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Gene Simmons LoBue Tribute Build

For bulk material removal inside a pocket or cavity, a forstner bit is a better idea. They are faster and cheaper than router bits. I use a 3/4" Ryobi forstner bit I got at Home Depot for most of my hogging out. Then you just attach the template and clean up the hole with the bearing bit.

Agreed. I was just experimenting with MDF last night. I will do testing with forstner bits and routing this weekend.
 
Ok, It's really, really hard to tell, but I think this is getting close. I'm still not sure about these 2 points I've circled. At first I thought they might be dings, because of the way the 2nd picture makes it look like they are into the face of the headstock but now I'm not so sure. They are pretty symmetrical. Could it be a bit of carving?

LoBueHeadstockV5_zpsdb0692ec.jpg


The drawing on the left is the first one I did. Then I decided that it was probably more like the 2nd one. Then I thought they might need to come in further toward center so i did #3.

I just can't decide what this shape really is though. Any thoughts? Do they need to be more pronounced? They are kind of subtle right now.

If anyone has any better, clearer pics of the headstock that would be great. It's cut off in most pics and the ones I have are not very clear.

BG maybe you can post this at kissfaqs.com or direct people to look at it here. I'd be interested in what those guys have to say.
 
oh, forgot. My theory is that since the rest of the bass is clearly based on a Gibson EB-0, that the headstock is some variation of the traditional Gibson open book headstock detail but it's pretty subtle and doesn't show up well in pictures. Definately something going on there whatever it is.
 
I'm on hold for my headstock template and routing bench, so with the correct tools and techniques on hand, I decided to practice neck pocket routing.

My old stupid collar bit, used to result in loose fitting neck pockets. With these new bits and correct thickness MDF, here we go!

Centering and lining up practice board.
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Template blocks positioned and taped around the neck heel.
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Template ready for the Forstner bit!
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After the Forstner bit cleaned out the cavity.
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After rout, I'm really happy how clean this looks.
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Trying the neck. This pocket is much nicer, and my string test results in good centering.
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Not satisfied, I did another pocket.
My second attempt resulted in a even better pocket.
Side views. Just a touch of play in the pocket.
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Bottom view
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Centerline string test results in another good outcome.
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The right tools make the job easier. Lesson learned.
Tonight's pockets.
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What the guys at kissfaq said:
"Third option, furthest to the right. I dug a little deeper into the pic collection and found the three below which seem to support that choice. But I must say that either of the three would work. I think the beveling on the body of the bass (and the overall proportions of the body of course) would be more important."
image_zpsdd168c3e.jpg
 
Ok, that's pretty much what I thought. I'll finalize it today at work and send it along.

That 1st picture there shows the channel around the body very clearly. Best shot of that I've seen yet.

Have you decided if you are going to use the pickguard? That would be next up on the hit parade.
 
Here are some preliminary drawings of the headstock based on the new pictures. I did not have a lot of time to work on this today like I thought I would so it's still rough.

LoBueHeadstock_6_zps0c8c6a40.jpg


The only difference between #2 and #3 is 3 has a shallower angle on the outside top surfaces. I'm not sure about #1. Sometimes it looks like there is some kind of ridge there, then sometimes not.
If there is, it's most likely bigger than what I've drawn here.
 
Look! I got a really nice present over at kissfaqs.com

ThebestHeadstock_zpsd545b288.jpg


I should be able to get this part done by Friday and then the pickguard by the end of next week. We are moving so I don't have the time to work on it like I normally would.

I've been looking at more pics of the edge of the body and I'm pretty sure I was wrong. It looks like it might be a simple roundover or chamfer rather than a stile bit. Any opinions?

LoBuebodyedge_zps2d3f9ad9.jpg
 

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