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Joe Dart build with student
- Thread starter Verner
- Start date
For my build, I decided to save some time for myself. Potvin makes a nice template, and I went for it. I made my EB3-L templates from pics and measurements, so I know I could do it here as well, but I have a lot on the burner. Plus I have a future plan for a crazy idea involving the stingray anyway.
Templates just arrived from Canada, extremely well packed and with a very friendly handwritten thank you.
Templates just arrived from Canada, extremely well packed and with a very friendly handwritten thank you.
I'm following this topic because I'm mildly interested in doing a bass that uses some of the bullet points of the Joe Dart bass, but most likely a 32" scale since I have 30" scales already.
I have used a couple of MM-style pickups from Guitar Fetish and like them, but I'm not sure if it's better to use the ceramic or Alnico 5 version. (Anybody have an opinion?) The 40+ page MM pickup topic over in the pickup and electronics area is interesting, but filled with so much conflicting advice that it's difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.
I kind of like the dual single pole double throw switch configuration that lets you select all the pickup wiring configurations with a single volume control and output jack, no electronics.
I also would use a straight nut and not the comensated nut setup as seen on the post-2006 MM basses.
I have used a couple of MM-style pickups from Guitar Fetish and like them, but I'm not sure if it's better to use the ceramic or Alnico 5 version. (Anybody have an opinion?) The 40+ page MM pickup topic over in the pickup and electronics area is interesting, but filled with so much conflicting advice that it's difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.
I kind of like the dual single pole double throw switch configuration that lets you select all the pickup wiring configurations with a single volume control and output jack, no electronics.
I also would use a straight nut and not the comensated nut setup as seen on the post-2006 MM basses.
I am sorry I never followed up on this, my student last year flaked out and just didn’t show up when needed. I wasn’t upset, although it would have been a fun build. The average teen doesn’t understand the months of work that goes into these. He showed up to get to work in the spring, but he was graduating so I had to say sorry, it isn’t going to happen in 4 weeks.
I started a build this October with another student, an explorer, and he did follow through. I’ll keep putting the opportunity out there for anyone who wants the experience, it’s fun for me and they learn a lot.
I started a build this October with another student, an explorer, and he did follow through. I’ll keep putting the opportunity out there for anyone who wants the experience, it’s fun for me and they learn a lot.
Since this thread wasn't being updated, I figured something like that must be going on. I am following the Explorer build with interest, and I remember another student (Loretta?) you built a single coil P-bass with. Kudos to you Verner, for putting your time and energy into these projects.
Thanks! The teacher in me immediately thinks of sharing any new knowledge with anyone who wants it, and I love thinking about how those kids will carry the experience on. Kind of like this forum, really. You can draw a direct line from talkbass to these budding luthiers. Also, it really draws interest from others, you wouldn’t believe the number of parents, teachers, and students who check in just to see what’s new in the build. Most people never see the process from rough cut lumber to instrument.
Few teens, and many adults, haven't experienced long-term, detail-oriented projects. Just the effort of researching and selecting materials is more than some can pull together. I have a student who wants to build a strat body this fall. We have discussed it a few times, talked through the processes, and I have visited with his parents about it. I'm optimistic about it coming together.
I hope it works out, you almost get to relive your first build all over again!
Don't know if you mean Strat body or Strat-bodied guitar.
A good way to introduce someone at student level is to have them purchase a lower level import guitar and then make a custom body for it. They will get tons of experience with how a guitar is constructed and that will prepare them for a total build on down the line.
It's important that a newbie doesn't bite off more than they can chew. It's much better to set expectations a bit lower and have a successful outcome.
His current idea is to buy a neck and build the body. He wants the body to be wood incased in epoxy resin, so that will complicate things. His parents are very supportive, and he has a realistic budget. If it starts, then I will post a build thread.
