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First Build (warning: Noob content)

#41
zuma said:
Yes, that works! Sounds fabulous! S M O O T H ! Punchy, too. I really like the design. I'd have to play it to know of the bridge/upper horn strap thing bothers me but I would sure like to try!
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Thanks for the help! I can tell you the horn thing is a problem. Without a strap or just suspended from the upper straplock, the bass is perfectly balanced. With a strap on, I get serious neck dive. Weight is not the issue. It all has to do with where the strap has to attach to the body. Working on a solution and seeking counsel.
 
#43
mebusdriver said:
Well how does it play? It looks really good.
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I still have some minor fretwork to do then I will do the final set up. Having said that and even without the set up, I am shocked at how well it plays. The neck is more of a "U" shape. I was trying to mirror a Lakland neck but went a little too far in the U direction and not enough "C". My 9th and 15th frets are just slightly high. Fret leveling file arrives tomorrow. Fret end-dressing file came yesterday. So the frets will be completely leveled, dressed, and buffed by the weekend. Otherwise, the neck is fast, action low, and easy to play. My bass instructor said he had played $3K basses that didn't play as well. No one is more surprised than me. I thought I would have to do all sorts of work to make this bass playable but with Chip's guidance and substantial luck it turned out pretty good. Plays as well as my Jazz right now. :bassist:
 
#45
Armbruster said:
I'm in love. Build me a sister!

And you think I'm joking. How much did that bass cost you overall?
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First of all, I'm flattered. Well, let's see. Minus what I paid Chip for his instruction and all the equipment I have bought? Just bass cost:

Tuners: $40 off ebay
Strings: $55 but had the TI Jazz Flats already
Fret Wire: Chip gave it to me
Bridge: used Schaller given to me by Chip
Pickups: $215 Nordstrands from Bass Emporium
Pots: Total of 3 for about $17 from BE
Jack: $5 from BE
Neck wood: $7 of hard maple
Under body: $8 of alder
Bubunga accent: $20 off ebay
Spalted Maple top: $80 off ebay
Lacquer + Sealer: $32 from Woodcraft
Dunlop Straplocks: $16
Neck bolts + inserts: $5
Grand Total: $500 even :hyper:
Not bad for buying everything retail. Chip saved me some bucks giving me that bridge and the fret wire. I've also spent over $1k on woodworking tools (bandsaw, orbital sander, planer, router, etc) but this is something I really want to do. My wife is supportive in that my next 2 builds will be guitars for my twin sons. Then I will build a pro bono bass for the high school's jazz ensemble. I learned a lot with this build so hopefully the next builds will go faster. Thanks again for the kind words.
 
#47
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