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Lets Buy A Wish Part II

#701
I still have the Wish! I defended my thesis last week so I am just now getting around to "other" stuff. I wanted to compile another list of people to send the Wish too. Someone mentioned those that have a feedback profile - Let's get something going to get this bass to a new group of people. As far as modifying it - I am not sure I would be capable of doing anything except change the strings or resolder the wiring.
 
#703
Bassic83 said:
Was it in the same condition as when it left? I was wondering how the neck held up to it's sojourn.
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Amazingly yes - the neck relief looks exactly the same. The only dif. I note is that there is more wear on the neck from the round wound strings digging in. After all its traveling I am very impressed. I think you could kill an ox with this thing. Oh - it was out of tune and I still can't get it intonated but it is fretless so I am not sure how much intonation is me and how much is the bass - especially since the fret markers look like they were installed my Stevie Wonder.
 
#704
LajoieT said:
Here's my $.02 on the Pimp The Wish movement ( I may have said some of this before, but I know there was one point at least that I haven't stated...)

I think moding the bass and making it better is one of the best ideas since the day someone said "Let's Buy A Wish..." However, I'd like to keep the mods in the hands of the "users". I'm sure we can all agree that the builders we're all familiar with (Nordstrand, Benavente, Stambaugh, Conklin, etc.etc.etc) can build a MUCH better bass than the Wish, but I'd like to see what people who don't make any significant amount of $$$ making instruments can do. So I'd like to see it be worked on by anyone who meets those criteria, not saying you cant EVER have built an instrument before, but if you've done it for money, please sit it out. I'd like to see how much better the bass can be made by regular folks. That said, I'd like to be sure that things like replacing the fretboard and installing a Truss Rod be done by someone who has *SOME* experience in such things, and the Luthier's forum is full of some folks who would fit this bill perfectly. I just think it will mean more than just having a top builder fix it up.
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You know - I do fall into this category. :( :D

Although I'm required by forum rules to be listed as a commercial user, it's more for technical reasons and that's mainly because I chose to put "Hambone Custom Basses" on my first headstock. Strangely, one of the criteria for requiring a commercial handle is if you have a website. If I hadn't been honest with TB and told them of my placeholder/website I've had up for 2 years I would have probably been let off the hook. I don't make significant money on anything I do or sell. As a matter of fact, I've never completed a bass yet that warranted a price above $500. That's because I consider myself an "apprentice" at this craft and my work isn't yet at the level to command 4 figures or even higher 3 figures. I charge for stuff so that I can continue to learn and grow as a builder. I can't afford to finance materials or even the power to the shop if I couldn't sell some services or an instrument occasionally. That's also why I don't do certain things, and I turn down lots of different projects that really need a "skilled" craftsman's touch rather than my own clumsy "wanna-be" pawing.
 
#705
First, thanks for a lovely read, this has been a great thread so far. :)

The photos and discussion make it clear that stuff like the ragged pickup route and the rough finish would make this bass pretty painful for me, and I've heard the recordings so I know what it sounds like.

On the other hand, I've not had much time with any bass other than my el-cheapo Kramer, and I've never even touched a fretless. I have an interest in how ANY other bass would sound under my hands and through my rig, and a morbid curiosity about what it would feel like to "play" a fretless.

So... if you want another $10-plus-shipping in the pot for a second round and can deal with a fellow having no TB feedback, you can consider me in. (I can direct you to some fellow TBers I've bought from though, and I also have 100% positive eBay feedback spanning several years and 100+ transactions both buying and selling.)

As for the First Invitational Wish Pimp-Out: Cool idea, though you're going to need to allow more than a week for things like refinishing and what-not, I'd think.

My woodworking skills are weak enough that I wouldn't trust myself for any of that. However, as a long-time electronics geek, certified electronics technician, former 1st Class FCC license holder, scratch-builder of my rig's preamp, yada, yada, I'm probably qualified to do any needed wiring work on this thing, and would be happy to contribute some time/effort/materials. I know some folks find soldering and what-not a massive struggle, so if the pimpage happens and you need someone to rewire the control cavity, change the pickups, add a passive tone control, make it an active bass or whatever... keep me in mind. I think it'd be fun to contribute to something like that.

Heck, maybe I can even fix the hum problem. :)

Oh, and contributor to the pimpage or not: I suggest everyone who works on the bass really ought to have their signatures on the back. Then send it to someone for a final refin and a clearcoat over them. (Sorry to learn that didn't happen for the first round, really... you all deserve recognition for this great effort!)

One other thing, in closing: It was suggested that this bass be circulated through those on the first Buy-A-Wish list who were cheated out of their chance. I think that's a stellar idea and a very gracious move.

Again, thanks for an entertaining read and for proving that we can all work together to make fun stuff like this happen.

'rick
 
#710
coffee-sipper said:
I'm working (still) on a new list. Anyone volunteer to get this bass first?
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I still think it would be neat to BUILD a Wish, but do it nicely. Send that bass to one of our resident TB luthiers who's willing to donate a bit of their time and pitch in for materials. I'd kick in $20 to see a Wish design built with some fit and finish!! Once it's done you could pass that thing around the country!! Just a silly thought!
 
#711
There is no definant plan of action yet, as in something set in stone. We need to at least come up with a concrete list of interested people first. So far it looks like it is going to the Northeast, then the upper Midwest into the Northwest, Southwest then to the lower mid west and back into the Southeast. Additionally, it looks like most are in favor of the the "Change what you wish on the Wish".
 
#713
To think a couple of hours ago I just came on to TB to look at a couple of threads before going to bed. This has been like watching a TV show. That part where it got stuck in FLA was like the midseason cliffhanger. I was on the edge of my seat! And not because I was sliding off it due to being tired.

Any word on whats going on with it right now? Is it being pimped out as we speak, and who has it right now?
 
#714
lowphatbass said:
I still think it would be neat to BUILD a Wish, but do it nicely. Send that bass to one of our resident TB luthiers who's willing to donate a bit of their time and pitch in for materials. I'd kick in $20 to see a Wish design built with some fit and finish!! Once it's done you could pass that thing around the country!! Just a silly thought!
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Or send it to Wish as an example. :)
 

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