First Build: SC5 Headless

[CH Design]

Wow! Lookin' sharp!

Thanks Adam. I hope I'm doing your design justice.

I was sitting with it last night after I got the strings on and was a little shocked at how comfortable it is. I can't wait to tune it up and actually play it.

 

[CH Design]

Fresh out of the printer. Sometimes you just gotta love technology.
I'll see if they fit when I get home. Hopefully it's only another couple of weeks until I get the real covers.

 

[joeyl]

Fresh out of the printer. Sometimes you just gotta love technology.
I'll see if they fit then I get home. Hopefully it's only another couple of weeks until I get the real covers.

that is seriously nice.

 

[CH Design]

that is seriously nice.

Ya. It's definitely a handy resource to have for any kind of mechanical design work. It's just too bad they haven't figured out a way to print in wood grain yet ...

 

[T-34]

That is EXACTLY what i was going to do for my next build!!!

 

[CH Design]

That is EXACTLY what i was going to do for my next build!!!

You're going to have it 3D printed?!?

 

[CH Design]

Not bad. It's a little tight in the corners and I forgot that I guessed how tall the screw mounts on the pickup were (before I had the pickups). The pickups didn't fit all of the way in. Two small changes will fix that and make them a perfect fit.

 

[T-34]

You're going to have it 3D printed?!?

Not whole bass
Only pickup covers!

 

[CH Design]

Fingerboard leveled, polished and oiled? Check!

 

[T-34]

Shiny!

 

[CH Design]

Final sanding. Only a few hours left before I can start applying the finish.

 

[CH Design]

Sanding is done. First coat of finish is drying.

This will be the last update until the finish is done (10-12 coats).

 

[CH Design]

I decided to stop at 6 coats. The directions for the finish I'm using say 2-3 coats for handrails. I figure handrails see a lot of use, but not abuse (i.e. the get touched a lot, but don't necessarily get bumped and dinged much). 6 should be good enough for a bass. One of the reasons I like this finish is that it goes on very thin. I know a lot of people like to put thick finished on their basses to help protect against bumps. While the added protection would be nice, I prefer a thin finish that still feels like you're touching wood.

I've got everything buffed out except for the edge of the body. I really like how the Chechen turned out.

Before....

After!

Here's the finish. I put three coats on (around 4 hours between coats) then level with the 1500 grit micro mesh pad. Put another three coats on, level with the 1800 grit and polish with 2400 grit.

 

[pilotjones]

Look nice. Did you do the neck, too?

 

[CH Design]

Yes, I finished the neck the same way. I thought the ash might need a few more coats since ash has a reputation for sucking up a lot of finish (I don't use any grain filler), but it didn't.

 

[CH Design]

Got some more work done tonight. Started by finishing the leveling and polishing. Then it was time to start assembling.

Starting with some grounding wires.

Then I got the head piece, bridge and pickups mounted. I'm still waiting for the covers ...

 

[CH Design]

I'm in need of a little help with the wiring. I started a thread in the electronics forum, but if anyone here can help out I would really appreciate it.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/stacked-volume-pot-bbg-wiring-help-904280/

 

[CH Design]

Pickup covers are ready for finishing!

 

[CH Design]

Pickup covers are finished and installed.

Finally got the screws for the control cavity cover too.

Next up is installing the preamp and finishing the nut. Then it's time to rock!

 

[eude]

Man alive!
This bass look amazing
Can't wait to see your own designs coming to life to.
Keep up the good work fella!

Eude