• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Build Thread

#61
First off I'm glad to see that you have decided to share again...Thank you! I have been admiring your progress for a while now and have a question or two if you don't mind me asking...

First off I like your headstock shape, but I am a total klutz. Do you ever find yourself bumping into things because of the extra bit of length?

Second I'm about to start shaping a neck on my first build. My main concern is getting the shape I want. Could you describe how you use the profile gauge pictured in post #19 and the process you use.

Your basses are simply stunning in my opinion.

I look forward to seeing your progress.

Thanks so much,

Loren
 
#63
jordan_frerichs said:
great to see you posting again. sweet work. so you are going to finish the neck with satin, THEN fret it? thats the first time i have heard of anyone doing it that way. i like to taper the fingerboard, rough cut the neck taper, glue the fingerboard, make the neck flush, radius and fret, then round the neck. i notice that everyone has a slightly different order.
btw, is this getting a natural finish? i am eager to see one of your basses finished under the finish you were tellin me about earlier.
Click to expand...

Hi Jordan, . . . yes, I like to hold off on fretting until late in the game. For that matter, I like to hold off attaching the fingerboard until late in the game. No reason, . . . it's just how I do it.

My whole approach is so intuitive that I find it hard sometimes to express what it is I'm doing, when, how, and why. I just kinda go along and do what seems to be the next logical thing. Once in a while that approach gets screwed up, but mostly it's worked well for me.

That is what I would encourage anyone to do: go slow, go easy, and go with your intuition. But that's just how I do it.

As for the finish: the client and I are in a pissing match (pun intended) over exactly what sort/color of finish we want. We have a mind to "silverize" the finish in a way that would maintain its transparency while bringing out the intense vertical straight grain. Therein lies the problem . . . so for now I am experimenting with different ideas on test pieces. Stay tuned. And thanks for your enthusiasm.
 
#64
ljzimmer said:
First off I'm glad to see that you have decided to share again...Thank you! I have been admiring your progress for a while now and have a question or two if you don't mind me asking...

First off I like your headstock shape, but I am a total klutz. Do you ever find yourself bumping into things because of the extra bit of length?

Second I'm about to start shaping a neck on my first build. My main concern is getting the shape I want. Could you describe how you use the profile gauge pictured in post #19 and the process you use.

Your basses are simply stunning in my opinion.

I look forward to seeing your progress.

Thanks so much,

Loren
Click to expand...

Hi Loren, . . . thank you very much.

When I designed the headstock I intentionally wanted to go way off the beaten path. I knew that whatever I ended up with, it was going to be my "signature" (the headstock is a traditional area to be original) and I wanted it to be instantly recognizable among knowledgable musicians/builders. That headstock "is" my logo.

But you are right, I had some concerns about the "horns" being vulnerable to breakage or scuffing.

However, my headstock is somewhat deceiving: it is actually quite small when compared to many headstocks, such as F-Bass or Sukop, and so with minimal care I have never bumped it. It doesn't protrude as much as it would first seem to.

I am unconcerned with actually breaking the main horn off. I laminate my headstock with faceplates/backplates that match the body. This provides the extra strength needed.

For the sake of time/space, I'll PM you on the neck carving thing. Thanks again for your kind words.
 
#67
Everything is here to finish this bass except the preamp.

Side dots installed:

001-8.jpg


I will sand the fingerboard to 2400 Micro-Mesh, then mist lightly with Gerlitz Guitar Honey Fingerboard Treatment:

002-12.jpg


Then fretting:

003-8.jpg
 
#73
Preparing to route the pup cavities; Bartolini J L/S to be wired passive.

002-14.jpg


After routing; note also the recessed 1/4" jack penetration:

004-4.jpg


With the exception of the control penetrations, everything is done and ready for final sanding and finishing.

Please send bass decals for the shop microwave cabinet doors:

003-10.jpg
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back