Thanks! For an admittedly small audience, I think this really nails it. Haha! I'm very happy with how it all turned out. And seriously, it plays and sounds INCREDIBLY awesome. I wish I could share it with everyone on TB!
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Got your sunglasses on?
- Thread starter musicman556
- Start date
Thanks! For an admittedly small audience, I think this really nails it. Haha! I'm very happy with how it all turned out. And seriously, it plays and sounds INCREDIBLY awesome. I wish I could share it with everyone on TB!
Tha
That’s incredibly beautiful!Alright, I've been talking about it for a long time and shared some pics here and there, but I finally got around to making one last trip to Brian Barrett at The LowEnd for final setup tweaks to my latest crazy idea. I have named him "Crockett" after Don Johnson's character James "Sonny" Crockett from Miami Vice.
I'm from Miami, FL originally and have always love the bright colors and flashy nature of my hometown. I like to have pieces of home around me. I even have 3 saltwater reef tanks at my house because I love the ocean so much! I've also always wanted a Mark Hoppus Jazz bass, but those things have gotten ridiculously expensive for just being a weird MIM bass. I decided for the same money I could build one exactly to my liking and pay tribute to my roots while I was at it.
Over the last year I sourced all the parts myself, and sent the body off to get custom paint done by Pat Sims at Sims Custom shop in Chattanooga, TN.
The parts I can remember now are:
Solid maple Hoppus-ish body from Perle Guitars on Reverb - I say Hoppus-ish because the actual Hoppus has a pickguard mounted (top routed body) volume pot and output jack. This body has a rear-route setup with holes for V and T, and a rim-mounted output jack route. This is exactly what I wanted!
Fender MIM roasted maple Precision bass neck - got this from Sweetwater
DiMarzio DP127 split rail pickup
Hipshot Kickass bridge
Hipshot USA Ultralite tuners
Matching Hipshot Extended Range tuner
Chrome knobs from a Gibson Diablo SG
Standard Fender chrome neckplate
Black convertible strap-locks (which I haven't installed on a strap yet. Oof)
It came out WONDERFULLY!!! I have multiple maple/maple necked P and J basses from Fender Mexico and USA, and this is far and away a beefier sounding instrument. Like... not even close. It's crazy how powerful the low E string on this thing is, and it gets even BETTER when you flick the extended range tuner to drop D!
I am absolutely a believer in roasted maple. This is my second roasted maple necked bass (other is a Sterling Ray35) and I absolutely believe these necks are stiffer than their un-baked (ha!) counterparts. When you're playing it, this thing just feels like it was milled from one piece of iron or something! Sure, the maple body (and the increased overall weight) may have something to do with it as well... but you just gotta feel this thing. It's really incredible. It's by far my favorite 4 string now. I'm actually contemplating swapping the necks on another MIM J and P I have to these roasted maple jobs. I am completely convinced.
Brian assembled/built the bass for me, and he did a FANTASTIC job. He treated it with as much love and care as one of his $4-5k custom basses. The frets needed a bit of leveling, so he did that and then gave them a full fret dress. The fret ends were done pretty well from factory, but not perfect. For a $330 then/$400 now neck, the overall finishing was actually a little better than I expected. Super comfortable profile. It's just a delight to hold and play!
I appreciate all the discussion here on TB as I was dreaming this up and planning it out. I read lots of reviews on hardware and electronics, etc. Your input means a lot to me! I am just a mediocre hobbyist and it's so great to be able to chat with folks who are real musicians, performers, engineers, builders, etc all here on TB!
Alright, without further ado... CROCKETT!
View attachment 4859697 View attachment 4859698 View attachment 4859699 View attachment 4859700 View attachment 4859701 View attachment 4859702 View attachment 4859703 View attachment 4859704 View attachment 4859705 View attachment 4859706 View attachment 4859707 View attachment 4859708 View attachment 4859709 View attachment 4859710 View attachment 4859711
I love it. Gimme bright and flashy all day. Life's too short to be subtle.
Congrats on putting together such a unique instrument!
As you can see from my profile picture, I'm more a black-on-black guy, but I always appreciate custom builds that do things out of the ordinary.
Have fun
As you can see from my profile picture, I'm more a black-on-black guy, but I always appreciate custom builds that do things out of the ordinary.
Have fun
Beautiful bass - love the M.V. theme. Congrats.Alright, I've been talking about it for a long time and shared some pics here and there, but I finally got around to making one last trip to Brian Barrett at The LowEnd for final setup tweaks to my latest crazy idea. I have named him "Crockett" after Don Johnson's character James "Sonny" Crockett from Miami Vice.
I'm from Miami, FL originally and have always love the bright colors and flashy nature of my hometown. I like to have pieces of home around me. I even have 3 saltwater reef tanks at my house because I love the ocean so much! I've also always wanted a Mark Hoppus Jazz bass, but those things have gotten ridiculously expensive for just being a weird MIM bass. I decided for the same money I could build one exactly to my liking and pay tribute to my roots while I was at it.
Over the last year I sourced all the parts myself, and sent the body off to get custom paint done by Pat Sims at Sims Custom shop in Chattanooga, TN.
The parts I can remember now are:
Solid maple Hoppus-ish body from Perle Guitars on Reverb - I say Hoppus-ish because the actual Hoppus has a pickguard mounted (top routed body) volume pot and output jack. This body has a rear-route setup with holes for V and T, and a rim-mounted output jack route. This is exactly what I wanted!
Fender MIM roasted maple Precision bass neck - got this from Sweetwater
DiMarzio DP127 split rail pickup
Hipshot Kickass bridge
Hipshot USA Ultralite tuners
Matching Hipshot Extended Range tuner
Chrome knobs from a Gibson Diablo SG
Standard Fender chrome neckplate
Black convertible strap-locks (which I haven't installed on a strap yet. Oof)
It came out WONDERFULLY!!! I have multiple maple/maple necked P and J basses from Fender Mexico and USA, and this is far and away a beefier sounding instrument. Like... not even close. It's crazy how powerful the low E string on this thing is, and it gets even BETTER when you flick the extended range tuner to drop D!
I am absolutely a believer in roasted maple. This is my second roasted maple necked bass (other is a Sterling Ray35) and I absolutely believe these necks are stiffer than their un-baked (ha!) counterparts. When you're playing it, this thing just feels like it was milled from one piece of iron or something! Sure, the maple body (and the increased overall weight) may have something to do with it as well... but you just gotta feel this thing. It's really incredible. It's by far my favorite 4 string now. I'm actually contemplating swapping the necks on another MIM J and P I have to these roasted maple jobs. I am completely convinced.
Brian assembled/built the bass for me, and he did a FANTASTIC job. He treated it with as much love and care as one of his $4-5k custom basses. The frets needed a bit of leveling, so he did that and then gave them a full fret dress. The fret ends were done pretty well from factory, but not perfect. For a $330 then/$400 now neck, the overall finishing was actually a little better than I expected. Super comfortable profile. It's just a delight to hold and play!
I appreciate all the discussion here on TB as I was dreaming this up and planning it out. I read lots of reviews on hardware and electronics, etc. Your input means a lot to me! I am just a mediocre hobbyist and it's so great to be able to chat with folks who are real musicians, performers, engineers, builders, etc all here on TB!
Alright, without further ado... CROCKETT!
View attachment 4859697 View attachment 4859698 View attachment 4859699 View attachment 4859700 View attachment 4859701 View attachment 4859702 View attachment 4859703 View attachment 4859704 View attachment 4859705 View attachment 4859706 View attachment 4859707 View attachment 4859708 View attachment 4859709 View attachment 4859710 View attachment 4859711
I saw the finish job on the body in another thread, but seeing the whole thing completed is truly spectacular. This is a beautiful machine!
Very cool. Enjoy that one.Alright, I've been talking about it for a long time and shared some pics here and there, but I finally got around to making one last trip to Brian Barrett at The LowEnd for final setup tweaks to my latest crazy idea. I have named him "Crockett" after Don Johnson's character James "Sonny" Crockett from Miami Vice.
I'm from Miami, FL originally and have always love the bright colors and flashy nature of my hometown. I like to have pieces of home around me. I even have 3 saltwater reef tanks at my house because I love the ocean so much! I've also always wanted a Mark Hoppus Jazz bass, but those things have gotten ridiculously expensive for just being a weird MIM bass. I decided for the same money I could build one exactly to my liking and pay tribute to my roots while I was at it.
Over the last year I sourced all the parts myself, and sent the body off to get custom paint done by Pat Sims at Sims Custom shop in Chattanooga, TN.
The parts I can remember now are:
Solid maple Hoppus-ish body from Perle Guitars on Reverb - I say Hoppus-ish because the actual Hoppus has a pickguard mounted (top routed body) volume pot and output jack. This body has a rear-route setup with holes for V and T, and a rim-mounted output jack route. This is exactly what I wanted!
Fender MIM roasted maple Precision bass neck - got this from Sweetwater
DiMarzio DP127 split rail pickup
Hipshot Kickass bridge
Hipshot USA Ultralite tuners
Matching Hipshot Extended Range tuner
Chrome knobs from a Gibson Diablo SG
Standard Fender chrome neckplate
Black convertible strap-locks (which I haven't installed on a strap yet. Oof)
It came out WONDERFULLY!!! I have multiple maple/maple necked P and J basses from Fender Mexico and USA, and this is far and away a beefier sounding instrument. Like... not even close. It's crazy how powerful the low E string on this thing is, and it gets even BETTER when you flick the extended range tuner to drop D!
I am absolutely a believer in roasted maple. This is my second roasted maple necked bass (other is a Sterling Ray35) and I absolutely believe these necks are stiffer than their un-baked (ha!) counterparts. When you're playing it, this thing just feels like it was milled from one piece of iron or something! Sure, the maple body (and the increased overall weight) may have something to do with it as well... but you just gotta feel this thing. It's really incredible. It's by far my favorite 4 string now. I'm actually contemplating swapping the necks on another MIM J and P I have to these roasted maple jobs. I am completely convinced.
Brian assembled/built the bass for me, and he did a FANTASTIC job. He treated it with as much love and care as one of his $4-5k custom basses. The frets needed a bit of leveling, so he did that and then gave them a full fret dress. The fret ends were done pretty well from factory, but not perfect. For a $330 then/$400 now neck, the overall finishing was actually a little better than I expected. Super comfortable profile. It's just a delight to hold and play!
I appreciate all the discussion here on TB as I was dreaming this up and planning it out. I read lots of reviews on hardware and electronics, etc. Your input means a lot to me! I am just a mediocre hobbyist and it's so great to be able to chat with folks who are real musicians, performers, engineers, builders, etc all here on TB!
Alright, without further ado... CROCKETT!
Update: I got to take Crockett to church for his first service yesterday and it was AWESOME! Sounded fantastic, played absolutely perfectly. They guy running FOH dabbles in a little bit of bass, guitar, keys, etc, and he said "Man that thing sounds great. It has nice presence. I usually EQ the bass a bit, but I'm just running it flat today."
I got a few compliments on the looks, and one friend texted me that as soon as his 6-year-old daughter walked in she saw it on the stage and went "Ooooo!!!!! Sparkley!" hahaha! Camera guy seemed to like it as well, haha!
It sparkled beautifully when the light hit is just right
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But most importantly, it was a great worship service that led to opening hearts for a somber yet powerful message from the pastor about depression. This was so timely for me, but also for my Dad. This has been a really hard year for him. He his dealing with the onset of dementia, and it's become too much for my Mom to take care of him and the household by herself. 6 weeks ago we moved them from their home of 45 years in Miami, FL (the only city my Dad has ever lived and loved) to right in my neighborhood here in Smyrna, TN. This is so we can help them both as they age. Mom is thrilled to be here, but Dad is having a really hard time dealing with it all and he has been very depressed, with more signs of suicidal ideation. That has been happening for a couple years, but has been worse the last few weeks.
This has been hard on everyone, including my wife and myself. We have, up until now had a very peaceful and generally happy day-to-day life... now we are over there helping constantly. I am absolutely glad to be able to help take care of them, but at the same time, it is taking a toll on our relationship and time for each other.
Sorry this is all sappy and just pouring out of me. But there is a point! In worship yesterday, this bass was absolutely a conduit that just let the music in my heart flow without any resistance. I didn't have to play at the bass... I just played it. What I felt came out. I was fully able to be in worship and open up and become vulnerable. This probably doesn't make any sense to anyone and I'm doing a terrible job explaining it, but it was big for me. Having Dad there and being able to share all of this, and for him to hear this kind of support for dealing with depression from the pulpit while we are there to also support him is huge. I'm still coming to terms with and dealing with all the emotions and ideas from yesterday.
A bass is just an inanimate object, but yesterday it was also a tool for real spiritual, emotional, and personal growth.
I had no thoughts about all of this as I was putting together the idea and then executing on this bass build. I just wanted it to look cool, sound good, and play well, haha!
Later in the day the worship leader texted me that he had multiple people tell him how good the worship service was, and specifically the bass. I'm so thankful to have been a part of everything that happened yesterday, and for this bass!
I got a few compliments on the looks, and one friend texted me that as soon as his 6-year-old daughter walked in she saw it on the stage and went "Ooooo!!!!! Sparkley!" hahaha! Camera guy seemed to like it as well, haha!
It sparkled beautifully when the light hit is just right
Invalid Link Removed
But most importantly, it was a great worship service that led to opening hearts for a somber yet powerful message from the pastor about depression. This was so timely for me, but also for my Dad. This has been a really hard year for him. He his dealing with the onset of dementia, and it's become too much for my Mom to take care of him and the household by herself. 6 weeks ago we moved them from their home of 45 years in Miami, FL (the only city my Dad has ever lived and loved) to right in my neighborhood here in Smyrna, TN. This is so we can help them both as they age. Mom is thrilled to be here, but Dad is having a really hard time dealing with it all and he has been very depressed, with more signs of suicidal ideation. That has been happening for a couple years, but has been worse the last few weeks.
This has been hard on everyone, including my wife and myself. We have, up until now had a very peaceful and generally happy day-to-day life... now we are over there helping constantly. I am absolutely glad to be able to help take care of them, but at the same time, it is taking a toll on our relationship and time for each other.
Sorry this is all sappy and just pouring out of me. But there is a point! In worship yesterday, this bass was absolutely a conduit that just let the music in my heart flow without any resistance. I didn't have to play at the bass... I just played it. What I felt came out. I was fully able to be in worship and open up and become vulnerable. This probably doesn't make any sense to anyone and I'm doing a terrible job explaining it, but it was big for me. Having Dad there and being able to share all of this, and for him to hear this kind of support for dealing with depression from the pulpit while we are there to also support him is huge. I'm still coming to terms with and dealing with all the emotions and ideas from yesterday.
A bass is just an inanimate object, but yesterday it was also a tool for real spiritual, emotional, and personal growth.
I had no thoughts about all of this as I was putting together the idea and then executing on this bass build. I just wanted it to look cool, sound good, and play well, haha!
Later in the day the worship leader texted me that he had multiple people tell him how good the worship service was, and specifically the bass. I'm so thankful to have been a part of everything that happened yesterday, and for this bass!
Great story. great bass. It fits you well.
Re: Your dad-I took care of my Dad (RIP) for the lst 1 1/2 years of his life until,he passed at age 97. He was a true War Hero, and I miss him. His mind was sharp almost until the end, but the physical toll of age eventually gave in.
Please take time (I'm sure you do) to put your arms around your Father and tell him how much you love him.
I would easily trade every one of my basses and amps for the opportunity to do that one more time.
I do feel that he hears me & my wife play on our gigs, and digs it, even though he never was much of a "Pop" & R&B music fan when he was alive.
Re: Your dad-I took care of my Dad (RIP) for the lst 1 1/2 years of his life until,he passed at age 97. He was a true War Hero, and I miss him. His mind was sharp almost until the end, but the physical toll of age eventually gave in.
Please take time (I'm sure you do) to put your arms around your Father and tell him how much you love him.
I would easily trade every one of my basses and amps for the opportunity to do that one more time.
I do feel that he hears me & my wife play on our gigs, and digs it, even though he never was much of a "Pop" & R&B music fan when he was alive.
Thank you. I'm sorry that you have had to say your final goodbyes already. Your Dad sounds awesome! Thank you for your encouragement.
Yea, this one is tough as Dad's body is in good shape still, while his mind is going away. He's in his mid-70s and fit as a fiddle... or a well set-up FSO. He is also very aware that his mind is deteriorating, and he feels like it's "his fault" when it's NO ONE's fault and not a thing for him to be ashamed of. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with, seeing him go through this. He knows (and I tell him ALL. THE. TIME.) that we all love him, but he says he doesn't feel worthy of it any more. So much of his self-imposed idea of identity was in being a provider, a business owner, active as a leader in church, and a helper to all those around him. Now he is none of those things and he doesn't know what to do. All we want to do is love him and help him.
My wife and I never had children, so this is a whole new ball of emotions for me. We have both had a very happy (generally) and comfortable life with no giant tragedy or adversity, really. I mean... some major surgeries for myself and my wife, periods of un/underemployment, but nothing like this. I very much feel at a loss for how to help, and I'm not used to not being able to fix something. I am definitely learning more empathy and patience for so many things right now.
Geez, I'm so sorry. Alzheimer's must be an ordeal, I have a good friend who had his father deal with that, and it was so hard to see, as I knew the old guy back when, and he was such as pistol before the onset.
At the tail end, he asked if I was the mailman and such.
Your Dad is here, and so is your awesome BASS! We need to take & accept things as they are, whether it's on us, or a loved one. Count our blessings and be glad we're here each day, surrounded by the people and the things we love. Life IS short.
I need to remind my own self of this when I can, It's not easy these days with all that is taking place.
TBT, when he was around, I thought my Dad in his prime was a major PITA!
Me:
"Dad, I got a gig for 3 weeks, nice room, $200 night!"
Him:
"So? What are you going to do after the 3 weeks are up??"
Oh wow, so old-school.
I never had to go through what he & his generation did, he saw to that.
All I can do is honor his good side, and live a decent life as best as I can.
Blessings to you and your Family.
VERY well put. Yes, I'm also learning a lot more about who my parents were/are vs what I remembered of them as a child. Thank you again. This is why TB transcends instruments.
Alright, I'm still loving Crockett. Fantastic bass, and one of the beefiest sounding things ever. I'm taking it as primary to a gig in Chattanooga tomorrow, even!
Figured I'd share this quick video clip of how it came out on here as well: jamesjamschannel on TikTok
Figured I'd share this quick video clip of how it came out on here as well: jamesjamschannel on TikTok
