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CNC or not

CNC or not ?

  • I like my basses cut by hand.

    Votes: 8 2.8%

  • I prefer a cnc cut bass.

    Votes: 38 13.1%

  • I don't mind.

    Votes: 243 84.1%
  • Total voters
    289
  • Poll closed .
#164
Having worked in a cabinet shop and used/programmed a CNC machine, I can tell you this:

1) As a computer, the CNC machine is only as good as the programmer who programs it.
2) CNC machines, like everything else, come in a variety of flavors, and are fitted with specific tools appropriate to their applications. Given this, the quality of the piece being cut is additionally proportional to the capabilities/complexity of the machine.
3) Mass production in general is all about cost savings. If a bass body/neck/headpiece is cut by a CNC, you can be assured that the "artistry" built into the piece is only as significant as the operator/machine is "allowed" to impart. Machines do not "love" the wood like a human luthier would.

All that being said, CNC's are a wonderful resource that can provide an excellent mass-produced product at a substantial cost savings. Since the machine can only do what "it is told", the quality of the finished product is a reflection, for better or worse.

I see nothing wrong with CNC manufacturing. I LOVED using the CNC.

Chris
 
#166
Roy Vogt said:
I do have a 1976 Alembic that was probably more "handmade" than my current instruments. I think for me it would just depend on the instrument. It also had some neck and hardware issues I had to deal with before it was a great bass, due to the variables of the Alembic shop at the time.
I remember Ron Wickersham of Alembic telling me about the CNC machines back in the mid-80s at a NAMM show and how it would revolutionize how instruments are built. Gard's probably right here, I don't think any of the major custom builders (Smith, Fodera, et. al.) avoid machines to help when it makes sense. I can't answer for smaller builders like Pete Skjold, Bee Basses, Stambaugh, etc.
I think the major revolution of the CNC technology is that I can walk into a music store and buy a bass that plays well and has nice active electronics (comparable on some levels to my 35 year old Alembic circuit) like a Peavey Millenium and it will cost about $300 street.
As I said, putting better basses in the hands of more players is a major win to me.:bassist:
Click to expand...

CNC doesn't make sense for me as a micro builder and the sole builder of Skjold Basses but I have totally considered it from all angles. As of today I will be bringing in an Onsrud inverted pin router to step up production and consistency ( basically a hand guided CNC). The way I build by hand is very much controled so that I get the most consistent results possible. What I find the most valuable is how much attention to the individual instrument is given from a manufacturer otherwise the only thing that matters is the end results.

Thanks to Jauqo III-X for his always engaging threads:D They always bring out the widest diversity on here. Good reads too :)
 
#167
Roy Vogt said:
I do have a 1976 Alembic that was probably more "handmade" than my current instruments. I think for me it would just depend on the instrument. It also had some neck and hardware issues I had to deal with before it was a great bass, due to the variables of the Alembic shop at the time.
I remember Ron Wickersham of Alembic telling me about the CNC machines back in the mid-80s at a NAMM show and how it would revolutionize how instruments are built. Gard's probably right here, I don't think any of the major custom builders (Smith, Fodera, et. al.) avoid machines to help when it makes sense. I can't answer for smaller builders like Pete Skjold, Bee Basses, Stambaugh, etc.
I think the major revolution of the CNC technology is that I can walk into a music store and buy a bass that plays well and has nice active electronics (comparable on some levels to my 35 year old Alembic circuit) like a Peavey Millenium and it will cost about $300 street.
As I said, putting better basses in the hands of more players is a major win to me.:bassist:
Click to expand...

So, Roy, $300 for your Alembic then eh???
What's your PayPal. And I'll even cover the fees!;)
 
#169
Pete skjold said:
CNC doesn't make sense for me as a micro builder and the sole builder of Skjold Basses but I have totally considered it from all angles. As of today I will be bringing in an Onsrud inverted pin router to step up production and consistency ( basically a hand guided CNC). The way I build by hand is very much controled so that I get the most consistent results possible. What I find the most valuable is how much attention to the individual instrument is given from a manufacturer otherwise the only thing that matters is the end results.

Thanks to Jauqo III-X for his always engaging threads:D They always bring out the widest diversity on here. Good reads too :)
Click to expand...

Overhead pin routers are the shizzle for your level of production Pete, heck, even at our levels, they're still doing a lion's share of the job. :) Good luck with that machine, we're loving our two Rockwells!!!
 
#175
Gard said:
Overhead pin routers are the shizzle for your level of production Pete, heck, even at our levels, they're still doing a lion's share of the job. :) Good luck with that machine, we're loving our two Rockwells!!!
Click to expand...

Hey Gard, I was looking at the overarm routers but the inverted ( router is in the table pin is in the overarm ) seemed to make much more sense to me and for what I need it for. But both are fantastic and very efficient in the hands of an experienced operator. For building small parts sub 300 piece quantities they rival cnc production any day. I saw the video that Keith posted with the cnc vs the pin router! Loved that one.

Can't wait to get it!
 
#179
cnltb said:
Thanks!
I too am real happy how it's turning out!
I thought , since I have seen the "made by hand" thing used for a selling point, it might be interesting to see how people thought about it.
Click to expand...

The bottom line is that some great basses are made by hand with limited automation or none and some great basses are made completely by automation. In the end the ability to produce large quantities in a shorter time is what brings the cost down ( as well as where it is produced and how much is paid to the operator or luthier). At the end of the day it comes down to THE instrument in question regardless of how it was made or what it cost. If you want it you want it, period.
 
#180
Pete skjold said:
At the end of the day it comes down to THE instrument in question regardless of how it was made or what it cost. If you want it you want it, period.
Click to expand...


At least that's how it should be IMHO.
I know plenty people however, that want certain basses because they were made by certain companies and not so much because they liked any particular instrument. I actually got the idea for this thread from a conversation with a young student of mine who wanted a new bass. One of the reason he gave me for wanting an instrument by a particular builder was that the company in question does not use CNCs.
The fact that some of his favorite players use basses by this company was obviously part of it all too.
 

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