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First Build, Performer Copy

#281
So I installed the new volume controls today. I'll have to look for some new knobs, or I'll just use the lower portion of the existing knobs and add some kind of white or wood cover. I also started on the design of a case. It's just too long to fit inside the P-bass case.

I cut out a piece of paper to the outside dimensions and started drawing in the interior layout.

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Rough design is completed, now to buy some plywood.

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I've been looking for some high density foam, but all they have locally is the cushion foam, so I ended up buying a couple of sheets used for under a sleeping bag.

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#282
The 1st bass I owned was a late 60's MIJ (before this 3 letter designation was used!) mystery label bought for $40 (new) in a Walgreens dept store, without a case. My dad was a DIY guy (again, before those 3 letters were used!) and for the following Christmas "secretly" made a case for my bass. (hence this reflection) He made it out of thick plywood and it was lined w/red velour and had dark brown wood-grain patterned contact paper (stylin') on the outside. It had 2 plastic handles, one on either side when open. Needless to say, it weighed a ton. I was grateful to have such a special case for my special bass, as I was starting to take lessons. (a few miles away-walking distance...) It was winter in the mid-west, I was 13 and the case was nearly my size and weight. My only memories of those short-lived lessons was struggling with that case, stopping every 1/2 block to switch hands.

I trust yours will be stealthy and protective and probably not covered w/wood-grain pattern contact paper. ;)
 
#284
JIO said:
The 1st bass I owned was a late 60's MIJ (before this 3 letter designation was used!) mystery label bought for $40 (new) in a Walgreens dept store, without a case. My dad was a DIY guy (again, before those 3 letters were used!) and for the following Christmas "secretly" made a case for my bass. (hence this reflection) He made it out of thick plywood and it was lined w/red velour and had dark brown wood-grain patterned contact paper (stylin') on the outside. It had 2 plastic handles, one on either side when open. Needless to say, it weighed a ton. I was grateful to have such a special case for my special bass, as I was starting to take lessons. (a few miles away-walking distance...) It was winter in the mid-west, I was 13 and the case was nearly my size and weight. My only memories of those short-lived lessons was struggling with that case, stopping every 1/2 block to switch hands.

I trust yours will be stealthy and protective and probably not covered w/wood-grain pattern contact paper. ;)
Click to expand...

My Dad was also a DIY person. Growing up with someone who had a lot of knowledge about many things had definite advantages, from learning about car repair to home repair. He bought me my first electric guitar from Lafayette Electronics (anyone remember that place?) but I had no amp. So he grabbed an old 5 x 7 oval speaker from a TV set (he never threw anything away, a habit I picked up from him, much to the dismay of my husband), and mounted it in a plywood box. For the amp, he used an old transistor radio (also salvaged from his stash), disconnected the tuner section, soldered on a 1/4" input jack, and mounted it in a cigar box, which he mounted on to the speaker. It looked like hell but it worked. Battery powered even.

I'm using 1/4" plywood for the sides, so I'm hoping it won't be too heavy. I am thinking about painting it with that Duratex paint. I'm not sure what I'm going to line the inside with.


Beej said:
Instead of searching for high density foam, you can use rigid insulation available at any Home Depot or the like - works perfectly for creating a shape inside a case and it's super cheap...
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought of that, I'll have to take a look. Thanks :)
 
#285
mapleglo said:
My Dad was also a DIY person. Growing up with someone who had a lot of knowledge about many things had definite advantages, from learning about car repair to home repair. He bought me my first electric guitar from Lafayette Electronics (anyone remember that place?) but I had no amp. So he grabbed an old 5 x 7 oval speaker from a TV set (he never threw anything away, a habit I picked up from him, much to the dismay of my husband), and mounted it in a plywood box. For the amp, he used an old transistor radio (also salvaged from his stash), disconnected the tuner section, soldered on a 1/4" input jack, and mounted it in a cigar box, which he mounted on to the speaker. It looked like hell but it worked. Battery powered even.

I'm using 1/4" plywood for the sides, so I'm hoping it won't be too heavy. I am thinking about painting it with that Duratex paint. I'm not sure what I'm going to line the inside with.
Click to expand...

Funny, my dad & I (mostly him) built a transistor Heathkit amp. I really wanted a Kustom or an Acoustic 360 but had no way of affording either. Those were the days huh? :rolleyes:

A local guitar store that's been around a while just south of here has a basement filled w/various gig-bags and cases. If you had anything like that anywhere near your area it may save a lot of time, effort and money to see if something stock would fit. That is, unless you want to make the case... (I'd use Tolex or something like it to cover the outside with instead of painting it) <- just my 2 cents.
 
#286
JIO said:
Funny, my dad & I (mostly him) built a transistor Heathkit amp. I really wanted a Kustom or an Acoustic 360 but had no way of affording either. Those were the days huh? :rolleyes:

A local guitar store that's been around a while just south of here has a basement filled w/various gig-bags and cases. If you had anything like that anywhere near your area it may save a lot of time, effort and money to see if something stock would fit. That is, unless you want to make the case... (I'd use Tolex or something like it to cover the outside with instead of painting it) <- just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...

There's a Guitar Center right up the street from me, and a Harmony House a few miles away, but I think I'll try and build one myself first. It shouldn't be too expensive, and I've already bought the wood and padding. I've already started to clamp the frame together.

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#287
Inside frame completed.

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Gluing up the frame for the top.

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This whole case building thing is uncharted territory, so I'm not sure how to do some things. I do know the top should match the bottom, which is why I clamped the top frame to the bottom. I'll let that set up, and then glue on the top sheet.
 
#290
The top is all glued up, and I sanded everything pretty smooth. It's starting to look like a case.

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Seems to match up fairly well.

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I brushed on a coat of polyurethane just to seal the wood. I think it will help protect it from moisture (not that there's any of that here in Arrakis) and will adhere better to the spray glue when I apply the tolex/fabric/whatever covering.

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I'll wait until that dries to the touch and then do the undersides. I may or may not apply a second coat. I'll see how much poly I have left in the 1/2 can I found.
 
#292
I rounded over the edges and put on a coat of poly just on the round overs. I'm almost out of that can of poly - I should have just enough for another coat on the round overs.

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My husband thinks I should leave the case natural. He likes the stripes of the plywood.

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I am now thinking I'll cover it with black denim. There's a fabric store right up the street and it's less than half the price of tolex. I'm still thinking about it. I have to buy some case hardware - hinges, latches, corners, a handle, and four feet, not to mention a little more foam. This should still come in less than actually buying a pre-made case. Of course, I just ordered some materials for my other build, so I may have to wait for my next paycheck.
 
#295
I started making a set of knobs since I can't seem to find anything I like. Unfortunately, the knob cracked when I pushed the insert all the way in. Then I lost my motivation. I'll start another one tomorrow, and enlarge the hole slightly to avoid another crack.

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I also picked up some foam for the top portion of the case, and found some black cotton fabric for the outside and foam covering. I'll have to break out the sewing machine at some point.
 
#296
Working on some maple knobs, putting on a few coats of lacquer.

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Also, after living with this bass for a while, i've come to know that a belly cut is essential. Next time I talk about not using a belly cut, please, feel free to remind me of this. I may end up adding one.

Also, the case is coming along - I'm expecting some hardware to be delivered tonight.
 
#297
mapleglo said:
Working on some maple knobs, putting on a few coats of lacquer.



Also, after living with this bass for a while, i've come to know that a belly cut is essential. Next time I talk about not using a belly cut, please, feel free to remind me of this. I may end up adding one.

Also, the case is coming along - I'm expecting some hardware to be delivered tonight.
Click to expand...

I just like having the bass conform to me as best as possible - to be comfortable when playing. The only basses I've owned that didn't have a belly bevel were a '51 P RI (slab), an Epi T-bird and a Ric 4003. I eventually modded the P, and a bevel was added. I did a more upper body bevel on the T-bird as I ride that bass different. Since you have the option, something to consider after playing your bass is determining where you prefer it to ride. (where would the bevel be best located) The bevel may not be in the standard central body location. I never had issues with the Ric, as it was thin and at least the top back edge was rounded off. (and I don't own it anymore) Rasping/sanding one out is pretty straight forward and should be an easy blend-in to your finish.
 
#298
I also found Rickenbakers comfortable so I may just add a round over. I'd have to disassemble the bass again, and spray a few more coats of lacquer. I'll put some thought into this. Standing up while playing is fine, it's just while sitting it becomes a problem.
 
#299
In an effort to continue to work on as many projects at the same time as possible, I decided that I must do something about the edge where a belly cut/round over should be. Playing while seated is just too painful.

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Clamped to the work bench and marked off the area for the round over.

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Rough round over routed, starting to sand.

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Sanding complete to 400 grit, ready for final confirmation of fit to my belly.

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First coat of lacquer sprayed, a few more today, then some light sanding, and a bunch more coats over the next few days. Much better.

I'm also starting work on a bridge cover. I mostly play with a pick, and resting my hand on the bridge itself places the pick right over the bridge pickup. I'd like to move that to between the 2 pickups, and a bridge cover should help. I'll rough out one from maple, and if I don't like it, look into something in chrome - maybe the Precision type pickup cover, or something like that.
 
#300
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Almost done with the case. I just need to get the corners, and cover the padding and uncovered wood areas.

I took the bass to band practice today. I didn't for the audition, because I though the Ibanez P-bass would fit better in the mix. Boy, was I wrong. This bass cut through the mix, and sounded great. I'm very excited. I thought I'd use it for the first song or two, and ended up playing it all day. The P-bass didn't leave the case.

Also, replaced the knobs with wooden ones. I think they fit better than the chrome ones, and they lighten the bass up significantly. It is coming in at about 8 and a half pound now, so its super comfy.
 
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