Custom 5 String Fretless Build Thread

[mfbolton]

I sold off a few basses that I was no longer using/needing, and have decided to pursue a 5 string fretless. I contacted a friend of mine who is a local tech/luthier, and he agreed to help me build a custom bass. (His blog here: Wire & Wood)

After discussing timing and pricing, we decided that a handmade neck was not our best option. So I ordered a Wenge/Ebony, unlined neck from Warmoth, with their 3+2 headstock shape. It should be here in another 3-4 weeks.

I also ordered a TransTone bridge from Hipshot in black and it came in this week. Looks great!

I am still debating some of the other hardware and electronics. I am thinking Gotoh tuners, with maybe a Hipshot detuner (depending on which tuning I decide to use). I have also been leaning towards Delano pickups, and maybe a Glockenkang preamp. Other passive is not out of the running either.

For the body, Grant is going to build me a custom single cut shape. Most likely partial hollow. We are currently discussing various woods, but he has some nice Goncalo Alves I am liking for the body, with some beautiful quilt Maple for a top.

I will continue to share progress as it happens.

Thoughts and comments are always appreciated!

 

[mfbolton]

Ordered a few more items for the bass today. Some black Gotoh tuners, a pair of Delano SBC 5 HE/S pickups, a Glockenkang preamp, and some black knobs for it.

Very excited about this electronics setup for my fretless! Should sound amazing.

Will post more pictures as items arrive.

 

[Ian_Flash]

Glockenklang/Delano combo is exlt choice. THE MOST transparent pre-amp I ever heard. Will work well with G. Alves as well. How thick is the Maple top?

 

[mfbolton]

Glockenklang/Delano combo is exlt choice. THE MOST transparent pre-amp I ever heard. Will work well with G. Alves as well. How thick is the Maple top?

We haven't decided on the exact specs on the body yet, just some of the basics.

 

[mfbolton]

Received several more parts over the weekend.

Gotoh Tuners

Control Knobs

Pickup Boxes

Delano Pickup

Preamp Box

Glockenkang Preamp

Order came in exactly correct from BestBassGear.com. Great transaction, I highly recommend them.

My neck from Warmoth should arrive on Wednesday.

Then the fun begins!

 

[mfbolton]

My neck from Warmoth showed up today. It looks amazing! There is a little bit of figuring/streaks on the Ebony fingerboard, which is what I was hoping for. Didn't want to pay extra for figuring, so this worked out great.

Front

Close Up of Ebony Fingerboard

Back

Close Up of Wenge

I have had several Wenge necks from a couple manufacturers, this is the nicest piece of Wenge I've had by far. Super smooth, and gorgeous.

Can't wait to start the build!

 

[77stingray]

Nice choices I've always wanted to try delano pickups! What it the body?

 

[77stingray]

Nice choices I've always wanted to try delano pickups!

 

[bgavin]

Cool, another Warmoth project at work.
Mine is PJ5 fretless, Nordstrand NP5 and BigSplit in 70s position.
Hipshot through-body, 3+2 headstock, ebony lined fretless.
Neck and body are both hard maple.

I am amazed at the quality of the Warmoth workmanship. Superb.

 

[mfbolton]

Here are some of the pieces. Met with Grant this evening, and got the basics worked out. A chambered Goncalo Alves body, with a Quilt Maple top. He will be working on a sketch of the body, and will get started building when that is finalized.

 

[mfbolton]

Have I mentioned that I'm super stoked about this project!

 

[mfbolton]

First pass at body design. I love it! There may be a few small tweaks, but this is the essence of what it will look like.

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[mfbolton]

After debating tunings with myself for awhile, I've settled on BEADG (at least for now). That said, I ordered some D'Addario Black Nylon Tapewound strings to go on this build.

 

[mfbolton]

No real updates on the bass itself. But I did get the case I ordered for the bass. It is a Gator Commander Series Gig Bag. I am really pleased with it. Looks great, and has tons of useful pockets. Plus it looks to be tough, protective, and has a rain cover.

Hopefully I'll have some updates on the bass soon!

 

[mark beem]

Sounds like she's gonna be a sweet bass!! Can't wait for further updates!

 

[mfbolton]

Body has been rough cut.

 

[mfbolton]

Every time I look at that latest picture, I can't help but grin ear to ear. This is going to look and sound killer!

 

[mfbolton]

Grant has finished the primary sanding. Bass is looking amazing!

 

[mfbolton]

After some delays (due to the arrival of a baby and a move), Grant has started working again. Neck and body are now attached. He will mount the bridge soon and I'll go over for a feel test.

The material on the bottom side of the neck will be removed.

 

[RebopBass]

Nice, love the body shape and wood choices! What will be the pickup placement ?