First build - work in progress

[I-Am-The-Slime]

Hey, welcome back! That looks so nice and clean, amazing work

I personally can't imagine leaving the strings at length would affect intonation, but I could be ignorant on that front. I think the suggestion of trying a different set of strings is a good diagnostic test.

 

[Frederiek]

I worked on the nut some more and that already made a huge difference Nut higher = 'fretted' note sharper I'd say. Decided to make the pickup pocket slightly deeper and the pickup cover slightly smaller (it was an extremely tight fit, was afraid I wouldn't even be able to remove it). Adjusted the height of the knobs and press fitted those too. I took the bass to the local guitar shop for the soldering part (shame shame shame! I know ), hope it's done before the weekend!!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Very, Very nice work Frederiek. You have some Skills! The finish came out fantastic, lyrical body shape, it's all good. I feel like a Piker with my copycat Ric build, I'll get there eventually!

 

[Frederiek]

I've followed your build with a lot of interest and admiration so that really means something to me! I love all the details you're doing on the Ric

 

[honza992]

I'm coming late to this but wanted to quickly comment about your top gluing (near) disaster. It's happened to me a couple of times. I've only done a few builds but I really recommend using West System epoxy, and if you can spare the money get their dedicated hand pumps. The pumps mean you can mix a small amount, perfect for gluing a top. I use it in conjunction with a vacuum bag and hand pump used for vacuuming half drunk wine bottles (Google Roarocket if you are interested). West System Epoxy isn't water based so there's no warping and the vacuum bag works brilliantly.

I've used the same system for veneer accent lines and it also works well.

Your build looks really great!

 

[Frederiek]

That's really an excellent idea... I even have such a wine bottle pump! Never thought you would actually be able to create a proper vacuum for gluing with it, I'm going to give it a try Do you have any pictures of your setup?

 

[honza992]

Frederiek I'm only a few builds in so please take everything I say as a beginners experience, rather that advice you should follow!

The vacuum bag I use is from here:
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The 26x28" bag is perfect bass body size. The kits are expensive (110 euros) until you compare them with motorised vacuum systems used in industry which cost hundreds and hundreds.

I'm building a 'Super P' with ash body, redwood top and black veneer accent line. I keep on meaning to do a diary build but my 13 month old daughter is teething and this and that......somehow life always seems to get in the way. I must try harder. Anyway, here is a picture of the bag I use and a close up of the glue line - no gaps that I can see though it's still only rough cut.

(edit to try to get the photos to work.......)
Just in case you do try this technique, West System does not stick to either the bag or greaseproof/baking paper (which is what I've lined the bag with).

 

[honza992]

The bag closes using a soft gum/rubber type seal. If you are careful I think you could probably use it 5 or 6 times before needing to replace the seal - either by buying a replacement seal from Roarockit or by improvising your own. When I've used it the vacuum still seems to be at full pressure the next day. For such basic technology it really works very well.

 

[Frederiek]

Thanks very much for your explanation! I've been looking at their video's and I'm amazed it works so well. I have this thing in my kitchen drawer: Invalid Link Removed, maybe I can get it to work with a vacuum bag for storing clothes... To be continued!

 

[honza992]

I can see no reason why those bags wouldn't work. You don't need that much vacuum pressure for it to be equal to normal clamping - because the vacuum pressure is applied to the whole surface rather than just where the clamp is in contact. I got the idea from Fletcher Guitars - who does fantastic instructional videos, in case you haven't seen them, the best I've seen.

 

[Frederiek]

 

[I-Am-The-Slime]

double like!

that came out looking excellent, great job How do you like the way it plays and sounds?

 

[Fat Freddy]

I'm not usually a lover of single cut basses but that just has a certain je ne sais quoi....

Nice job.....

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Beauty and the Bass! You look proud of it, and you should be.

 

[reverendrally]

I've just read through this thread. Stunning work. As some people say, you have "mad skilz!". Don't stop now. Keep building more instruments!

 

[mapleglo]

Awesome!

 

[Frederiek]

Thank you all very much!! I am really proud indeed as, apart from some minor mistakes, it turned out as well as I hoped it would in every way... I wanted an instrument with a certain sound and feeling, and beyond my expectations I achieved exactly what I intended. It's a great feeling to create something that suits you so well. Plus I like the looks of it

Some more pictures too! I have a friend with a small (but very pro) home studio, very grateful he wanted to help me with this - it's the cherry on the cake. Now I can stop worrying about scratches and dings

I've started drawing for the next build already, but I don't think I can ever top how I feel about this one!

 

[reverendrally]

You've started out extremely strong, but I'm confident you're gonna get better and better. What gets me is how you did all this in your spare bedroom!

 

[Jisch]

For US based folks, you can get those bag kits here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

(I just ordered one - based on the shipping charge I suspect it's coming from the EU)

Oh and the bass is beautiful, nice job. I love those studio pics.

 

[PDX Rich]

Really excellent work!!