• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

my 5 string headless p-bass attemp

boamedt

boamedt

Jul 2, 2008
1,311
842
Santa Rosa, Ca
#1
The who:
My name is Jeremy, and I have never changed a musical instrument so drastically. I have built a few speaker cabs, head boxes, and othe little wood things, but I'm not a wood worker by any means(yet)
The what:
So I have gone and ordered my 5 string hipshot headless system in chrome, with .750 or 19mm spacing. I am fitting it to my Squier Pro Tone Precision V Bass.
The why?
I really like the concept of a headless bass, but they don't make one I like. And I don't want to go the full custom route just yet. And luckily I know of a few backup pro tone's I can get if I screw this one up.
Where?
My dad's garage.....he has the basic wood working tools....mostly
Wish me luck!
 
#3
Might as well JUMP!!!!
We do ask you put progress pictures and wish you all the luck in the world. A headless 5'er with a body and Fender would be nice.

For ideas, attached are the 2 factory-made headless bodied ones here:
A Cort P-clone and a wood-bodied Stein 5

PS:
The tailpiece + no head makes it back-heavy on the Cort P.
The next project bass here is a headless Thunderbird(Epi body+donor no-name bolt-neck Stein clone).
 

Attachments

  • CortHeadlessP.jpg
    CortHeadlessP.jpg
    51.8 KB · Views: 1,513
  • Spirit 5.JPG
    Spirit 5.JPG
    31.4 KB · Views: 771
#4
One more picture for the "fun" end at the gone machine head.
Cort P used 3 screws, Steinberger 5'er used 2.
 

Attachments

  • CortHead.JPG
    CortHead.JPG
    45.8 KB · Views: 694
  • Stein_5_Head.JPG
    Stein_5_Head.JPG
    23.2 KB · Views: 639
#5
Fun idea...If I recall correctly, the hipshot headpiece is not compatible with headstock access truss rods, but I can't find a drawing online to prove me right/wrong.

If it's not compatible with your neck, you can still do the headless tuner mount on the body and go with a "hybrid headless" headstock design (search "miziomix" for examples)...
 
#7
Johnny Crab said:
Might as well JUMP!!!!
We do ask you put progress pictures and wish you all the luck in the world. A headless 5'er with a body and Fender would be nice.

For ideas, attached are the 2 factory-made headless bodied ones here:
A Cort P-clone and a wood-bodied Stein 5

PS:
The tailpiece + no head makes it back-heavy on the Cort P.
The next project bass here is a headless Thunderbird(Epi body+donor no-name bolt-neck Stein clone).
Click to expand...
that cort p clone looks cool, mine should end up looking close to that.
 
#8
boamedt said:
What I'm gona do is leave just enough room to get an Allen key in between the head piece and truss rod access hole
Click to expand...
The headpiece requires routing that is 1/2 deep from the top of the nut, and likely will not permit this kind of access. The other factor is that the headpiece mounts on 1 1/8" of headstock, preventing access to the trussrod, assuming access to the TR is on the headstock.

To do this, you could either forego the headless part and try a headless hybrid, or try to find a compatible neck with a TR access on the body end...
 
#10
so this is kinda what im goin for except mine is not going to be slanted nut because its not multi scale so imagine its just parallel to the head piece. and mine wont have a truss rod cover. but as you can see there is a space between the nut and headpiece for truss rod access.
vtok.jpg
 
#12
Sick minds think alike! I was contemplating the same idea with a self built Ric 4001 body and an ibanez neck I've got kicking around. Would love to see how you resolve the truss rod access issue.

Subbed!
 
#14
Johnny Crab said:
Might as well JUMP!!!!
We do ask you put progress pictures and wish you all the luck in the world. A headless 5'er with a body and Fender would be nice.

For ideas, attached are the 2 factory-made headless bodied ones here:
A Cort P-clone and a wood-bodied Stein 5

PS:
The tailpiece + no head makes it back-heavy on the Cort P.
The next project bass here is a headless Thunderbird(Epi body+donor no-name bolt-neck Stein clone).
Click to expand...

+1
I love headless basses but got rid of my cort for that very reason, impossible to play without a strap even sitting.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back