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Build number 4

J

J Lund

Aug 6, 2008
198
0
Omaha, NE
#1
Hello all. I currently have a thread going about my two builds at R-V. We are almost to that time where students are allowed to start a third instrument if they are caught up and doing well in the course. I wanted to dedicate a thread to this build as it entails some new techniques for me, and I wanted to have access to any feedback you may have.

Here's the story... I sketched out a design a couple years ago (and I think I even posted it on the LC) and when I was drawing out some ideas this week, a very similar design sort of stumbled out of my pencil. I believe it is a sign that this thing is dying to be built!

So here it is. It's a clash between the traditional violin design and a contemporary single cut. This is sketched out on notebook paper.
100_6595.jpg


I have started drawing it out to scale, but I am unsure of which pickups and electronics I'll use at this point.
100_6593.jpg


Headstock design (you probably notice some RIM influence)
100_6628.jpg


My vision for this instrument is somewhat blurry past what I have drawn. I see many variables that I could change which would alter the aesthetics and sound of the instrument. I am torn between doing a semi-acoustic carved top or a chambered flat top. I am not sure if I want to do purfling, binding, or a comfortable roundover. I don't even know if it should be fretted or fretless, B-G or E-C. I own an NS Design CRM5 so I almost feel like having it fretted would be somewhat redundant. Then again, I have never owned a semi-hollow instrument and I do not know what kind of sounds I can expect.

If anybody can help me out, I would greatly appreciate the input. Thanks!
 
#6
roberthabraken said:
This is stunning! GREAT design!!! Headstock fits it well. I really cannot wait to see it come together.. I think fretted too. Maybe add piezos at the bridge? Can be a versatile bass that way.
Click to expand...

I agree with both of you. I am leaning towards fretted (mostly because I already own the NSD, and it may increase any acoustic potential their might be). Adding piezos is a good idea and something I had been thinking about. Does anyone have suggestions as to pickups? I've wanted to try Nordy's but they are a bit out of my wallet's reach. Also, are there any kind of feedback issues with chambering?

Thanks for the kind words. I hope to make an mdf template for this bad boy on Monday to see how it looks and feels. :hyper:

Josh
 
#7
I made my previous / first bass chambered, no feedback issues at all. Acoustically it's relatively loud, adds some sweetness to the sound when amplified, a slightly more acoustic sound if you will. I think you should try it, I like your builds and the way you execute them, as well as this design, so I think you should go for it ;) !

Look at RMC for the piezos, I think they're not expensive and great too. Magnetic pu's could be Barts, not sure though, but like a BB4CBC Soapbar e.g.
 
#9
We have officially gotten the "lecture" pertaining to starting 3rd instruments. I need to have a detailed full-scale drawing (which I have completed minus chambers, hardware, and electronics) and a written proposal that covers in detail the materials, techniques involved, and my expectations for the instrument.

So that means that this build can begin as soon as I have completed those two steps and gotten full approval. And THAT means that I really need to take out all the mystery out of this build in order to start cutting wood ASAP!

Here are some "unofficial" specs. Please comment and offer suggestions as you see fit.

5-string
Single-cut, Chambered
Bolt-on <------- (question about this)
35" Scale, Fretted
Maple/Mahogany/Maple neck
Mahogany body w/ figured maple top
Ebony fretboard
Pickups: Bartolini BC5CBC (Neck and Bridge)
Tuners: Hipshot Ultra-lites
Bridge: ????
Piezo: ????


So, here are my questions:

I have never done a single-cut and it seems to me that it could be an absolute bear to get the upper "horn" to fit perfectly against a tapered neck. For people who do neck-through single-cuts....how on earth do you manage that? I think that I will do a bolt-on neck, because then I can make a neck pocket template and route normally.

Secondly, my choice on the woods is in an effort to keep the price down on this build and also to prevent over-sensitizing people. Because the body shape is a bit complicated, I want to keep a cleaner look on top with nice contrast around the form (probably will try my luck at purfling). If you have other suggestions, PLEASE lay them on me.

Lastly, I'd like to do a two-piece bridge but I am not sure where to look for one. I know Hipshot has their "Type-D" but it looks like they only have a 4-string model. :rollno: I have heard really good things about ETS, but really bad things about their shipping "urgency". Any ideas? I'm mostly interested in the saddle portion - I am confident that I can make the tailpiece.

Thank you all for your help. Until this resolved, it can't be built so...give me a hand! :D

Josh
 
#10
Hipshot makes the D-style for a fiver, I've seen it at TB already. It was said they're going to add it to their online catalog as well very soon. Maybe you could contact them. ETS can take a long time indeed, so I've heard.

I can't help you with the single cut construction, no experience...
 
#12
Thanks for the input, Rob. "PM-ed" Hipshot. And thanks for the compliment, Steps. Another busy day at the office today! I might have to post some updates on my other instruments tonight.

I'd still like to hear from others about the questions I posted. Thanks.
 
#13
I havent built a single cut yet, but I have just drawn one up as my next build. What I intend to do (rightly or wrongly!) is to have the neck block a little wider than the heel itself, then cut the neck out with the router (I'm having the neck elevated, so no angle is needed). So the taper is not included in the glue up. Not sure if that makes sense?
 
#14
If you're doing a neck-thru singlecut, you can do a fully tapered (from headstock to butt) neck beam, like Ken Smith and others. Then the bass side body wing simply lays right against the beam, all the way up to your twelfth fret (or wherever).
 
#15
Thanks for the responses. I think I will go with the bolt-on method, because I will save some dough on neck wood, and I'll also earn myself some wiggle room in case things go horribly wrong with the neck.

Hipshot and RMC both replied to my e-mails same day. I was impressed with their customer service. Although I had a friendly conversation with the good people at RMC, I am going to hold off on piezos on this build. It is just too much of an expense. As for the D-style bridge, they literally just put the 5-string version on their website. It looks like a good product.

I have updated my full-scale drawing with pickups and chambers drawn in. I am choosing to do a separate control cavity to eliminate any shielding issues (although with the barts, I don't expect any problems). This will be Volume, Blend, Tone.
100_6701.jpg


I am working on finishing up the proposal tonight, so hopefully I can get everything approved tomorrow. Which means... Monday I'll start building if everything goes well! :hyper:

Josh
 
#16
I forgot to mention: I also drew in the neck joint. I know the drawing is tough to see...sorry. Anyway, that is what I plan to do with the bolt layout. I know Alan has done something similar on his builds. Let me know what you think.
 

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