Gene Simmons LoBue Tribute Build

[bassgod76]

Last night, I neglected the most important part of this rout, besides getting the cavity straight; the depth!

First, I lowered the bridge down to its lowest setting. Once lowered, I used a thin ruler to sit on the divot in the string saddle, while my metal ruler makes the measurement.
It comes to 7/16".

Next, I measured the thickness of the neck. I used a wooden block and my metal ruler.
It comes to 1 1/16", or 17/16".

If my math is correct, 17/16 - 7/16 = 10/16" or 5/8".

That is how deep my rout should be.

Stay tuned.

 

[ThaCoast]

Usually is the common depth for bass neck pockets (not sure about guitar though). Looking good as always!!

 

[bassgod76]

Usually is the common depth for bass neck pockets (not sure about guitar though). Looking good as always!!

I used 5/8" last time, but I just wanted to be sure

 

[ThaCoast]

I used 5/8" last time, but I just wanted to be sure

True, since you had used a precision/jazz bass bridge & opted for the schaller due to pole position.

 

[bassgod76]

Tonight was the big dance. Time to see if I could get a super tight, non crooked, proper depth neck pocket.

First, to save router bit wear and tear, I drilled out a lot of material via Forstner bit.

After first couple passes with my shallow router bit.

Done, and it looks good!

How does it fit?

Tighter than a Korean boy! That is not glued, just pressed together.

I think I may need to shave off those real thin side walls at the edge of the neck pocket, but properly glued, it may not be an issue.

More to come!

 

[wraub]

Tighter than a Korean boy!

...?

 

[bassgod76]

...?

Too much?

 

[DerekW]

Too much.

 

[bassgod76]

Too much.

Ah crap. There I go, trying to be funny. :-(

 

[DerekW]

Doesn't offend me, cuz that's not even possible, but it would plenty in this PC world we live in

 

[bassgod76]

Tonight I addressed my active LoBue pickup issue.
After looking at the EMG P, 35DC, and HB, I finally decided the HB would be the easiest to get under the mudbucker cover.

I bought one used, and the seller wasn't sure if the pickup worked. Time to find out...
Gathering all the parts and tools.

First order of business was to solder a power wire connection, so I could simply plug my pickup into the power bus.

Next was to solder the pickup to the quick disconnects on the volume pot.

Next, I looked at the routing template for this pickup.

I was pretty disappointed at how sloppy loose the pickup fit in the template.

I thought about how to reduce the size of the cavity.
Then it dawned on me; simply use a wider router bearing.

You can see how the bit on the left has a bearing the same diameter. The one on the right has a larger bearing than the bit, making the piece smaller than the template.

To test my theory, I routed out a piece of wall board, using the larger bearing. The cavity is just a touch smaller than the template.

I may need the shave the cavity a bit where the mounting ears go, but the pickup fits a lot nicer.

Lastly, I finalized the bridge location on the body. 20 minutes of measuring, and it's time to do a string test to check alignment.

Looks pretty dead on. If luck is on my side, I will get the bridge and pickup mounted this weekend. Stay tuned!

 

[bassgod76]

Last night I got the pickup routed.
Template placed

 

[bassgod76]

Tonight I got a ton completed.
First, I routed the inlay for my control cavity cover, and I also routed out the battery box.

Next, I drilled out my jack input, and mounted the jack panel.

With it al ready, I got a rough idea where all my pots would be oriented.

The long pot on the bottom is the afterburner. It will be mounted inside the control cavity. Luckily, this cavity is roomy.

From there, I just started finalizing, and screwing the hardware to the body.

This is the odd part of this build; the tail piece. It's simply a Fender bridge, sans saddles. (Shrugs)

After this, I decided to scallop the neck heel, so the joint is a tad more refined.

And that's it for tonight.

Just have to fabricate and mount the pickguard, mount the bridge cover, rout the trus rod pocket, glue the neck, and we paint!
I also cut out my other LoBue today, as well

 

[ThaCoast]

I had forgotten you were doing the later version with the studs until you mentioned the saddleless bridge. Will you be applying the studs directly on the body or will you do like gene & have them on a separate piece taped to the body

 

[bassgod76]

I had forgotten you were doing the later version with the studs until you mentioned the saddleless bridge. Will you be applying the studs directly on the body or will you do like gene & have them on a separate piece taped to the body

I plan to use either rigid black plastic or a padded leather base to attach the studs to.

 

[bassgod76]

Tonight was pickguard night.
First I mounted my template to the pickguard material.

Then I rough cut the material with a dremel tool.

Next, we rout, fine tune, sand and mount the pickguard.

Next was the tricky part. I wanted to use the pickguard material to mount the actual pickup to. Instead of just foaming the bottom of the pickup, and have it press into the chrome mudbucker cover, I thought using the ears on the actual pickup would be a classy touch.
First, I had to line up the cavity of the pickup. When that was found, I measured out the actual pick, less the mounting ears.

Once I was happy with my measurements, it was time to do some delicate cutting.
First, I tape off the area I'm not working to prevent any unwanted damage.

Next, I score the edge of the hole with a razor. I find this helps the dremel blade stay in line.

After cutting out, I test fit the pickup. Hooray!

Now, I drill out the mounting screws.

After some slight adjusting, we're in!

 

[bassgod76]

I added the trus rod access, and glued on the neck. I had to fabricate a shim for a better setup.

Clamped!

 

[bassgod76]

After a day of sitting, I went to work, attached pickup cover, bridge cover, and strings.

She set up nicely, and sounds good.

A couple of things:
1. It's much better than my first one.
2. After testing with covering the pickup with the pickup cover, I discovered that the afterburner may not be essential.
3. Love this bridge.
4. The shim caused a nice eck pocket angle, which helped action height.

I hope the customer likes it

Ops check at band practice Wednesday, and then she's torn down for paint.

 

[Splods]

Does the tailpiece need cleaning? Looks like there is some gunk on there.

 

[bassgod76]

Does the tailpiece need cleaning? Looks like there is some gunk on there.

Yeah, it's dirty