Gene Simmons LoBue Tribute Build

[bassgod76]

Although i've never been fond for active electronics, it'll be a nice twist. As if blending his tone from 90's-present day, with the looks from the 70's.

Plus, a lot of tribute Genes have begged me to make a LoBue with EMG's. While I would never alter the look with a EMG pj set, I'm open to concealing an EMG under a chrome mudbucker cover.

I'd have to workout decreased signal issues, i think, but talking to a few folks, I could simply incorporate an EMG Afterburner boost in the circuit. I guess Gene has this on a lot of his basses, but the control is mounted inside the control cavity. Still planning...

 

[ThaCoast]

Well if you use the afterburner boost, you could simply have it as the 3rd control and just switch the knob to match the other two knobs. In any case, I can't wait to see it being built.again but differently

 

[bassgod76]

Well if you use the afterburner boost, you could simply have it as the 3rd control and just switch the knob to match the other two knobs. In any case, I can't wait to see it being built.again but differently

That is an idea.
I do have the expander control in my parts bin. I was thinking of making it with vol, tone, and expander in 3rd knob position.
AB would remain inside the cavity.
The only issue I'm still questioning is how would the metal cover affect the pickup...

 

[HaMMerHeD]

You can get an EMG P under a 35 series casing. I think it's called EMG 35P, and the 35J also exists.

You can also get an EMG PA-2, which is like am AB but uses a mini-toggle switch instead of the pot. It has an internal trim pot for adjusting gain.

 

[bassgod76]

You can get an EMG P under a 35 series casing. I think it's called EMG 35P, and the 35J also exists.

You can also get an EMG PA-2, which is like am AB but uses a mini-toggle switch instead of the pot. It has an internal trim pot for adjusting gain.

I will look into the PA-2. I have a 35DC on hand, so I will stick with that

 

[bassgod76]

LoBue II parts are coming together.
I have:
-Neck
-Tuners
-Bridge
-Pickup
-Electronics
-Pickguard

I need:
-Body wood
-Bridge cover
-Secondary bridge/tail piece
-Strap pins
-Paint
-Pickup cover
-Knobs
-Cobtrol cavity cover

The control layout will be Vol, Tone, and EMG SPC as 3rd knob. The EMG afterburner would sit inside the cavity.

Buckle up!

 

[ThaCoast]

What will you be using for a bridge? The one under the cover

 

[bassgod76]

What will you be using for a bridge? The one under the cover

Probably an MIM Bass bridge I have in my parts bin. Since I'm not using an actual mudbucker under the cover, having the strings ride perfectly over the height screws isn't important. I think.

 

[ThaCoast]

Sounds about right. I never really knew what Gene had under the cover when he added the bridge plate far back. I thought it might of had like a gibson 2 point or something similar.

 

[bassgod76]

Sounds about right. I never really knew what Gene had under the cover when he added the bridge plate far back. I thought it might of had like a gibson 2 point or something similar.

I was thinking the same thing, but not sure if it matters with whatever it is, it's concealed by the cover.

I thought I was going to need some fancy bridge for the tail piece. Upon closer review, it's just a Fender bridge, sans saddles.

 

[ThaCoast]

I was thinking the same thing, but not sure if it matters with whatever it is, it's concealed by the cover.

I thought I was going to need some fancy bridge for the tail piece. Upon closer review, it's just a Fender bridge, sans saddles.

True, but in my mind i couldn't image stringing it through both bridges with only one having saddles. Since you're doing the studded version, will you be doing like gene and just using tape to have a sheet of studs on or will you be applying the studs direct to the body?

 

[bassgod76]

True, but in my mind i couldn't image stringing it through both bridges with only one having saddles. Since you're doing the studded version, will you be doing like gene and just using tape to have a sheet of studs on or will you be applying the studs direct to the body?

You make a good point about the bridge. I've never used that type of bridge before. Is it adjustable like a Fender type?

The studs will be affixed to a leather type covering, just like the real one. How I'm affixing that to the body has me kind of scratching my head.

For authenticity sake, gaffer tape seems like the solution. Personally, I think tgat looks ghetto, and would rather find another polished looking option. I'm open to ideas

 

[bassgod76]

This doesn't give you a bunch of intonation room. Your measurement has to be dead balls on, I guess...

 

[bassgod76]

This may be a better option. I'm still unsure of how close the tolerance for intonation would be for such a bridge.

 

[Nocturnal]

This may be a better option. I'm still unsure of how close the tolerance for intonation would be for such a bridge.View attachment 536815

I have one of those in my parts drawer. It's a hefty beast and the tailpiece is quite large. Seems well made tho.

 

[ThaCoast]

That second bridge would seem the best option. True about having to be dead on intonated when placing it, you should perhaps, while building, when everything but the bridge is set, slap a set of strings on the bass, and place the bridge under the strings where the 30" scale would possibly be, tune to pitch and see if intonation is correct. If yes: puncture two holes for the bridge studs, if not, keep looking until it's a yes. hope this helps.

 

[bassgod76]

I'm still unsure if I will use this bridge. Still thinking

 

[bassgod76]

And now I have a neck!

 

[Nocturnal]

Glad it made the trip safely.

 

[bassgod76]

Glad it made the trip safely.

Thanks for the neck. Finding these is an act of God, these days.
Tomorrow, the finish comes off!