Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
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Leafenbacker
- Thread starter mapleglo
- Start date
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,618
- 222,149
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
I have always found the naming of basses with female names (generally owned by straight male) kind of strange, but that's just me.
For what it's worth, I do not name my basses, other than "the Ric", "the Leaf", "the Precision", and so on. I don't think it's strange or stupid to name them - I don't like to judge - but I don't find it useful for me. I do name my stuffed animals though 
I'll have some questions about 5 string basses soon, but I suppose I should ask them in the appropriate threads and forums.
In the mean time, I've been working on the tremolo bar relocation project.
I drew out a plan in Illustrator, printed it, double stick taped it to the 1/4" aluminum sheet I have, and started drilling relief holes on the drill press. Setting up the jig and drilling the holes was all I did yesterday, as it was 108 degrees outside, and likely 10 degrees hotter in the utility room where the drill press lives.
Today, I clamped the sheet to the workbench, and started at it with the jig saw.
When I got to that point, I realized I should have drilled two more relief holes. I guess my brain had start to fry from the heat.
I just eye balled it with the cordless.
Looks like I need to do some filing. Since it's only about 105 today, I figured I could do a little more work.
Did some rough filing, and went inside to cool off.
Did a test fitting and it seems to work. I have some bolts on order with a rounded head, and a hex drive, which should be easy on my hand, and I still have yet to determine where I'll put the tremolo arm on the bracket. I still have some filing to do as well. I think I may also look into getting it chrome plated. Aluminum can be chrome plated, right?
I'll have some questions about 5 string basses soon, but I suppose I should ask them in the appropriate threads and forums.
In the mean time, I've been working on the tremolo bar relocation project.
I drew out a plan in Illustrator, printed it, double stick taped it to the 1/4" aluminum sheet I have, and started drilling relief holes on the drill press. Setting up the jig and drilling the holes was all I did yesterday, as it was 108 degrees outside, and likely 10 degrees hotter in the utility room where the drill press lives.
Today, I clamped the sheet to the workbench, and started at it with the jig saw.
When I got to that point, I realized I should have drilled two more relief holes. I guess my brain had start to fry from the heat.
I just eye balled it with the cordless.
Looks like I need to do some filing. Since it's only about 105 today, I figured I could do a little more work.
Did some rough filing, and went inside to cool off.
Did a test fitting and it seems to work. I have some bolts on order with a rounded head, and a hex drive, which should be easy on my hand, and I still have yet to determine where I'll put the tremolo arm on the bracket. I still have some filing to do as well. I think I may also look into getting it chrome plated. Aluminum can be chrome plated, right?
Aluminum can be polished to almost look like chrome, and it can be plated as well. Either way, get it shaped perfect and smooth before you polish, or plate.
Ric pictures are always welcomed here
I've been toying with the idea of doing a 5 string on my next build. I never even played a 5 string, but it might be a worthwhile project.
My next bass will be a 5. I keep thinking that the extra string will provide more options for voicings.
Thanks.
They are, according to their website. The Kahler is brass, I think, at least going by the weight. It weighs a ton.
So, this is the bracket so far. Just needs some polishing.
Seems to do the job.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,618
- 222,149
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Thanks.
They are, according to their website. The Kahler is brass, I think, at least going by the weight. It weighs a ton.
So, this is the bracket so far. Just needs some polishing.
Seems to do the job.
You could have it anodized in a colour of your choice. (black?)
I laughed out loud at this one. And now I plan on using it tomorrow night too!
Fascinating build. Looks awesome and it's great to see what's behind such a project. Really wish I was able to build basses myself, but I lack money, a work area, time, motor skills and experience 
Out of curiosity, are you a professional luthier? Or more hobby-like? How long have you been doing this?
Out of curiosity, are you a professional luthier? Or more hobby-like? How long have you been doing this?
That bracket is functional, but I would do something a bit more refined than that...something that'd tuck in behind the back of the fulcrum and bend out *gracefully* to receive the trem arm. Just me.
Hopkins
Commercial User
Spend a bit of time sanding that bracket using wet or dry paper, and WD-40 as a lubricant (wear gloves or you will have black hands) working your way through the grits up to about 2000 grit. Then hit it with some Mothers Aluminum Polish, and a rotary tool with a polishing attachment and that aluminum will polish out to a mirror finish.
