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I built a kit bass

#21
MonkeyRump said:
I'm current working on a kit bass as well - this: Invalid Link Removed. And, like you, I found that the hardware is cheap - I'm buying my own hardware. It is fun, I already want to do another after this.
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I'm nearly done building my Pitbull IC-6S (build thread in my signature), and I ended up replacing nearly everything in the kit. I didn't use any of the hardware, or any of the electronics. It's a great kit, otherwise.
 
#25
wish i was said:
It was a positive experience

I was surprised by the fit and finish of the routing. Including shipping, the aniline dyes, waterfall decal (a pinup girl for the headstock), and clear coat I’m in to this bass for about $140.
As expected, the pickups, electronics, and hardware are pretty cheap. The pickups, especially the P, are terribly weak; the hardware is good enough I guess. After a good setup it is a comfortable and easy-playing 9.8lb beast. I’ve been playing it exclusively for a couple of weeks and I think that, with new pickups, it will be a better bass than I am a player. 'Course that's not saying much...
I had never soldered anything before and I was disappointed when I plugged it in and nothing happened. With my head hung low, I took it to Elderly’s repair shop – turns out one of the tabs on one of the tone pots was bent and was grounding out the signal. Elderly diagnosed and fixed the issue AND gave me a good education. On top of all that, they cleaned up my messy soldering work… all at no charge!
Great folks at Elderly.
Overall, I had a good time building it. I’d definitely build another one.
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How is your intonation, it looks like your bridge saddles are slanted the wrong way, E.A.D.G. the G string, skinniest string, saddle is supposed to be closest to the pickups, like in this picture, you have it going the other way which makes for a stiff E string and a flappy G string.
IMG_20150815_055427.jpg
 
#27
Not that anyone asked, but here's an update after a couple months of playing this kit bass:

CONS: I am not fond of the MM pickup that came with it and the tuners just feel flimsy.

PROS: It feels good in my hands - I never knew what you guys were talking about until I figured it out what "feel" means... The P pickup is pretty weak, but I am satisfied with the sound after I put flats on it. It records nicely and sounds fairly full through a 2x15 cab. The neck is a lot thicker than my Ibanez TRB-80 and I like it like that. A 3" padded strap solved how heavy it feels.

Overall, it has become my go to bass for all occasions; I only use it for jams and recording at home. Tuners are on my to-do list for upgrade. I am debating upgrading the P pickup but I doubt I will anytime soon - I think I'll just ignore the MM pickup for now. if I've learned anything from you guys it is this: If you're satisfied don't change anything!

I kinda want to build another one.
 
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#30
Killer Canary said:
Wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy a beater for cheap; strip it, re-finish and sink the money saved into a set of your fave pups for it?
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I can't speak for the OP, but I'll hazard a guess that he did it for the technical/learning experience and the reward that comes with building something meaningful and lasting. "COST" probably has sweet-eff-all to do with it. :rollno:
 
#32
Eilif said:
A bit late to the party, but could you share how you finished the body? I rather like the trans-green color.
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Pretty simple. It was an aneline dye (50% yellow/50% blue). Then finished with a spray automotive clearcoat.

The dye is cheap and I bought it here: Invalid Link Removed

I had used aneline dyes in refinishing furniture - it has a way of letting the grain really "pop" when compared to stains.
 
#33
wish i was said:
Pretty simple. It was an aneline dye (50% yellow/50% blue). Then finished with a spray automotive clearcoat.

The dye is cheap and I bought it here: Invalid Link Removed

I had used aneline dyes in refinishing furniture - it has a way of letting the grain really "pop" when compared to stains.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Did you use a spray can or airbrush for the clearcoat?
 
#39
Looks great! Glad you had fun with the build. I really like the color combo!
I am also in the process of finishing up building my first kit. An inexpensive P-bass kit similar to yours.
I've modified the body to look somewhat like the old Ampeg scroll bass.
I have the same opinion of the hardware as you do, although I have yet to assemble mine and play it.
 
#40
That looks great! I have been building my own basses for years but I have been tempted to buy a Flying V bass kit just for the fun of it. Always wanted a V but never could justify the cost. The kit looks like a good option.
 
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