there is no concern for bottom line or mass production.

 

[Brado]

Glockenklang Bass Art Classic Preamp caliber? You tried one of those? They're fantastic. That would be a good reference point of where to set the bar.