Finger ramp project and prototype

While I’m waiting on my new custom fretless build to show up in a few months, that I'll need to build a ramp for, I’ve started fiddling with another ramp idea for my Mayones to test out the process. I don't have a CNC setup yet, so decided to use my 10w laser to quickly fabricate this piece.

I decided to try a 3-ply approach with Purpleheart wood. Also wanted this to be removable/reversible so using some thin 2-sided tape on top of the pickups so it’s reversible and no adhesive on the body.

First I made a prototype with just corrugated cardboard to make sure I had the dimensions modeled properly and dry fit over the pickups.


The 2 bottom layers form the cavities and the top is solid with the logo etched. I then laminated the plies together with Tightbond and then shaped the top radius and shaped the edges.



Once that was fitted I cut 3 pieces of the Purpleheart, laminated them and then sanded shaped the final piece, laser etched the logo. I actually sanded the logo off completely when I arched the top and then did the final etching once all of the shaping was done.

Then I applied some thin adhesive backed felt and then removed it so it left just a very thin soft barrier. To mount to the pickups, I first tried the 3M contact double-sided foam tabs but they added too much padding and they really didn’t stick that well to the wood.


My approach to really seal the ramp down to the body was to cut some pieces of vinyl to the exact shape of the pick up to protect the top of the pickups and then found some really thin two-sided tape off of Amazon that has really good tack to it and so far this is working out pretty well. So the pickups are protected from any damage from adhesive, the two-sided tape is really strong so it is keeping the ramp from moving around and finally it is reversible and removable.



With the final etching completed, I finished it with just some Howards Feed and Wax and mounted it over the pickups.


I've been playing with this on my Mayones bass for a week and at rehearsal tonight and so far this has worked out perfectly, or just as I had expected.

 

I'm also planning to 3D print another prototype with some Ebony PLA that I have.

 

YES this ^^^

 

So I used a 3M vinyl that I cut on my Cricut machine that has low tack so it essentially can be removed and no adhesive will be left behind it’s really good quality vinyl.

 

I love Purpleheart as well…
So this is a great story, I was looking for a high tack yet removable double-sided tape that was thin. Everything I could find had a thickness to it that just wouldn’t work for me.

So the package shows up at home from Amazon and my wife opens it and says
“why did you order bra strap tape??!!”


But it was actually perfect as it was the right tack, very thin and I got 50 pieces for under $10! So I have no idea how it works for women’s apparel, but it works fantastic on bass finger ramps!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K2CMFV...t_i_ZDQHN96PFTVMEFR30FBH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

Here’s the other double sided tape that I ordered, it showed up a few days after I used the first. I’ll keep this roll in my workshop it as it looks great, very thin.

They also have many different widths to choose from:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBJVU04?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share