Leafenbacker

[Aceonbass]

While the tremelo arm bracket is functional, I too think it could be a bit more stylish. As it is now, it looks like a big F. Perhaps something with a curve in the back that matches that of the edge of the bass. I don't think it should be black since there's no other black hardware on the bass.

 

[ICM]

I'm gonna disagree, Dane. Since that whole bass vibrato system is pretty utilitarian I think that "simple and get's the job done" is the way to go.
I mean look at the system, it already looks like a machine.

 

[hover]

You could also do away with the original bar entirely, and fashion a fatty of a flat /wide bar, more remnicent of a Bigsby arm, and have it sweep back a tad to the general mount position you're proposing, then sweep out, arcing gracefully up, again, like a Bigsby...that way you could go polished or brushed aluminum and mount just the bar to the original mount point on the Kahler, and not some multi-piece contraption.

Think *kind of* the shape of a square-root bar in mathematics, yet more curved with the small line segment being the mount point and you're in the ballpark with what I'm suggesting.

IF you went with a thicker arm, you could even have it engraved with a subtle filigree / vine motif to carry on the theme of the bass.

Just thinking aloud...I hope not to offend, but just to offer suggestion / alternatives.

 

[mapleglo]

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?

This is my second build, so I guess you could say I've been doing this for less than a year.

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.

I'll have to think about how that might take shape.

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.

I'll have to find some time to polish it out. Maybe over this week. Thanks for the tip - I've never polished aluminum before.

 

[mapleglo]

While the tremelo arm bracket is functional, I too think it could be a bit more stylish. As it is now, it looks like a big F. Perhaps something with a curve in the back that matches that of the edge of the bass. I don't think it should be black since there's no other black hardware on the bass.

Yes, it does look like a big "F". I'll try polishing it first, and see how that looks.

I'm gonna disagree, Dane. Since that whole bass vibrato system is pretty utilitarian I think that "simple and get's the job done" is the way to go.
I mean look at the system, it already looks like a machine.

Thanks!

You could also do away with the original bar entirely, and fashion a fatty of a flat /wide bar, more remnicent of a Bigsby arm, and have it sweep back a tad to the general mount position you're proposing, then sweep out, arcing gracefully up, again, like a Bigsby...that way you could go polished or brushed aluminum and mount just the bar to the original mount point on the Kahler, and not some multi-piece contraption.

Think *kind of* the shape of a square-root bar in mathematics, yet more curved with the small line segment being the mount point and you're in the ballpark with what I'm suggesting.

IF you went with a thicker arm, you could even have it engraved with a subtle filigree / vine motif to carry on the theme of the bass.

Just thinking aloud...I hope not to offend, but just to offer suggestion / alternatives.

A flat arm - that's a good idea. As it is, the arm sticks up too high so that the bass no longer fits in the case with it on. A flat bar may be just the ticket. And I like the idea of some kind of engraving.

Sorry about the late replies - I just came back from the Phoenix Comicon.

 

[hover]

A flat arm - that's a good idea. As it is, the arm sticks up too high so that the bass no longer fits in the case with it on. A flat bar may be just the ticket. And I like the idea of some kind of engraving.

What's neat is you could make it readily removable too, buy making "keyways" (think the slip-on screwhead mount holes on the back of picture frames, where the screwhead slips into an opening and then a notch the width of the shaft of the screw only) to 'quick-on / quick-off' the arm using the same two mounts you currently have your little bracket on. It would add stability to the mount so it wouldn't fly off during performance, yet removable so the fit in your case is a non-issue.

 

[mapleglo]

What's neat is you could make it readily removable too, buy making "keyways" (think the slip-on screwhead mount holes on the back of picture frames, where the screwhead slips into an opening and then a notch the width of the shaft of the screw only) to 'quick-on / quick-off' the arm using the same two mounts you currently have your little bracket on. It would add stability to the mount so it wouldn't fly off during performance, yet removable so the fit in your case is a non-issue.

Another great idea!

Played the bass again at band practice yesterday. I brought my Ric, but it stayed in the case. Again. I keep forgetting to bring my camera. Next week. We auditioned a new guitarist. We're now a trio, looking for keyboards and a singer.

 

[hillerup]

Another great idea!

Played the bass again at band practice yesterday. I brought my Ric, but it stayed in the case. Again. I keep forgetting to bring my camera. Next week. We auditioned a new guitarist. We're now a trio, looking for keyboards and a singer.

May I suggest you put your camera in the Ric case - you don't seem to forget that...

 

[Skarsoul]

May I suggest you put your camera in the Ric case - you don't seem to forget that...

But the Ric case doesn't even get opened. . .
perhaps she could find space in the Leafenbacker's case

 

[mapleglo]

May I suggest you put your camera in the Ric case - you don't seem to forget that...

But the Ric case doesn't even get opened. . .
perhaps she could find space in the Leafenbacker's case

This is what happens when you get old. You start to forget things.

And speaking of things, couldn't they come out with anything darker?

 

[Splods]

I like the dark style (I use it on a few other forums I frequent), but the page selection color annoys me.

 

[mapleglo]

Just a quick update. I've been working on a few other projects over the past few weeks, like refinishing my SVT810e ( http://www.talkbass.com/threads/svt810e-refinish.1079427/ ), but finally had a little time to work on the tremolo arm.

I now see why the original bar was bent the way it was - to allow for clearance above the controls, and allow the bar to be pushed down. The flat bar I made is pressed against the body. So I'll have to come up with an angled spacer, or bend the bar itself, or the bracket. Or, just use the original.

 

[joelns]

The tremolo arm doesn't complement the rest of the design. The original one worked much better.

 

[mapleglo]

The tremolo arm doesn't complement the rest of the design. The original one worked much better.

Yeah, after looking at it for a while, I'm beginning to agree.

 

[mellowinman]

The tremolo arm doesn't complement the rest of the design. The original one worked much better.

Yeah, after looking at it for a while, I'm beginning to agree.

Yes, I don't like where this tremolo arm is going at all! Maybe I just love the bass too much, but the arm and the bracket are just so clunky, on such a beautiful, graceful design!

I hate to be a critic, but man, I just really love this bass!

 

[mapleglo]

Yes, I don't like where this tremolo arm is going at all! Maybe I just love the bass too much, but the arm and the bracket are just so clunky, on such a beautiful, graceful design!

I hate to be a critic, but man, I just really love this bass!

I'll just stay with the original arm. I was looking into alternatives because I have to take it off when I put the bass back in the case, but I suppose one must make some sacrifices for beauty.

 

[mellowinman]

I'll just stay with the original arm. I was looking into alternatives because I have to take it off when I put the bass back in the case, but I suppose one must make some sacrifices for beauty.

Don't I know it!

 

[Bassmanmike1]

I'll just stay with the original arm. I was looking into alternatives because I have to take it off when I put the bass back in the case, but I suppose one must make some sacrifices for beauty.

FYI, That's what all the Strat players I've played with do too. Just something you have to do when you have a whammy. Glad you are going back to the original one. Looks much better.

 

[Hopkins]

I think I would make it one piece, and more rounded. Something like what is pictured, with about a 25 degree offset to keep the bar up away from the body. Its just a rough paint drawing, it could be drawn to flow much better with the body.

 

[mapleglo]

I think I would make it one piece, and more rounded. Something like what is pictured, with about a 25 degree offset to keep the bar up away from the body. Its just a rough paint drawing, it could be drawn to flow much better with the body.

View attachment 435894

That's actually pretty nice. I may have to order another piece of aluminum though. I don't think I have enough left to do that in one piece. It's too hot outside to check that right now - over 110° I tend to stay inside.

I found this Skil band saw at the thrift store this morning for $60.00.

I know it's an entry level tool, total hobbyist level, and not capable of doing a resaw, but for shaping a body or a head stock, I think it may come in handy. If I can find a metal blade, that'll make cutting aluminum a lot easier. Even came with an extra blade and the owner's manual. They also had a matching scroll saw, but I have no room for this, no less yet another power tool.