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I got an Idea

W

WookieeForLife

Sep 30, 2008
1,295
1
PA.
#1
Since OT is swarmed with gay threads(literally), I thought'd I'd check out this section.


From earlier thread you might have noticed that I want to build my own bass. The kit with all the hardware and electronics is almost $200. The neck is another $200. I wanted to build my own body and buy these parts. My question is, would it work if I bought a $150 bass, took the hardware and neck off it, put in diff pickups and made my own body, would this work? I know in order for the notes to be correct, I would need to put the bridge the same exact length from the neck as on the original.
 
#3
Buying a $150 bass and ditching the body is the worst idea. Really, you would only buy a $150 bass FOR the body... Hence all the modded SX's. If you want to design your own bodyshape, you're better off getting a body blank from Carvin or Warmoth. You're not going to save any money over buying a cheap bass.
 
#4
Getaway Driver said:
Buying a $150 bass and ditching the body is the worst idea. Really, you would only buy a $150 bass FOR the body... Hence all the modded SX's. If you want to design your own bodyshape, you're better off getting a body blank from Carvin or Warmoth. You're not going to save any money over buying a cheap bass.
Click to expand...

I have cherry wood from my back yard that I wanted to make a body out of. I was going to use the $150 bass for the neck, tuning knobs, bridge, and if I liked the tone then the pickups also.

EDIT: I also have all the tools. It is just that the necks are way too hard to make. I know I'd screw it up.
 
#6
I know I'll replace the pickups most likley. I dont see how tuning pegs or a bridge can change tone all too much. I might be wrong.


EDIT: In my experiance the sound is in the pickups. If I can get everything except the pickups, I'd be saving atleast $100.
 
#7
When I was 16 with a job, I had the same idea. A $150 bass is probably not gonna have a good neck. I would get a Mighty Mite for your price range. When I made my first bass I learned one thing: Get a Good Neck!

Hardware-wise, check out ebay for good deals. Tuning pegs aren't a big deal, bridges are all about what one prefers, but pickups are important. You've got the right mindset and ideas, so Good Luck!
 
#10
Don't go out and buy an entire bass JUST for the neck.

First off, don't buy an entire bass JUST for the neck. I've provided a link to an ad for two SX necks currently for sale. They're cheap, but in my experience SX stuff is good quality for what you pay for. An SX neck will work just fine and last a lifetime.

Second, ditch the idea of having high-end Hipshot this and Nordstrand that. You can easily make a nice, well-sounding bass using generic hardware and pickups. Check eBay seller "bezdez" for a number of your parts. He sells inexpensive, good quality generic parts, and he ships VERY quickly with combined shipping.

Here are just a few things I quickly found to get you started:

- Pickup
- Bridge (not quite a Hipshot A, but...)
- Tuners
- Neck
- Strap Buttons

Third, do you have access to the proper wood-working tools, like a drill press, router, router bits, lots of clamps, etc? If so, and you're comfortable working with them, then check the classifieds.

Lastly, the first few builds are all about gaining experience, having fun, and building something that works. Just have fun with it! :smug:
 
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#13
WookieeForLife said:
There is a vocab word that keeps appearing. What is SX?
Click to expand...

SX is a brand of inexpensive instruments. You can get them on ebay, amazon, and probably grocery stores. I had an SX strat clone once, more than fine to learn on.

I think you should try and build a neck. It's not that hard, and if it comes out bad, tear it apart, recycle the truss rod, and try again. Necks are, in my 2.5 bass builds' experience, the most rewarding part of building.
 
#14
barnaclebeau said:
SX is a brand of inexpensive instruments. You can get them on ebay, amazon, and probably grocery stores. I had an SX strat clone once, more than fine to learn on.

I think you should try and build a neck. It's not that hard, and if it comes out bad, tear it apart, recycle the truss rod, and try again. Necks are, in my 2.5 bass builds' experience, the most rewarding part of building.
Click to expand...

Thanks. The problem is the tools I have acces to are mostly my grandpa's, some ate my dad's, and a tiny sliver my uncles.


Here, now, it makes more sense of me just buying the neck with my limited access. When I am older then yes, I will make the neck myself, but for right now this seems better for me.
 
#16
teej said:
Third, do you have access to the proper wood-working tools, like a drill press, router, router bits, lots of clamps, etc? If so, and you're comfortable working with them, then check the classifieds.
:smug:
Click to expand...

Not to mention a bandsaw, jointer and planer if he's planning on milling that cherry from his backyard. I guess it could be done with hand tools, but damn, that's a lot of work.
 

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