First Bass Build - Semi Hollow EB-2 Inspired

[RBS_Johnson]

This looks like such a fun, off the wall kinda build! I will be following this. Also, depending on what batteries you are using for the LEDs, they could last quite some time.

-Jake

 

[Ben Umlaut]

Clamps. Yup.

 

[Ben Umlaut]

My friend that I'm building for wanted me to incorporate something to do with "Ace of Spades." With no neck pickup, there is a nice wide open space right in the center for some carving.

I sketched and erased until I was happy with the shape and then went over the line with an xacto knife.

Then I just had to do a shallow carve to bring out the shape. I'm keeping it shallow so that it isn't too much of a focal point.

 

[ctmullins]

This axe just keeps gettin' cooler and cooler.

 

[Ben Umlaut]

Meh, subtle didn't seem to fit what we were going for.

Trying to see if I can draw flames.

Close enough.

Still need to clean up between the flames, but I'm happy with it.

And what is more metal than fire? More Fire!!!

Should take about another hour to finish them off.

 

[GKon]

VERY cool!!!!! and HOT!!! all at the same time!

 

[Jonny5bass]

That's some pretty cool stuff!

 

[ICM]

This build is wild! Keep at it.

 

[Ben Umlaut]

VERY cool!!!!! and HOT!!! all at the same time!

That's some pretty cool stuff!

This build is wild! Keep at it.

Thanks. I haven't built many instruments, but have done a gray beard's worth of woodworking. My favorite projects are the ones that let me make design changes as I go. I've found that no matter how much I plan, I always find ideas I like better after the wood starts flying.

I managed to get the back fully roughed in. The curves still need some refining, but I'll get there.

Thanks for taking the time to look. Feel free to tell me what you think, good or bad. I lost my feelings in a poker game in 1997, so there is no risk of hurting them.

 

[Ben Umlaut]

Started finishing the back...

Still a long way to go, just an ugly shellac seal coat over the dye right now.

 

[Ben Umlaut]

Started on my ultra secret burst technique. OK, actually I just use TransTint dye and cotton balls.

I start with a nice and sloppy coat of black.

I sand it back with 220. I'm really pleased with how the grain turned out for the price.

I was going for more of a dried blood look for the horns, didn't quite get it.

And after the first pass of fading.

I just finished my third and hopefully final layer along the outermost areas of the top. Hopefully I can get some finish on it soon.

Thanks for having a look.

 

[ctmullins]

So awesome! What did you dilute the TransTint with, and at what concentration?

 

[Ben Umlaut]

So awesome! What did you dilute the TransTint with, and at what concentration?

I just use plain tap water out of a jug I keep for my sharpening station. I haven't had any problems with mineral streaking or rust spots with water from this house. I do have a case of "sterile" water from a pharmacy that I used to work at that I use for light woods and lighter dyes. I don't use alcohol to dilute because it flashes off to fast for me to fade properly.

As far as concentrations, I fill a small plastic Dixie cup about 1/4 full of water. I add between 5 to 10 drops of dye and test the color and adjust accordingly.

This is absolutely not the way I recommend anyone else doing it. If you're trying to color match or go for anything but black, it really helps to have a better plan. I've just been using aniline dyes for a long time building, restoring, and matching existing furniture.

When I'm done with the dye, I label the cups and set aside to let the liquid evaporate out. You can then reconstitute them later. I'm sure someone will tell you why you shouldn't, and they're probably right.

 

[Ben Umlaut]

I put a sealer coat of shellac on (the bass, not me) before work today. Tonight I'll start swatting flaws and hopefully start topcoats tomorrow.

 

[wisconsindead]

This is a very "rad" bass. Nice creative work!

 

[ICM]

Nice! How do you plan to stain the back?

 

[Ben Umlaut]

This is a very "rad" bass. Nice creative work!

Thanks. It's getting there.

Nice! How do you plan to stain the back?

The back has two coats of an antique cherry dye, carefully selected because it was already on my workbench. The inside of the flames have a little bit of black along their borders and red in the field.

A shot after two coats of Tru-oil.

 

[Ben Umlaut]

I think I've reached the point where it just needs a final wipe down then I will tearfuly watch my baby walk out the door.

Anyway, pictures.

 

[Jonny5bass]

That turned out great! How long did the batteries end up lasting for the LED's? I also like your careful selection of dye.

 

[Means2nEnd]

Amazing amount of hand working it's awesome...Headstock is killer.