Leafenbacker

[mapleglo]

Ric style truss rod cover it is then. Thanks for all the input. I have some mahogany I can use.

 

[mapleglo]

Playing around in Illustrator, I just laid a shape over the existing pic. So something like this perhaps?

 

[Hopkins]

I think the mahogany will look pretty sharp, if you could find someone with a CNC laser, and and have Leafenbacker laser engraved in the Rick font that would really set it over the top.

 

[saltymonkey]

I think the mahogany will look pretty sharp, if you could find someone with a CNC laser, and and have Leafenbacker laser engraved in the Rick font that would really set it over the top.

+1 that's a great idea. This shape also gives you enough material to use a magnet to hold it in place rather than a screw if you want. Although with a trad truss rod cover shape screws don't seem out of place like they would with the leaf.

 

[mapleglo]

Not sure about the CNC thing, though I suppose I can do a search. I could print out one of those decals though.

 

[JIO]

Call me the contrarian, but we all know it's based on a Ric so why keep using Ric motifs? At this point it seems to me you might want to brand it with w/your own mark to confirm it is not a Ric. Somewhat like making a Fender copy and then putting a Fender decal on the hs. Whether it's a leaf or whatever, it would be your mark. The leaf was an attempt at that and I feel preferable to the Ric swoosh. Just sayin'

Also, here's an option for having your cake and eating it too - how about using your chrome knobs with a wood 'cosy' - The wood ones you made seem wider in diameter than the chrome knurled barrel knobs so...

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you want the name on the cover, I would find a laser engraver. Most trophy shops (or if you know any independent batmakers) have them. Should only be a few bucks, and would look fantastic.

 

[Hopkins]

I just think the leaf on the front of the headstock may be a bit much. I do like the idea of a decorative leaf on the back side of the headstock though.

 

[atracksler]

Re the truss rod cover


An acorn would be awesome up there.

 

[JIO]

more cake...

 

[wraub]

Playing around in Illustrator, I just laid a shape over the existing pic. So something like this perhaps?

Agreed the leaf trc is probably too much. Too much busyness and too much whimsy is just too much, imo.
And, for the same reasons, I like the idea posted here.
Because this captures the necessary "vibe" while leaving the shapes and themes you already have going on as the dominant ones, this (or one like it) would be my vote.

Simple and elegant in the overall way of the whole, nice visual contrast with the looks of the peghead and body, and minimal visual distraction yet still looks as "Ric-ish" as the rest of your tweaks. Imho, of course.

 

[ICM]

Love the leafenbacker TRC idea!

 

[thiocyclist]

Does it have to have a TRC? I almost like it without.

 

[mapleglo]

Wow, lots of great ideas and suggestions. The "knob within a knob" thing is pretty cool - I'll have to play a little with that, and I could always go up one step in diameter if necessary. And the "leafenbacker" TRC looks like it has potential as well. Almost like a leaf, but with a flame feeling to it. I'm not sure a mahogany strip will tolerate those cuts, but I could definitely achieve that with plastic. Another great idea!

Does it have to have a TRC? I almost like it without.

Another interesting idea. I could make a "plug" out of maple or mahogany as another option.

I most likely won't get a chance to work on this today, but will put some thought into this in the coming week. There's plenty to do before I have to make a decision anyway.

Thanks again for all the interest, suggestions, and feedback!

 

[dmac1961]

Looking great!
My $.02, the wooden knobs look great, GC will take the metal ones back. I don't care for the leaf or RIC TR cover, I think a more conventional Gibson type would be appropriate

 

[JIO]

And the "leafenbacker" TRC looks like it has potential as well. Almost like a leaf, but with a flame feeling to it. I'm not sure a mahogany strip will tolerate those cuts, but I could definitely achieve that with plastic.

The leaf-swoosh could be easily cut from a thin abalone sheet glued to thin single-ply black plastic. (as your neck position dots are black) Would add a bit of Fall-esk organic colour and stay w/your natural-theme. I wouldn't worry about it being too much because once you apply your finish-oil the whole bass will grow richer and the woodgrain and 2 different hues will be enhanced. As always tests can be done using left-over wood.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Whatever you do (or you could do a wood TRC with an image of an acorn or leaf), I think the laser engraver would be the way to go - you can have the image/letters clear, or a burned in effect.

 

[Smilodon]

Wow. This thread have somehow slipped under my radar... Glad I discovered it now.

Really nice work. I'll be watching this one.

 

[mellowinman]

Since we're doing suggestions/opinions:

1. The Truss Rod Cover is incidental. This is a nice bass, with a nice design, and a nice headstock. Whatever you choose, it will look fine. It's JUST A TRUSS ROD COVER. Ric Swoosh, Maple Leaf, Gibson Style, one of the above with engraving, you can't lose.
2. I still think the chrome knobs fit the design the best.

No matter what TRC, knobs, etc you use, this is a nice bass. I love that you're still going with the natural finish; that is so cool.

 

[Tbone76]

I've been subbed to this for a while, and I have to say that it's looking awesome! It's an inspired build, to say the least. Your workarounds have been neat to see, too. Now hurry up and finish it so we can all be jealous!