Gene Simmons LoBue Tribute Build

[RaginRog]

Excellent work...I'm glad I was sub'd and got to see the final product.

 

[Ironfingers]

Kill it tonight man.

I'm bummed I couldn't come down, but life intrudes on the best laid plans.

Glad I could help. Looks killer!!

 

[bassgod76]

I took my LoBue on its inaugural run last night. During a few practice runs with another tribute band, I was having tuning issues. This band plays a whole step down. My band plays classic KISS tuning 1/2 step down.
When tuned down a whole step, the bass would go out of tune after 3 songs. I had less issues, but still had to tune frequently with 1/2 step down.

I'm thinking this issue is due to the aluminum nut, causing the strings to bind.
Your thoughts?

 

[GrumpiusMaximus]

I took my LoBue on its inaugural run last night. During a few practice runs with another tribute band, I was having tuning issues. This band plays a whole step down. My band plays classic KISS tuning 1/2 step down.
When tuned down a whole step, the bass would go out of tune after 3 songs. I had less issues, but still had to tune frequently with 1/2 step down.

I'm thinking this issue is due to the aluminum nut, causing the strings to bind.
Your thoughts?

My thoughts exactly.

When I'm setting up any of my guitars (bass or otherwise), which is whenever I re-string them, I always put down a fine layer of graphite and vaseline (mixed) in the nut slots. I scrape the graphite from the tip of a pencil using a sharp knife and then apply with a needle or similar. If you put a little in the slot, it makes a difference.

I've done this with guitars with finicky tremolo systems and it's always worked well for me. My basses are basically stable but I still follow the practise.

Love the build.

 

[bassgod76]

The odd part about the Danelectro nut is that the slots are barely filed. Wondering if I should get a better nut?

 

[GrumpiusMaximus]

The Dano nuts are fine, aluminium is aluminium (within reason). It might just need a little extra filing out. Being that this a short-scale, I'm assuming you're going with heavier gauge strings?

 

[bassgod76]

I currently have a Diadario set. [This invalid link has been removed]

 

[GrumpiusMaximus]

Not that heavy after all.

I would go with filing the nut slots if they're binding. It would only take a few minutes. Then apply some kind of lubricant to the nut (jokes abound here) and provided it is the nut, the problems should go away.

 

[bassgod76]

I bought those strings because that was all that was available. I do want something a bit beefier. What do you advise?

I may get a pro to handle this end of it. Not confident in my abilities to file a nut.

 

[bassgod76]

I was thinking these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001DELYVQ/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

 

[bassgod76]

Last night

 

[GrumpiusMaximus]

Not having much experience with short-scale basses, I'm not really the guy to ask I'm afraid.

Filing a nut is quite simple. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube. You've managed this far - I'm sure you can do the rest! Loving the pictures.

 

[Hopkins]

I was thinking these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001DELYVQ/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

The DR's are round core vs the Hex Core of the D'Addarios so even though they are slightly heavier gauge, they will have less tension than the D'Addario set.

If the action at the nut is ok, then there is no need to file the nut. Just take a number 2 pencil and color in the slots to lubricate the strings. I would skip the vasoline that was recommended above, the graphite pencil lead will be just fine on its own.

 

[AltGrendel]

Looks good. Congrats.

 

[THand]

I'm gonna throw out the idea of a hipshot style string tree...maybe putting a little extra downward pressure on the strings will help with the tuning issues, especially if the nut is ok...but honestly, a down-tuned short scale bass is out of my area of experience so I wouldn't know until I tried it.

 

[bassgod76]

Another question. I pretty much have the pickup pretty darn center of the 4 strings.This pickup was made to be placed right at the heel of the neck. Since mine is a bit a way from that location, the E & G string aren't directly over their corresponding pole piece.

It hasn't really had a negative impact on my E string, but the G is considerably weaker. I've raised the pole piece and have brought down the saddle as much as I could.

Any ideas?

 

[THand]

maybe you could put some foam under the pup to raise it up really high, and then start working your way back down until it's more balanced

 

[bassgod76]

maybe you could put some foam under the pup to raise it up really high, and then start working your way back down until it's more balanced

I may try this first.

The mudbucker is unique in that the chrome plate is affixed, flush to the body. This permits less adjustment than a normal pickup.

 

[ThaCoast]

Your next build, in retro spec of the Dynasty outfit, should be the spector bass he had. That one has always been a long time favourtie of mine. Along with the lobue which looks AMAZING!!!!

 

[bassgod76]

Your next build, in retro spec of the Dynasty outfit, should be the spector bass he had. That one has always been a long time favourtie of mine. Along with the lobue which looks AMAZING!!!!

I was thinking about cheating, and buying one of those BC Rich Eagle One basses, modding it, and changing the headstock shape.

The body isn't exact, but pretty darn close.