I built my first bass!

[LowendinFL]

Hey everyone. Thanks to the inspiration of this site I decided to try my hand at building my own bass. I wasn't sure how it would go and how long it would take so I hesitated to post pics until now. I didn't want to start a thread and show progress just to find out that bass building isn't for me! So now that its 95% finished and plays and sounds awesome I figured its time to share it with everyone here! It will also be my first time using an outside image hosting source so I hope that goes well also.

Here are some specs on the bass: 32 scale, 29 frets (yes, 29), spalted alder body, mahogany/maple neck, cheap tuners and bridge, EMG 35DC p/u, EMG btc EQ. It has a black bone nut. For strings I used Dean Markley blue steels. Most of the major componants I found on "the bay". The rest of the little stuff I got from either StuMac or LMii.

I bought very limited tools, because I didn't want to invest much if I didn't decide to build more or was unsuccessful. I did by a band saw at a garage sale for $40! Also a drill press for $50. Also assorted hand tools from various sources.

Now lets see if I get the pics right...
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[LowendinFL]

Here is some more progress:

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[LowendinFL]

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[LowendinFL]

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[Unrepresented]

Based on the headstock design and the rear route cover, I'm going to suspect that you're a fan of:

a) Wal basses

b) bassball

 

[LowendinFL]

Well the headstock was supposed to be a little longer but didn't work out that way. I was just going for a 2 + 2 thing. I suppose i had a Wal/CT thing in my head. But the baseball thing... I never really thought about that. But I see it now.

 

[thisSNsucks]

Nicely done!

 

[MN_Bass]

Great Job!

 

[selowitch]

Can you make me one?

Sound clips, please!

 

[LowendinFL]

Thanks! I'm contemplating #2 already! I think I'll give a neck thru a try possibly.

 

[4-Bang'er]

Love what U have created here! -2+2 type headstock! Luv that-I hate pointy ugly headstocks so many high end basses seem to have these days. Gr8 work pal!

 

[LowendinFL]

selowich, I can make you one! I don't know if I have the means to record a quality sound clip... But I will try!

 

[kenfxj]

I think it turned out beautiful bro!

 

[LowendinFL]

Love what U have created here! -2+2 type headstock! Luv that-I hate pointy ugly headstocks so many high end basses seem to have these days. Gr8 work pal!

Thanks! The headstock ended up a little shorter than I originally wanted, due to my first scarf joint (mis)calculations, but I have learned so much from this first build!

 

[BassCycle]

Well done! Of course you know, you are now addicted to building basses. You'll never have to buy another bass.

 

[bassguita079]

Looks great!! Its different looking but I like it a lot! I also built my current main bass which is what I like. Now nobody in the world has a bass quite like yours.

 

[LowendinFL]

Well done! Of course you know, you are now addicted to building basses. You'll never have to buy another bass.

I think you are right. I started planning my next one before I finished this one! Before building this my main bass was a Stingray, now it just sits lonely in its case...lol. Dare I say I like the sound and feel of this one even more than my Stingray. I'm sure it will get played again soon, but for now it gets a break!

 

[knucklehead G]

How often do you really get up on that 20+ fret zone?

 

[LowendinFL]

How often do you really get up on that 20+ fret zone?

I dont really. Just thought, what the heck. My other basses mostly have less than 24, but I figured maybe I would get over my fear of the upper frets if I had more than I needed at my reach!

 

[rtav]

Very nice looking! Can't wait to see the next one.