Fretless 5 String Competition - Simnett Guitars

[Simo]

It's about time I made a start on this project! It would appear that I was naughty last year, as Santa brought me the flu for Christmas as a result I'm running a couple of weeks behind. I'm still working out the details for this one... but so far the idea is to build a piezo only bass, using the same body shape as the Invalid Link Removed that I made last year.

Here's the spec so far...

Claro Walnut top
African Mahogany body
Maple(?) neck
Ziricote fretboard
Hipshot hardware (black)

More updates to follow shortly.. and if it's requirement, a 'hair shot' too, lol

 

[adam.beauchene]

Nice wood pile, and design. Don't listen to the geriatrics, hair shot required.

Nice FB, too. This is totally the 5 string, fretless, ziricote competition!

 

[Musiclogic]

Welcome Simo, looks like it's warming up, hope your feeling better.

 

[Greenman]

I'd like to see that Claro wet down.

 

[Simo]

I'd like to see that Claro wet down.

Ask and ye shall receive! ... not the best photo though I'm afraid

 

[Greenman]

What type of finish will you use? Thanks.

 

[Simo]

What type of finish will you use? Thanks.

I'm not sure yet, it will either be Rustin's Plastic Coating or an oil/wax finish.. it really depends on how quickly the build comes together, i.e. if I have time for a lacquer finish to cure, etc.

 

[Grant Bass]

beautty!!
we totally shoulda done a fretless 5 zirocote buildoff

 

[Simo]

Nobody said that I had to be facing the camera And before I get asked... (a) No, I'm not a woman (b) As far as I'm aware I'm not related to Cousin It from The Adams Family.

 

[roberthabraken]

Very nice! I'm really interested in piezo only basses. Clean look, acoustic sound, curious how it turns out. Someday I might build one too.

 

[Simo]

A bit more progress today, the top has been jointed and glued...

 

[Grant Bass]

it looks like you cut a one piece body blank into two??
or is it just a great matchup?

 

[Simo]

it looks like you cut a one piece body blank into two??
or is it just a great matchup?

Just a good match

 

[Jon_West]

You make the sexiest basses I have ever seen hands down. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

 

[Reticle]

You make the sexiest basses I have ever seen hands down.

+1

Your Redwood 6 is one of the classiest basses I've ever laid my eyes upon.

 

[Simo]

Cheers guys

Quick update: Top & body have been joined, sanded to size on the drum sander and then rough cut ready to be sanded to the final shape tomorrow.

(I'm not building a lefty by the way, this will be the back)

 

[Grant Bass]

told you guys; simo's wood does not create dust!!!

 

[Big B.]

Dont worry. My wood makes enough for all 3 of us. One more beautiful bass in the making. This contest rocks!

 

[Rip Topaz]

Interested in this Rustin's Plastic Coating. Do you have any examples of what it looks like finished? Ever use it for a bass before? This is the first I've heard of it but from what I've found by searching it seems like an easy finish.
I went back and read a few other threads and saw one where you said you can thin the Rustin's to be able to wipe it on like an oil finish. What do you use to thin it? What's the finishing process?

 

[Simo]

told you guys; simo's wood does not create dust!!!

haha

Interested in this Rustin's Plastic Coating. Do you have any examples of what it looks like finished? Ever use it for a bass before? This is the first I've heard of it but from what I've found by searching it seems like an easy finish.
I went back and read a few other threads and saw one where you said you can thin the Rustin's to be able to wipe it on like an oil finish. What do you use to thin it? What's the finishing process?

I'd definitely recommend it.. it's easy to use and very tough. Depending on the kind of finish you're looking for it can either be brushed, or thinned down (with Cellulose thinners) and wiped on with a cloth as you would with an oil finish and of course it can be sprayed (again, when thinned). Only problem is I'm not sure if it's available over your side of the pond

Personally I brush it on and then buff by hand using 'Rustin's Burnishing Cream' and polishing cloth... it's a lot of work but I prefer to work by hand instead of using power tools all the time.

Here's an example...