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EUB project

#141
Wing's done and the final gluing - that's it for now. I need to make a nut and then I can string it for preliminary testing. I'm guessing the bridge is going to need some reinforcing once tension is applied considering the steep angle of the strings into the body. Perhaps burying an aluminum plate that is laminated to the bridge (cut to its shape) into the body like the NS example. Or something. :)

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#142
That black binding really looks sweet JIO, as for stew mac's binding tape, that stuff is no joke. supper sticky with just the right strength, I love it. Some times if I make... say a cavity cover, a bit to small on a one off, I'll wrap the template with that binding tape to bulk it up for a tighter fit. BTW I love seeing your artistic brain at work. Look for an e-mail from me in a few days.

:D:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
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#144
MrArose13 said:
That black binding really looks sweet JIO, as for stew mac's binding tape, that stuff is no joke. supper sticky with just the right strength, I love it. Some times if I make... say a cavity cover, a bit to small on a one off, I'll wrap the template with that binding tape to bulk it up for a tighter fit. BTW I love seeing your artistic brain at work. Look for an e-mail from me in a few days.

:D:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Nice to hear from you Andrew! I used to use 3M blue tape - but that Stew Mac stuff if perfect for the job. Thanks for your interest and support and will look forward to your email! :)
 
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#145
I just did a quick search on bassstringsonline.com for medium scale (32-34) light gauge flat-wound strings. I found La Bella Hofner Beatle Bass [.039/.056/.077/.096] and wonder if anyone (Ivan perhaps?) is familiar w/these strings. They were paraphrased "new version" (?) and cost $34.95. They were the lightest set of the choices provided and sound like what I want as I like La Bella flats and want a light gauge, medium scale set. Is a Hofner violin bass 32" scale?
 
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#148
JIO said:
I just did a quick search on bassstringsonline.com for medium scale (32-34) light gauge flat-wound strings. I found La Bella Hofner Beatle Bass [.039/.056/.077/.096] and wonder if anyone (Ivan perhaps?) is familiar w/these strings. They were paraphrased "new version" (?) and cost $34.95. They were the lightest set of the choices provided and sound like what I want as I like La Bella flats and want a light gauge, medium scale set. Is a Hofner violin bass 32" scale?
Click to expand...
I'd measure from the ferrule to the nut, I think you probably are going to need longer strings, looking at the ferule placement and bridge height I'd say a standard long scale would probably be about right.
 
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#150
delta7fred said:
The Hofner Beatle Bass is nominally 30" scale (my clone measures 30 3/4") but because of the distance between the string anchor and the bridge I needed to use 32" scale strings (D'Addario ECB81M Chromes not specified for a Violin Bass).
Click to expand...

Ok - thanks for that info. I'll check w/bsol on that string-set length. I'm after a lighter gauge 32" scale set -
 
#151
Will_White said:
I'd measure from the ferrule to the nut, I think you probably are going to need longer strings, looking at the ferule placement and bridge height I'd say a standard long scale would probably be about right.
Click to expand...

You may be right - I still need light gauge flats.
 
#154
Another mock-up shot as I move closer to functional completion. I'm going reinforce the bridge with a 1/8" layer of aluminum. I'll epoxy them together, cut out in the same shape, but with a lower flange that I will bury 1/2" into the body. The aluminum side will be facing the floor so mostly you'll see the maple. I'll cut the nut from brass and maple laminate.

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#157
Okay, now that you REALLY have my attention...

Can Cello fingerboards be had without the flat?
Is it really practical to try to fret a radius that small?

Of course, even though I suck at fretless.. if I'm building from rough stock instead of kit parts.. maybe a fretless would be a good first neck. Raw materials cost wouldn't be that bad, just a lot of sweat and dust. Fun project, result isn't sellable when I get frustrated at my fretless playing. Neck through (all neck) plus an ebay fingerboard, piezo. Hmmmm....
 
#158
swarfrat said:
Okay, now that you REALLY have my attention...

Can Cello fingerboards be had without the flat?
Is it really practical to try to fret a radius that small?

Of course, even though I suck at fretless.. if I'm building from rough stock instead of kit parts.. maybe a fretless would be a good first neck. Raw materials cost wouldn't be that bad, just a lot of sweat and dust. Fun project, result isn't sellable when I get frustrated at my fretless playing. Neck through (all neck) plus an ebay fingerboard, piezo. Hmmmm....
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about cello's, but basses can have the bevel or not. It's really for bowing so w/o that need it's less pertinent. (say, if a Jazzer who only uses pizzicato) I will want to bow this instrument, maybe more than plucking. We'll see how it maneuvers once it's built up to play. I could always radius it w/o the bevel if it's an issue.

The thing about making your own instruments is that you do it because you want that instrument and enjoy the process. The market is wide open catering to DIY builds - everything is available! As an artist, I'm a maker - and as a musician, I'm an explorer. This UEB like thing is a good example of that technology. I'm thoroughly enjoying the process, and if it becomes an actual instrument - cherry on the top! :) I hope it has it's own unique sound unlike a bass, especially aided by a pedal or two!
 
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#160
The labella Beatle bass flats are made specifically for hofners: a 30" scale that requires longer strings because of the tailpiece. They have light blue felt and are great strings. My first flats actually. Only reason I changed to chromes (and later TI's) is because I broke one at the top from constantly fiddling with it.
I highly recommend these strings as they were what initially made me fall in love with the flatwound sound.
One thing I would watch out for with them however, is near where you string them into the tuner. Since hofners use guitar tuners, the string ends are a lot thinner than they would be on let's say a set of fender strings. I have hofner pyramids on my mustang now, so they still work, just a little thin towards the top.
 

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