Build number 2: at R-V

[J Lund]

Not much of an update here, as this instrument has being in the drying room curing all week. However, I did go back to my wooden knobs and drill them out for the proper sized hole so they'll squeeze onto knurled pots. This required me to make a fixture that I could hold them into place while I drilled the holes.

I wrapped the knobs in tape so they fit snuggly into their holes, and then taped over them to further secure them. Using a twist drill bit, I lowered the press very slowly so that the bit would follow the existing hole. It was mostly successful, but one hole is a bit off. I guess that is just something I'll have to deal with for this build. In the future, I'll refine this knob making method.

The drill press jig:

After that was done, I decided to put little indicators into each knob. I used the same jig with a wedge underneath. I took it over to the bandsaw to make an "incision" into each knob. After cleaning up the slots with a needle file, I thickness sanded some ebony to fit the slots and glued it in place.

Here's the altered jig:

Gluing ebony:

Finished knobs!

This'll give them a little more functional value, I think. These knobs are finish sanded to 220 and ready for an oil finish!


Now for sort of an un-related update. Scott Walker came to the school to teach an optional course on how he does his patina finishes. If you don't know about him, check him out. He does stunning work up in Santa Cruz.

Anyway, I won't go into the entire process, but I thought I'd show some drool pics.

My finished franken-tele. I made the pickguard from copper.

The back (I call it a "rust burst"):

One of my favorites from the class - one of the instructor's.

And the crazy back:

One of Scott Walker's before buffing out some bronze highlights:

Yeah, so if you like what you see, look him up. If not, then... well.... don't!

Thanks again for looking. Next week should be assembly!!

 

[roberthabraken]

Those knobs are sweet

 

[oleskool]

I like the knobs also. I think i would make spares just to have around. Maybe even reverse the woods in a few. It's always a good thing to have back ups. Great work. Thanks for shareing this with us.

 

[herndonbassist]

Man... Scott Walker's work is AMAZING, I think it's really cool that he teaches some of his techniques. My brother-in-law has a Walker Special and another being crafted at this time, so I can tell you first hand that is his attention to even the most MINUTE detail is superb. If I had the scratch, I'd definitely be talking to him!

 

[azfryguy]

I gotta say a few years back I was really considering going to RV because its just an hour drive from my house. So I checked the school out and looked at all the guitar galleries and I got to say. No offense to the other students but that bass your making looks IMO the nicest and most practical. It really is something else my friend.

 

[octaedro7]

Man, I haven't checked this thread in a while and you did really a good job on those inlays, well actually everything's turning out great including those wood knobs

 

[J Lund]

Well...I'm sorry to say that this thread is going to have to come to a close...



...because this bass is DONE!!!!!

Here are some pictures of the completed instrument (sorry for the amateur pictures; I don't have the equipment, nor am I a pro photographer).

Link Removed

So there you are! It feels great and sounds awesome. I'm proud of this instrument even though I know it is not perfect. Although it has its imperfections, I know that I put my best effort into this bass, and I know that standard on future builds will continue to get higher and higher. Thanks everyone for viewing and commenting.

 

[Headless Llama]

Thank you for posting this build and allowing us to follow you through the journey. Best of luck on future builds.

 

[roberthabraken]

It's superb! I especially like how the headstock came out with the veneers, swinging truss rod cover and tilt back angle. That picture from the headstock down the fb is stunnning . Can't wait to see your other bass finished too .

 

[Omnipharious]

Since no one has said it yet, I shall take the duty upon myself to do so.

CLIPS CLIPS CLIPS!

 

[Hopkins]

Looks awesome but what happened to the knobs you made?

 

[J Lund]

Looks awesome but what happened to the knobs you made?

I was wondering who would be the first to notice... The knobs I made were unfortunately a little two short to cover up the pot nuts and washers, and they weren't wide enough (or tall enough) for me to create a little recess on their underside to let them sit flush against the bass. So I'm chalking those up as a learning experience. I'll get to making wood knobs for this sometime, but I had to meet the deadline so I went with the black.

I will have to post clips soon. I'll see what I can do.

 

[J Lund]

I had to resurrect this thread, because I promised to give you sound clips, and I will! I finally am set-up to record (although I'm not sure how good the quality will be). Expect some sound clips posted here by the end of the week.

 

[J Lund]

Unfortunately, my computer has figuratively exploded, so I will not be able to post sound clips or pictures of the new knobs for quite a while. Sorry to get your hopes up.

(this post courtesy of R-V library)