Leafenbacker

[mapleglo]

Everytime you post I come over all excited, but then I see it's just a text reply to someone else and there are no new photos/updates it upsets me.

Really enjoying this project.

I know exactly how you feel. When I first stumbled upon this site, I was in heaven. Build thread after build thread, all complete from start to finish. I ate it up, and think I read almost every thread in this section. Now when I follow a thread, I'm looking at it in real time, and like you, have to wait impatiently for each update.

So as not to disappoint, at least with this post, I've taken a picture of a mock up of the build.

Take a chill pill...

I could ask the same for myself. I also become impatient

That came out nice - have you considered placing a sanded down (lower profile) leaf in the heal area? Just a thought.

Great idea! I had though to use a leaf as the truss rod adjustment cavity cover, but never thought to also use one on the rear heal.

mapleglo
"I still have yet to hear his band. I love his taste in basses though "

Here ya go!

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Thanks for the link. I've been meaning to do a search on YouTube but just haven't found the time.

He's pretty rocking. I may have to listen to a few more tunes of his. This kind of music fits pretty well with the classic rock band I'm in. One of the singers has a gravelly voice similar to his.

 

[mapleglo]

Actually, putting together the mock up has revealed an issue I must resolve. Remind me of this if I ever do another neck through build using a neck I didn't build.

So the neck increases in width from the nut to the end. I had thought to cut the sides of the area going through the body parallel, and in fact, designed the body wings accordingly. It appears the last 2 frets will interfere with that plan, as the wings extend through that area. I had hoped that I'd be able to even move the wings higher, to reduce the total length of the bass.

So do you think I can just leave that slight taper with the neck-through area intact?

 

[wraub]

Looking great so far, really like the peghead redesign you did there.

As to the whole neck through issue, how often do you play up there? And, how much of a hindrance would this present? Many basses have restricted access to the upper frets, and many players seem able to adapt. You might just be alright with what you have there.

Regardless, besides the bridge overhang, that looks really, really good imo.

 

[IntrepidCellist]

Could you shave the mahogany sandwich pieces to counteract that taper?

 

[mapleglo]

Looking great so far, really like the peghead redesign you did there.

As to the whole neck through issue, how often do you play up there? And, how much of a hindrance would this present? Many basses have restricted access to the upper frets, and many players seem able to adapt. You might just be alright with what you have there.

Regardless, besides the bridge overhang, that looks really, really good imo.

Thanks. I don't play the upper frets very often. I agree, I think I'll be ok.

Could you shave the mahogany sandwich pieces to counteract that taper?

I could, and did consider it at one point. For now, I'm thinking about just leaving them as is, and leaving the taper intact. My main concern was for the aesthetic, but I'm thinking it looks ok.

I could cut the lower area of the neck-through parallel, just under the fret beard area, but that's a pretty complex cut. I've been thinking about how I'd do it with the router. I'm not sure it's worth the effort, and the risk. The more I think about it, the more I think I'll just leave the taper as is. It's hardly noticeable.

 

[JIO]

Actually, putting together the mock up has revealed an issue I must resolve. Remind me of this if I ever do another neck through build using a neck I didn't build.

So the neck increases in width from the nut to the end. I had thought to cut the sides of the area going through the body parallel, and in fact, designed the body wings accordingly. It appears the last 2 frets will interfere with that plan, as the wings extend through that area. I had hoped that I'd be able to even move the wings higher, to reduce the total length of the bass.

So do you think I can just leave that slight taper with the neck-through area intact?

Considering most basses restrict at least the same amount of access (and I use "restrict" loosely), it doesn't seem an issue to me. The 24th fret is still easily accessible in my book for the times you'll go there. I think it's more that you're comparing it to a trad RIC where the fb ends at the body.

Only real issue is the stretch. One of my early hybrid builds was a Fenderbird (T-bird body/Fender neck) It came out on the long side and playing it always takes a bit of re-adjusting to the stretch getting to first position. (the "cash" register )

 

[Marcury]

Yum!!!

 

[GKon]

Wow, Mapleglo, looking great!!!

Please let me know at which point you want me to send you my address so that you can ship it to me when it's done (One can only wish).

Seriously though, great work.

 

[mapleglo]

Considering most basses restrict at least the same amount of access (and I use "restrict" loosely), it doesn't seem an issue to me. The 24th fret is still easily accessible in my book for the times you'll go there. I think it's more that you're comparing it to a trad RIC where the fb ends at the body.

Only real issue is the stretch. One of my early hybrid builds was a Fenderbird (T-bird body/Fender neck) It came out on the long side and playing it always takes a bit of re-adjusting to the stretch getting to first position. (the "cash" register )

I was thinking at one point that I could remove those last two frets, and rout down that area of the fretboard level to the body area, which would fix the "problem", and also allow the neck pickup to be placed closer to the original location. But then I realized that I don't know where the truss rod ends. I'd hate to go through all that only to find that the truss rod end is blocking the pickup mounting, ruining the neck in the process.

The Reformer also is on the long side, which is the reason I had to make a case for it. It's too long to fit into a standard bass case. I may have to do the same for this one. I still haven't finished that case. Too many projects…

I was mainly concerned that the taper would curl the horns inward, affecting the aesthetic, but it looks ok in that respect. Better than had I tapered the mahogany strips to compensate, which I think would be much more noticeable.

Yum!!!

It does look rather yummy, doesn't it I'm quite happy with the way it's coming out.

Wow, Mapleglo, looking great!!!

Please let me know at which point you want me to send you my address so that you can ship it to me when it's done (One can only wish).

Seriously though, great work.

Thanks! Of course, selling it would bring down the wrath of the Ric police upon me. I guess I'm forced to just keep it. I think I'll learn to live with that

 

[gmjhowe]

So do you think I can just leave that slight taper with the neck-through area intact?

I would totally leave it as is. Any adjustments are just potential things to go wrong.

I think if you were to shave the mahogany on the wings, it would be noticeable that the mahogany was not a parallel piece. Where as the taper in the neck is a lot less noticeable.

I like that the lines along the edge of the neck continue straight into the body.

 

[JIO]

I was thinking at one point that I could remove those last two frets, and rout down that area of the fretboard level to the body area, which would fix the "problem", and also allow the neck pickup to be placed closer to the original location. But then I realized that I don't know where the truss rod ends. I'd hate to go through all that only to find that the truss rod end is blocking the pickup mounting, ruining the neck in the process.

I was mainly concerned that the taper would curl the horns inward, affecting the aesthetic, but it looks ok in that respect. Better than had I tapered the mahogany strips to compensate, which I think would be much more noticeable.

I'd recommend letting sleeping dogs lye.

 

[ICM]

I was actually gonna suggest taking off part of the fretboard, but then thought the same thing you did.

 

[hover]

That thing is SO badass as-is, I'd totally leave it. Unreal stuff PLUS a Kahler? Pinch me!

 

[mapleglo]

I would totally leave it as is. Any adjustments are just potential things to go wrong.

I think if you were to shave the mahogany on the wings, it would be noticeable that the mahogany was not a parallel piece. Where as the taper in the neck is a lot less noticeable.

I like that the lines along the edge of the neck continue straight into the body.

Yes, this is exactly my thinking. I also think I'm too far into this to make any major mistakes. I'm leaving it as is.

I'd recommend letting sleeping dogs lye.

Agreed.

I was actually gonna suggest taking off part of the fretboard, but then thought the same thing you did.

Great minds think alike. And ours too
Next bass, I'm going to make the fretboard, to avoid issues like this.

That thing is SO badass as-is, I'd totally leave it. Unreal stuff PLUS a Kahler? Pinch me!

Thanks I thought that adding the Kahler would be an interesting touch. I also figured it would anger the Ric purists, so I had to do it.

 

[Hopkins]

So, Is the bridge going to have to hang off the back like that in order for it to be located correctly? If so I think I would save it for another project and get something that will fit completely onto the body

 

[mapleglo]

So, Is the bridge going to have to hang off the back like that in order for it to be located correctly? If so I think I would save it for another project and get something that will fit completely onto the body

No, I just placed it haphazardly for the photo. Last time I had the ruler out, it sat about an inch from the bottom, another reason I wanted to move the body wings up toward the neck. I thought it looked better flush with the bottom of the body.

My next step is to make a mock up of the bridge, and finalize the pickup positions. Then I can start routing the bridge and pickup locations, once I make a template. And then drill a few holes for wire access - I'll need to do that before I glue up the wings. The body under the leaves is too thin to wing it, like I did on my last build.

Of course, I have yet to wind the remaining pickups, and cut out the bottom cover panels from that sheet of aluminum I received yesterday. I hope to start some of these tasks over the weekend.

 

[Hopkins]

No, I just placed it haphazardly for the photo. Last time I had the ruler out, it sat about an inch from the bottom, another reason I wanted to move the body wings up toward the neck. I thought it looked better flush with the bottom of the body.

My next step is to make a mock up of the bridge, and finalize the pickup positions. Then I can start routing the bridge and pickup locations, once I make a template. And then drill a few holes for wire access - I'll need to do that before I glue up the wings. The body under the leaves is too thin to wing it, like I did on my last build.

Of course, I have yet to wind the remaining pickups, and cut out the bottom cover panels from that sheet of aluminum I received yesterday. I hope to start some of these tasks over the weekend.

Cool, I'm glad that is going to work out

 

[Josh Thatguy]

Loving the progress on this build... but I can't help but think... instead of traditional *clover* tuners... how cool would a set of maple-leaf-shaped or ivy-shaped tuners be on this thing... as long as there's artistic liberties being taken, that would seem to follow the logic...

 

[mapleglo]

Cool, I'm glad that is going to work out

Thanks, yes, me too.

Loving the progress on this build... but I can't help but think... instead of traditional *clover* tuners... how cool would a set of maple-leaf-shaped or ivy-shaped tuners be on this thing... as long as there's artistic liberties being taken, that would seem to follow the logic...

I have yet to come across tuners with leaf shaped handles, but that is a cool idea. I did come across an acorn and leaf strap at Musician's Friend, made by Levy's.

 

[Hopkins]

Thanks, yes, me too.



I have yet to come across tuners with leaf shaped handles, but that is a cool idea. I did come across an acorn and leaf strap at Musician's Friend, made by Levy's.

Well, that is a must have for this bass