My custom lefty 5 string!

[dwagner]

Finished this build a couple weeks ago and never got around to posting it!

I'm a lefty so getting exactly what I want is sometimes hard to find. Companies often don't make what I'm looking for. After pricing stuff out, I figured I might as well just build my own. So, here it is!

Specs:

Alder body - gunstock oil (tru-oil) finish
Maple neck / fingerboard - satin finish
Seymour Duncan J Quarter Pounders (Passive)
Hipshot KickAss bridge
Hipshot tuners

This was a fun one to do. I ordered the unfinished body from a shop on Reverb and found a right handed neck. I love the reverse headstock look so works well for me!

 

[eastcoasteddie]

That’s some really nice grain for Alder!
I am quite surprised you found a 5-string neck and body from different sources that actually fit together. Over the years 5-string basses, even Fenders, don’t have an industry-standard when it comes to heel specs. Maybe since the mid-late 2000’s they might, but still there is a MIM and USA difference...

 

[dwagner]

That’s some really nice grain for Alder!
I am quite surprised you found a 5-string neck and body from different sources that actually fit together. Over the years 5-string basses, even Fenders, don’t have an industry-standard when it comes to heel specs. Maybe since the mid-late 2000’s they might, but still there is a MIM and USA difference...

Thanks! I got lucky with the grain and how the finish looked, it was wintertime and I just live in an apartment so I needed just a simple way to seal and finish the body so just did gunstock oil.

Re: the neck sizing - Yeah, I guess I just took a shot with it and hoped for the best.
The body was made to "62" standards. They told me the pocket was 2-7/8" and the neck I bought was 2.85" at the heel so I figured it would be pretty close. It ended up being a snug fit.

 

[fretlessguy]

Oh my, that's nice! You did well. Wish I had your talent. Gotta love those 5 strings.

 

[dwagner]

Oh my, that's nice! You did well. Wish I had your talent. Gotta love those 5 strings.

Thanks!! I have a solo project that is prog metal, and I really needed a 5 string to pull off some of the stuff without having to switch tunings on my 4 string all the time.

 

[fretlessguy]

Thanks!! I have a solo project that is prog metal, and I really needed a 5 string to pull off some of the stuff without having to switch tunings on my 4 string all the time.

Ahhh..another prog lover. If you are not familiar with MAGNUM, go to youtube and check out tracts from their new release The Serpent Rings. Lot of five string stuff on it, especially Where Are You Eden, Archway of Tears, and The Last Man in The World. A veteran group with a 40 year history. Their new bassists uses a 5 string Fender PJ very similar to yours. Enjoy.