Custom Tele body bass

[DonaldR]

Mine balances really well.

It’s homemade though, not a G & L ….

I was thinking the same for counterbalancing neck dive on T-style bass: headless.

For one pickup you can go for an EMG MMTW, it's on MM and a J in the same enclosure. I like mine in both configuration and adding bass with the onboard preamp is nice too. For controls you can go with volume, mid, bass/treble stacked.

 

[2saddleslab]

@ 2saddleslab. That strap extender is fantastic. I have a 1981 Alembic Distillate with neck dive (and a center strap button) that your design would work tremendously with the bass and does not put stress on the upper horn, (or in this case, lack of one).

Here's a pic of the ASE [ASAT strap extension] I produced for a while. It was completely reversible w/ the G&L 3 bolt neck plate. Not sure how you could use it on an Alembic.

2 bottom strap buttons are likely there so you can lean it against something, and it'll stay put without a stand.

If that was the case why didn't G&L have 2 bottom strap buttons on every bass, not the ASAT exclusively?

 

[micguy]

Here's a pic of the ASE [ASAT strap extension] I produced for a while. It was completely reversible w/ the G&L 3 bolt neck plate. Not sure how you could use it on an Alembic.

View attachment 7096561

If that was the case why didn't G&L have 2 bottom strap buttons on every bass, not the ASAT exclusively?

The ASAT is flatter on the bottom than most of their models - if you try to put 2 strap buttons on most of their models, you can't get them far apart enough to make a good stand.

 

[rjmsteel]

Thank you 2saddleslab!

I work in Coil (Steel) Processing and could easily fabricate one of those extensions. As you pointed out, I would need to place/attach the metal plate near the end of the neck through joint and the flat of the body, approximately where I have a strap button currently positioned. Again Thank you for the photo.

 

[2saddleslab]

Thank you 2saddleslab!

I work in Coil (Steel) Processing and could easily fabricate one of those extensions. As you pointed out, I would need to place/attach the metal plate near the end of the neck through joint and the flat of the body, approximately where I have a strap button currently positioned. Again Thank you for the photo.

My pleasure. I used 1/4" aluminum, rounded the edges [facing the player], and had them anodized black. No one ever noticed them on stage.


Below are some measurements, in case it helps.

View attachment 1733855277657.jpeg

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Awesome. That’s kinda what I had talked about with my builder guy. Plan is to get the neck and then go from there.

Thanks for this!!!

I have a project in the works, converting a GUITAR telecaster body to a bass.
27” scale baritone neck proportionate to a guitar only 2” longer.
If you go 34” use a dense wood , a heavy bridge, and ultralight tuners.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Was going to mention the neck dive as well. Love the look but you prob want to figure out how to compensate for the dive before you start.

The other consideration with a no horn body is the relational position of the nut / first fret while hanging on a strap.

It shifts the nut farther to the left from , a FSO which places the balance point several inches closer to the nut.
This applies to Tbirds Explorers SG EBO steinberger ETC…

With a shorter scale, and long arms not such an issue, playing the bass lower and at a more severe angle nut up from centerline helps too.

 

[Dark Horse]

Hey all!!

Getting ready to start a new build that hopefully will satisfy my wants.

Does anyone here have specs on the G&L ASAT B5? Wanna use it as a reference for the overall body size. Picture attached for reference.

Just a general rundown of what I’m looking to do:

-Tele body, will be semi-hollow with either a cat-eye or Rick style f-hole
-Single PUP, thinking humbucker in a P-Bass position, *would love some opinions on this*
- Telecaster caster style control plate, I’ve seen some drilled for three knobs, thinking Treble, Bass, Volume, although I have no idea as I’m typing this if that’s entirely possible without going active
- 5 string neck, reverse headstock, just cause

If anybody has some insight on PUP and PUP location with this setup, or with the control setup I’m thinking, would definitely appreciate some info. I’ve put a handful of guitar parts casters together with great results. Have a local builder working with me on the body since he has all the fancy tools to make it easier. Ready to jump into another project.

Thanks everyone!!!

Sorry about the delay, just seeing this

If it will help, I have one of the Squier telecaster basses, and I could trace the body outline and mail it to you.

Let me know if you want a tracing….

Andy

 

[bmlmusic54]

Sorry about the delay, just seeing this

If it will help, I have one of the Squier telecaster basses, and I could trace the body outline and mail it to you.

Let me know if you want a tracing….

Andy

Yeah if get a chance send that to me! Thanks for the offer!

 

[Dark Horse]

Yeah if get a chance send that to me! Thanks for the offer!

Pm your address and I’ll get it out to you this week