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Blondes have more fun - a weekend build.
- Thread starter ChickWithaRic
- Start date
I wish I did have a way around it, but it seems impossible to backdate to the previous firmware as the Fender Tone app simply refuses to connect to an amp running the old firmware. Also, given that it's firmware and not software, that is to say it is flashed permanently into CMOS memory overwriting what was there before, a factory reset won't restore the old version either.
That's kind of a bummer because the USB audio interface built into the Rumble was really very good. Now, it's garbage.
I'd like to kind of sort of wrap this one up with a few observations and lessons learned, and also of course to let everybody who followed along know just how much you are appreciated. You made me laugh, you really did, and that's a gift.
Now, I know this was built from parts manufactured by other people, and I almost felt guilty for posting it in Luthier's Corner where there is real craft and artistry going on, but on the other hand, that didn't mean it was a "shake n bake" experience. You still have to drill accurately, machine accurately, and be on top of your tool skills. An example would be having to reduce the neck heel depth, and there was no realistic way to achieve this other than with hand tools, careful marking, and confidence. Always be confident in yourself. If you can imagine it, you can do it. I'm very happy with how that particular operation turned out, and I have a setup that is a little lower than the 7ender numbers, which given I'm using light gauge strings is just about right.
I learned that a couple of coats of Danish oil applied a week before the build will protect the wood from my grubby paws, and will also be an awesome base for a pure Tung finish. I used no grain fillers or enhancers, it's all natural. I like that a lot. Another thing I learned is to ignore my self imposed time constraints. I said a weekend build and whilst I really do think you could achieve this over a weekend, it really doesn't matter if you slip your schedule. Don't rush or cut corners just because you set a time limit. Time is an awful boss. It's unimaginative and can't be bargained with. Ignore it when necessary. You're the boss, not the clock.
I learned that you don't need a separate battery compartment on an active JB! That's cool. I also found a new favorite electronic setup in the Guyker 2 band preamp. I'm not overstating the case when I say it rivals my Glock for overall sound quality and low noise performance (yes you can have a single coil noiseless Jazz) whilst obviously lacking the Glocks five control layout. But it fits a stock Jazz (almost) and it's almost a zero mod approach, visually. Very cool. It also cost less than a set of flats...
The most important thing I have found is that there are a lot of really cool, generously spirited, and kind people on TB who regard knowledge as a thing to be shared and are encouraging, entertaining, and just good company. We all know deep down inside when we have made a really nice job of something, but very few of us are so full of ourselves that we will just come right out and say it, and I was raised to regard that kind of me me me BS as the height of rudeness. With that in mind, it's quite an affirmative experience when other people say, you did that thing really nicely. And you think, yeah, you know what, I think I did. I'm not the best luthier in the world, I'm not even the best luthier in my house for goodness sakes, but I have gained confidence during this little side project thanks to a supportive group.
And now, I'm just gonna rock up and play this thing. I love it, and I'm confident enough to say it's a quality musical instrument. I'm very proud of this one. Thanks for helping me achieve it.
Now, I know this was built from parts manufactured by other people, and I almost felt guilty for posting it in Luthier's Corner where there is real craft and artistry going on, but on the other hand, that didn't mean it was a "shake n bake" experience. You still have to drill accurately, machine accurately, and be on top of your tool skills. An example would be having to reduce the neck heel depth, and there was no realistic way to achieve this other than with hand tools, careful marking, and confidence. Always be confident in yourself. If you can imagine it, you can do it. I'm very happy with how that particular operation turned out, and I have a setup that is a little lower than the 7ender numbers, which given I'm using light gauge strings is just about right.
I learned that a couple of coats of Danish oil applied a week before the build will protect the wood from my grubby paws, and will also be an awesome base for a pure Tung finish. I used no grain fillers or enhancers, it's all natural. I like that a lot. Another thing I learned is to ignore my self imposed time constraints. I said a weekend build and whilst I really do think you could achieve this over a weekend, it really doesn't matter if you slip your schedule. Don't rush or cut corners just because you set a time limit. Time is an awful boss. It's unimaginative and can't be bargained with. Ignore it when necessary. You're the boss, not the clock.
I learned that you don't need a separate battery compartment on an active JB! That's cool. I also found a new favorite electronic setup in the Guyker 2 band preamp. I'm not overstating the case when I say it rivals my Glock for overall sound quality and low noise performance (yes you can have a single coil noiseless Jazz) whilst obviously lacking the Glocks five control layout. But it fits a stock Jazz (almost) and it's almost a zero mod approach, visually. Very cool. It also cost less than a set of flats...
The most important thing I have found is that there are a lot of really cool, generously spirited, and kind people on TB who regard knowledge as a thing to be shared and are encouraging, entertaining, and just good company. We all know deep down inside when we have made a really nice job of something, but very few of us are so full of ourselves that we will just come right out and say it, and I was raised to regard that kind of me me me BS as the height of rudeness. With that in mind, it's quite an affirmative experience when other people say, you did that thing really nicely. And you think, yeah, you know what, I think I did. I'm not the best luthier in the world, I'm not even the best luthier in my house for goodness sakes, but I have gained confidence during this little side project thanks to a supportive group.
And now, I'm just gonna rock up and play this thing. I love it, and I'm confident enough to say it's a quality musical instrument. I'm very proud of this one. Thanks for helping me achieve it.
I had no idea there were amps that connected to apps and had firmware that needed updating. I'm not surprised, just never crossed my mind and I haven't shopped for one in 15 yrs.
I currently do not have an amp. I'm glad you brought this up, because now I know to add it to the list of features I don't want, next time I'm in the market.
I bought the Behringer umc22 for $50 and put audacity on the laptop. I played with it enough to see that it functions (and that I'm capable of using it). Haven't done any recordings yet. Seems worth the $50 so far.
And I think you get a 2 yr(?) warranty from sweetwater. But they contacted me and said I only had about 2 months from purchase to fill it out.
Anyway, that's about as sophisticated as I'm willing to get at this stage. The last thing I need is some pisspot little amp crossing it's arms and saying it won't work until it gets it's update. That's I good way to catch a boot.
I currently do not have an amp. I'm glad you brought this up, because now I know to add it to the list of features I don't want, next time I'm in the market.
I bought the Behringer umc22 for $50 and put audacity on the laptop. I played with it enough to see that it functions (and that I'm capable of using it). Haven't done any recordings yet. Seems worth the $50 so far.
And I think you get a 2 yr(?) warranty from sweetwater. But they contacted me and said I only had about 2 months from purchase to fill it out.
Anyway, that's about as sophisticated as I'm willing to get at this stage. The last thing I need is some pisspot little amp crossing it's arms and saying it won't work until it gets it's update. That's I good way to catch a boot.
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I can relate to the idea of the amp crossing it's arms and refusing to work. That's how it felt. These things are supposed to work for me not against me.
I've been accused of being a luddite by my friends for years (okay... decades) but it's never been technology that bothered me. What bothers me is using technology to fix sh*t that wasn't broken!
I don't have any fantasies that my tube amps are even remotely efficient, nor did I turn my nose up when the opportunity to buy a 500W amp that only weighed 4 pounds presented itself to me. Technology is just dandy! A bass amp that requires firmware updates in order to work as advertised? That's not technology being used to help anyone. That's planned obsolescence and it's infuriating.
Fender should be using technology to improve their products, not make them disposable. Okay... rant over. Time for a beer.
At no point during this thread did you give me (or anyone else, I suspect) the impression that you were anything less than capable. It was very obvious that you had quite a lot of skill and the confidence therein to complete this instrument. It's generous of you to share the credit of your accomplishment with us, the spectators. There are perhaps "better" luthiers who post in this subforum all the time but I suspect what they really are is more experienced luthiers. I saw no indication that you lacked any of the skills necessary to do what any of them do.
@ChickWithaRic now that you've thoroughly proven you can wrestle time to the ground and make it say uncle, please consider joining the fray this winter! 
Winter Build Off 2022 - Get Ready
Winter Build Off 2022 - Get Ready
In all fairness, some of them build their own bodies and necks.
This was a great read, and as someone who did professional custom woodwork in a past life, way past, I'm impressed with your hand tool skills. Trust me, a sharp wood plane can do serious damage to the work quite easily if mishandled.
One quibble; we seem to have left a thread hanging:
One quibble; we seem to have left a thread hanging:
In my understanding, the firmware update is required for the audio interface, not for the amp's basic function, so it still should amplify... — not all current models have such interfaces, I bought a new combo last year (an Eich), and that certainly lacks an USB interface and therefore also lacks "firmware updatebility"... I'm fine with that.
Frankly, your way to describe your own work steps both with your own thoughts and observations and your evaluation of the result is what makes this thread special to me.
I'm no luthier at all, I haven't even modded my basses so far, and I lack both tools and capabilites to claim real craftsmanship, so I can't really evaluate your work steps, except that the end result apparently tells they have truly succeeded.
But I have learnt much more from this than from a series of pictures during a bass build as other luthiers do present here — just because of all your own thoughts, and as stated, I'm fond of the fine story telling, too.
I can relate to your quote, and I'm glad you are proud of your build, and that you do tell so. That's fortyfying. And now have fun with your bass!
I was completely aware of that when I wrote my post and I stand by my statement. The OP has the tools, the woodworking know-how and, most importantly, the smarts to figure things out that would be required for a scratch build. I have no doubt of this.
Carl Thompson had very little woodworking experience when he built his first bass in 1971. And he went on to be…. Carl Thompson!!
This was more than just a build thread. This was an entertaining, educational experience.
