First P Bass build

[Martin P Taylor]

Hi all, I thought I'd post a few pics of my first P-Bass build. It is an Alder body, Maple neck, Gidgee fingerboard (Australian timber) with Nitro finish. I've been mainly building acoustc guitars but started on a few electrics recently and this seemed to be the next logical step. No kits, no cnc, all hand shaped and sprayed.

 

[Martin P Taylor]

I thought I'd show a couple of build pics for this too.

On the bench, just before the Gidgee fretboard goes on. Gidgee is an Australian hardwood that makes a great fretboard. It is a little challenging to work but the end result s super smooth and hard wearing.

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Fretboard on, frets in. Finally starting to look like a guitar.

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Now some spraying shots. I ended up doing a 4 colour burst. Vintage Amber, Cherry Red, Dark Brown and then Black. I wasn't completely happy after the black went on and thought it needed a little more Red. Fortunately with transparent Nitro you can do that.

Vintage Amber

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Cherry Red

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Dark Brown

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Black

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And a bit more Red

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After this it was clears, then final level and Buff

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I thought I'd show a couple of build pics for this too.

On the bench, just before the Gidgee fretboard goes on. Gidgee is an Australian hardwood that makes a great fretboard. It is a little challenging to work but the end result s super smooth and hard wearing.

Fretboard on, frets in. Finally starting to look like a guitar.

Now some spraying shots. I ended up doing a 4 colour burst. Vintage Amber, Cherry Red, Dark Brown and then Black. I wasn't completely happy after the black went on and thought it needed a little more Red. Fortunately with transparent Nitro you can do that.

Vintage Amber

Cherry Red

Dark Brown

Black

And a bit more Red

After this it was clears, then final level and Buff

Beautiful workmanship! My only question is: If you can do this, why did you so closely copy a P-Bass? Why not expand on the design, make it better, make it your own? It's kind of sad to think that people are going to see it and assume that it's a really nice Fender. After all the effort and skill that you put into it!

 

[DeltaDelta]

Lovely build, and you did a great job with the photos as well, they really highlight the instrument.
Congratulations!

 

[charlie monroe]

Beautiful workmanship! My only question is: If you can do this, why did you so closely copy a P-Bass? Why not expand on the design, make it better, make it your own? It's kind of sad to think that people are going to see it and assume that it's a really nice Fender. After all the effort and skill that you put into it!

You make valid points, Bruce.

The sad truth is that this is the type of thing that consumers want.

Look at the Sadowsky’s of the world. Endless potential and marvelous skill sets - churning out Fender clones.

 

[Martin P Taylor]

Beautiful workmanship! My only question is: If you can do this, why did you so closely copy a P-Bass? Why not expand on the design, make it better, make it your own? It's kind of sad to think that people are going to see it and assume that it's a really nice Fender. After all the effort and skill that you put into it!

Hi Bruce, I run a guitar making school and when students come in and ask if they can make a particular style of guitar it helps if we have something they recognise first. They usually and up making a custom shape anyway but it reassures them a little seeing something familiar. When building guitars for customers (usually acoustics) I have several of my own shapes and bracing designs. I'll have to take some shots of my acoustic bass to show one of the custom designs.

 

[Basically Bob]

Beautiful work! Would love to see some photos of your acoustic basses.

 

[Kikegg]

Superb! I love the way you got the sunburst!

 

[Gary_M]

Really nice work and spectacular job on the burst and finish overall. Congrats!

 

[Martin P Taylor]

Beautiful work! Would love to see some photos of your acoustic basses.

Thanks Bob, heres some pics of my Acoustic Bass. It utilises Falcate bracing (based on the work of Trevor Gore and Gerard Gilet). Jarrah Back and sides, Mackay Cedar top, Australian Red Cedar neck, 34" scale, LR Baggs Element Pro pickup. Sounds awesome acoustically and the Baggs pickup is great plugged in.

 

[TinIndian]

Thanks Bob, heres some pics of my Acoustic Bass. It utilises Falcate bracing (based on the work of Trevor Gore and Gerard Gilet). Jarrah Back and sides, Mackay Cedar top, Australian Red Cedar neck, 34" scale, LR Baggs Element Pro pickup. Sounds awesome acoustically and the Baggs pickup is great plugged in.

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I love the P bass the finish is fantastic and the fretboard wood reminds me a bit of Wenge.
I'll tell you something though, I don't normally go for acoustic basses very much, but that one right there is spectacular! Do you have a website?

 

[Basically Bob]

Thanks for sharing, Martin. Looks great! I played an old (1977) Guild B50 for several years. I shelved it for quite a while and eventually sold it. Sometimes I kick myself

 

[Martin P Taylor]

Do you have a website?

I do: Martin Taylor Guitars – guitars of beauty and excellence

 

[Tom0Blam0]

Awesome work and great logo!

 

[Beej]

So you sell guitars under the name Martin Taylor? I predict you'll be sued by both of them...

 

[TN WOODMAN]

That p is p perfection. Closest you’ll find these days to a ‘57-‘65 Fender in new condition.