How do we feel about "Frankenstein" basses here?

[Tedward]

Frankenbasses are a good way to start you're addiction to being a luthier. I agree it is not really luthiery. You will learn the construction and how parts are lined up. Plus you may have to do some repairs and modifications. Another good way to understanding the building of a guitar.

I did my first Frankenbass a couple of months ago to get rid of some parts and sell it. It actually came out pretty good, now I want to keep it.

PS: Ignore the floor I'm in the process of laying new tile.

Tedward

 

[dannster]

The Frankenbass Club (Moderately modded basses count too!)

slow moving club, but we've been around for quite a while.

 

[AuntieBeeb]

Time for some pictures:

Aradia after the 'spit coating' was done. (2-3 coats before grain filling is done)

Ted: nice to see the bass got priority over the tiles - it look lovely!

Dannster: thanks for the link, I should probably poke my head round the door.

PS not such a hotshot with the markup code on here...any idea how I can make these pics a bit smaller?

 

[AuntieBeeb]

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Part V, if anyone's interested in a run-down of the first half of the French Polishing process.

 

[MaglorOnBass]

Here’s mine. I call it “The Philosopher.”

I started with a cheap P-bass copy made by “Johnson.” I talked the price down to $88.

Modifications:

- Gotoh 201-b4 high mass bridge.

- Black Fender/Squire pickguard dremmeled and filed to fit. Body holes filled and drilled to accommodate the traditional 13 hole screw configuration, rather than the original 9.

- Seymour Duncan quarter pound pickup.

- Maple Jazz bass copy neck with block inlays and no binding. All holes except for the tuner holes needed to be drilled. Neck needed shimming both behind and to the left and right. Nut needed filing.

- Headstock: Hipshot Ultralight tuners, bushings modified to fit holes that were too large. Original Johnson string retainer. Vinyl “Philosopher’s Stone” decal (from alchemy, not Harry Potter).

Overall weight is about 8.5lbs. Perfectly balanced. Comfortable to play. Sounds great. Total cost: $350.
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[TolerancEJ]

The Gibson Thunderbird generally does not appeal to me, but for some reason I really like some Fenderbird projects posted by TalkBass members.