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Check out my invention for bass

#41
I like it. For me a deal-breaker would be that it doesn't extend all the way from neck to bridge, since I move my right hand a lot to get different tones. The Atlansia one looks to have a good range. If you could combine the size/range of the Atlansia unit with your height adjustable design, that would be great. Also, it would be wonderful if you had a fine-tuning adjustment to move it closer or farther away from the strings.
 
#42
smeet said:
I like it. For me a deal-breaker would be that it doesn't extend all the way from neck to bridge, since I move my right hand a lot to get different tones. The Atlansia one looks to have a good range. If you could combine the size/range of the Atlansia unit with your height adjustable design, that would be great. Also, it would be wonderful if you had a fine-tuning adjustment to move it closer or farther away from the strings.
Click to expand...

Great ideas, thanks. I've thought of different solutions to accomplish those goals. I think the word "rail" is going to be the operative word! The "feet" which attach it to the bass via screws could probably be modified to work as little railings in which you can slide it back and forth (closer or farther from the string.) Good stuff.
 
#43
Much nicer than the piece of coathanger I slapped on my beater P years ago! The length gives me tonal variations. You can kind of see it here:

Prec12.jpg

I put some plastic washers under each end for height adjustment. Not as purty as yours, good luck!
 
#44
Hekbass said:
THANK YOU! Unfortunately, I'm no position to sell the thing. I'm just a bass player that had an idea. It just so happens that my wife's uncle is an excellent craftsman, and he built it for me. But, I can't burden him with building too many of them. In fact, I almost felt bad asking him for a couple more - just 2 more. He agreed, but honestly it feels like I'm pushing my luck. LOL!

My dream is to get it licensed. Maybe Warmoth, or All Parts, or any other guitar parts/accessories manufacturer will "buy the rights" from me and mass produce it.

As it is, I think almost anyone can build at least a good semblance of it. The thing itself is relatively simple to make, it's the idea behind it that seems to have eluded us all for so long. So, as long as people don't claim ownership of the idea and/or start to sell them without crediting me, I'd have no problem if someone built one just for him/herself.
Click to expand...

Time to start a Kickstarter!
 
#48
There is a japanese luthier with some futuristic designs that use this kind of "wire" thumb rest. His version is longer, from neck down to the bridge, IIRC.
EDIT: made the post without reading the rest... Atlansia was it
gavinspoon said:
I'm afraid that it's not a new idea. I've seen various custom made basses with a similar concept. There was a topic on here a few years back with loads of pictures of a particular luthiers basses with these sorts of things on.

I can't find the topic, but remember it well because it inspired me to add one to my Hohner steinberger copy.i bought a cheap guitar string retainer bar off eBay and just screwed it in. Works great.
Click to expand...
 
#50
Hekbass said:
Thanks for the tip. But, when reading their guidelines, it seems my goal wouldn't be approved.

Invalid Link Removed

Maybe you see it differently? If so, I'd love to hear how I can pitch it so that it complies with all their rules. ;)
Click to expand...

By my reading:

1. projects only -- yes, this would be a defined project. "Make this thing."
2. Fits a KS category -- yes, design:
"detailed information about the creator’s background and experience" you can provide that -- there's no standard about WHAT you have to have in your background, but "years of bass playing and technique exploration" counts for something.
"a manufacturing plan" You can come up with that -- every business needs to draft a plan at some point
"functional prototype" -- you have that.
and then:
a. project? yes -- it's something that you'll make, and it's done.
b. DIY -- yes, it's your creation (the existence of other similar designs doesn't mean you didn't come up with this in good faith)
c. form as well as function -- absolutely.
3. Prohibited?
a. charity? no
b. fund my life? no
c. prohibited content? didn't see anything there.

I don't see any reason you couldn't try a kickstart for this.
 
#51
I doubt you'd get a patent for it -- I just don't see how it could be deemed novel or non-obvious if the reviewers are thorough. But you still could still start a business around making and selling them, trademark a great, catchy name for it, and get some return and recognition for your work.

But what you can also do is keep refining the idea and see if you can arrive at some variation or version that IS non-obvious and then you might end up with a patentable design and already have some market presence (even if it's just a small niche).

Good luck, man!
ltt
 
#52
lowfreq33 said:
That's a neat idea. Kind of specialized. I've always been comfortable resting my thumb on the pickup when I'm playing the B string, but I can see how that might be more comfortable for some people.
Click to expand...

That always was my way of playing 4s and then 5ers, but moving on to 6s and 7s, the "floating thumb" damping becomes essential.

I can't really see the video (Adobe says I have to buy a new computer if I want to see it) but I've just been experimenting with my 7 string bass here and I'm sorry to say I see no utility in the thumb rest. Basically my hand rests on the bass body with my thumb down on the B string (or however many it needs to lay across) I see no difference between damping just the B string or damping the 2,3,4, etc. lower strings.

I tried taping a small "thumb rest" on the bass to see how it felt, and I noticed it had to be so low as to not interfere that basically I didn't need it at all. Sorry. It seems like a nifty idea, but it's just not something that adds to my style. Perhaps for different size hands or whatever, it might be the just the thing, but for me? Meh.

I've never seen the point of bass ramps either.
 

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