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"Coolest" body shapes for a custom build?

#24
EXILE03 said:
If I go with the Rickenbacker style, how will I get a bolt-on P-Bass type of neck to go on there?

EDIT: Wouldn't bridge placement be a bit of an issue?
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Several of the Rick copies are bolt-on neck (that's the sure way to tell they're copies). The neck goes on the same way as any other bolt on, unless you want to try something unusual.

Bridge placement shouldn't be any more of an issue than with any other bass - or am I missing something?
 
#25
Make a Rick/Jazz hybrid

rickjazz.jpg


But maybe go with straight Jazz pickups.
 
#26
GIBrat51 said:
Several of the Rick copies are bolt-on neck (that's the sure way to tell they're copies). The neck goes on the same way as any other bolt on, unless you want to try something unusual.

Bridge placement shouldn't be any more of an issue than with any other bass - or am I missing something?
Click to expand...

My main concern is that the Rick has no established space for a bolt-on heel without the neck extending beyond the final fret. Also, the bridge placement is a bit different on a Rick because of the 33.25" scale length (I only have a 34" P-style neck).
 
#27
EXILE03 said:
My main concern is that the Rick has no established space for a bolt-on heel without the neck extending beyond the final fret. Also, the bridge placement is a bit different on a Rick because of the 33.25" scale length (I only have a 34" P-style neck).
Click to expand...

You're making the body. Those are easily solvable problems.
 
#28
+1 ergonomic design.

I also agree that it can't be too out there (a moth like shape perhaps).

See if you can score some foam or even a card board blank and trace away using an existing body shape as a basic template. This allows tweaking to what will look AND feel right to you. I'm not sure how crazy you want to get but that tactic worked for me.

My custom bodied bass is based off of a cheap ibanez but I made it my own. It's light as hell (6 lbs tops) and has a paper thin neck to fly on if needed. ImageUploadedByTalkBass1383962324.895979.jpg
 
#29
If I was making my own bass (I have a design in mind already, and I hope to set the project into motion sooner or later, preferably sooner) I would design the body myself. It makes the bass unique to you, and you can claim that no one else in the world has one that looks even remotely close!
 
#31
Keeping in mind that you're not confined to a 'less than 24 fret neck' (unless you choose), forget about the "neck extending beyond the final fret"- use a neck that'll fit the body you chose, and mount the bridge accordingly.
Or, use a body shape that'll allow the neck and scale length you choose.
Clean sheet of paper: make what YOU choose and like FIT. Then, you'll dig it and play it.
Nothing wrong with 'borrowing' other ideas that you like to make it ergonomic, light (if desired), and most important- comfortable to YOU.
 
#40
EXILE03 said:
I've decided on a '59 EB-0 type of body for this project. Thanks for your help, everyone!
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Nice choice ...The prices of that era EB-0s are way up there.So if you can have the look at a lower cost...that's golden.

I might try to make the cut-outs a little deeper in.

Pictures of the project would be nice.;)
 

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