Sponsored Lowe Custom Guitars Shop Notes

[BTL]

Thanks!

I'll look into those Chi-Sonics at some point soon.

So, here’s a little bit of fun…the first Lollar Thunderbirds for five string.

They look just like the four string model, but the bobbin and magnets extend the length of the cover:

A few sets of plug-and-play pickups:

The P bass body with the swimming-pool rout completed:

Ridler body #2 mocked up with TV Jones Thunder'Blade pickups in Filter'Tron cases:

 

[mbelue]

Nothing bad about that Ridler at all.

 

[BTL]

Thanks!

So...here it is, Ridler #1 ready to go:

 

[blindrabbit]

WOW. Those Ridlers are nice. #1 looks beautiful, with lollys no less, and that second one with the TV Jones' is going to be something to see (and hear) I'm sure!

Amazing work!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Jumpin Jehsosephat! That Ridler is sweet! The Ric inspiration is obvious, but all the ergonomic problems solved neatly. The bound elbow relief work is superb. Reminds me a little of the Retrovibe V-4B, but the headstock is much nicer on this one. I hope you don't get any stank from John Hall or his minions on this one, it's clearly an original take on the design, but that hasn't stopped him elsewhere. Very impressive work!

 

[blindrabbit]

Jumpin Jehsosephat! That Ridler is sweet! The Ric inspiration is obvious, but all the ergonomic problems solved neatly. The bound elbow relief work is superb. Reminds me a little of the Retrovibe V-4B, but the headstock is much nicer on this one. I hope you don't get any stank from John Hall or his minions on this one, it's clearly an original take on the design, but that hasn't stopped him elsewhere. Very impressive work!

Yeah, good point GiG, it is reminiscent of the Retrovibe, a bass that I like a lot, so its no surprise that this one is also catching my eye. And yes, the Lowe headstock is clearly superior, I like it quite a bit too.

If the Rickenwaffen come after this, they should be ashamed of themselves.

 

[BTL]

Thanks guys...I'm really proud of this one!

 

[dedpool1052]

Hey Brad,
seeing as you offer both reverse and non-reverse t-bird style basses, one forgotten Gibson that I think would really fit in with your style is the old Victory basses. That body shape with the flat top and forearm facet would be pretty sweet.

 

[BTL]

I owned a Victory for a few years and just think of it as an '80s thing, like the Fender performer.

Nothing wrong with that, just not my thing.

On the other hand, a 32" SG might be fun.

 

[dedpool1052]

a 32" SG would be cool too. I'm still curious to see how that double-cut design of yours will turn out.

 

[BassHappy]

Hey Brad

Great looking stuff here, everywhere I look. Kudos man, you are doing an outrageously good job!

Any word on the conversion necks? Am I reading that some are already delivered?

How's the feedback? If they are shipping, someone should start a thread on "conversion necks" so we can all share in the comments. I for one am dying to know how the reaction is going to them...

 

[BTL]

a 32" SG would be cool too. I'm still curious to see how that double-cut design of yours will turn out.

It will be a while before the double-cut even gets into the queue.

I really like the design, but I have a few more builds in mind before that gets programmed.

Hey Brad

Great looking stuff here, everywhere I look. Kudos man, you are doing an outrageously good job!

Any word on the conversion necks? Am I reading that some are already delivered?

How's the feedback? If they are shipping, someone should start a thread on "conversion necks" so we can all share in the comments. I for one am dying to know how the reaction is going to them...

Thanks!

I'll do a narrative here on the conversion neck design and build process once I have a few more pictures.

The first necks are scheduled to ship on April 15th or so, and we're all pretty excited.

In the meantime, I posted some updated pics in the group buy thread.

 

[BassHappy]

It will be a while before the double-cut even gets into the queue.

I really like the design, but I have a few more builds in mind before that gets programmed.
Thanks!

I'll do a narrative here on the conversion neck design and build process once I have a few more pictures.

The first necks are scheduled to ship on April 15th or so, and we're all pretty excited.

In the meantime, I posted some updated pics in the group buy thread.

Very cool Brad!

April 15th is just around the corner. I am really looking forward to hearing and seeing more about the conversion necks. As previously stated - I can't help but think that this will be an overwhelming success for all concerned - and I am grateful for all your hard work in this area. You can tell lots of love and thought goes into your designs. The "Lowe" has an aura and a very classy vibe all of it's own and the Ridley looks great! I also love the black satin P bass interpretation up above.

You are creating a recognizable brand which is always exciting. So, as a fan of your work, I am here watching and I can't wait to see how things go as you move forward this year. Best of luck with everything!

 

[mapleglo]

That Ridler is just spectacular!

 

[BTL]

Thanks!

Even though most of the steps are already posted within the thread, I've been reminded I need to do a step-by-step on each completed bass.

This will be a great opportunity to highlight all of the little details and processes I've incorporated into my builds.

It should be fun!

 

[dedpool1052]

It will be a while before the double-cut even gets into the queue.

I really like the design, but I have a few more builds in mind before that gets programmed.
Thanks!

When you say a few more builds in mind, does that mean new designs outside of what you already offer?

 

[BTL]

Very cool Brad!

April 15th is just around the corner. I am really looking forward to hearing and seeing more about the conversion necks. As previously stated - I can't help but think that this will be an overwhelming success for all concerned - and I am grateful for all your hard work in this area. You can tell lots of love and thought goes into your designs. The "Lowe" has an aura and a very classy vibe all of it's own and the Ridley looks great! I also love the black satin P bass interpretation up above.

You are creating a recognizable brand which is always exciting. So, as a fan of your work, I am here watching and I can't wait to see how things go as you move forward this year. Best of luck with everything!

Rick...you are entirely too kind!

When you say a few more builds in mind, does that mean new designs outside of what you already offer?

In a sense, yes.

I have two medium scale conversion necks in the queue for myself, with paint, logo and serial number.

Those will likely go on "stock" swamp ash P bass bodies with a pickguard and T-bird, TV Jones or Fralin big single pickups.

Then I will probably build at least two six-string guitars, an NR Fire'Luxe and a Tele, both with my forearm facet, heel contour, and universal ring & rout.

Each will be the first of its kind for me.

 

[dedpool1052]

I started on guitar before I picked up bass, so I still have a certain amount of love for it. I look forward to seeing how those guitars turn out.

 

[BTL]

I’ll get some assembly shots of Ridler #1 up later today.


In the mean time, I’ve been working on a new project.


I have sourced some swamp ash, imported, pre-finished bodies and I am routing them out with a swimming pool pickup cavity to allow a P, Thunderbird, Fralin Big Single in a P90 case, or a TV Jones Thunder’Blade to be swapped out at will.


Setting up the routing and bridge placement template:

The screws hold the template in place and also establish the outer string-through bridge holes:

The neck stays in place while routing:

A bridge is held in place with the outer string-through holes, and the center two are drilled. Then the outer two are enlarged:

The ferrule holes are drilled with a Forstner bit and a locating pin keyed to the holes drilled on the front:

 

[BTL]

I ream out all of the neck mounting holes by hand. It clears out the extra paint and allows a little wiggle room during assembly.

I’d say these bodies are average to light overall: