I want to start building my first bass in the upcoming months. Is there a book out there that anyone suggests?
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Need a book for guitar building
- Thread starter bassgod76
- Start date
SDB Guitars
Commercial User
Absolutely, positively get "Make your Own Electric Guitar" by Melvyn Hiscock. Read it through 2 or 3 times before you cut any wood. It is very helpful, informative, and an enjoyable read.
He builds 2 guitars and a bass, but the techniques all apply to either one. He covers bolt-on, glued-in (set-neck) and neck-through instruments, body design, fretwork, electronics and finishing.
He builds 2 guitars and a bass, but the techniques all apply to either one. He covers bolt-on, glued-in (set-neck) and neck-through instruments, body design, fretwork, electronics and finishing.
Obligatory "use the search" comment....
Melvyn Hiscock's book, "Make your own electric guitar" is a good one...http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Own-Electric-Guitar/dp/0953104907/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217529672&sr=8-2
Melvyn Hiscock's book, "Make your own electric guitar" is a good one...http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Own-Electric-Guitar/dp/0953104907/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217529672&sr=8-2
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I would like to suggest a second book. First I would go with the one already mention. After reading it one time I would go with Martin Kock's book.
Both are a perfect match. They are even sold together in Amazon.
Both are a perfect match. They are even sold together in Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
- Mar 25, 2005
- 1,172
- 10
- Disclosures
- Builder: Mailloux Basses
I'll give my usual answer 
While you're getting Melvyn's book also get the Guitar Player Repair Guide. http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Player-Repair-Guide-Erlewine/dp/0879302917/ref=pd_sim_b_3
Melvyn's book will show you how to build a bass. Dan's book will show you how to make it playable.
While you're getting Melvyn's book also get the Guitar Player Repair Guide. http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Player-Repair-Guide-Erlewine/dp/0879302917/ref=pd_sim_b_3
Melvyn's book will show you how to build a bass. Dan's book will show you how to make it playable.
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
The repair guide mentioned above should be number 1.
Stewmac has a bunch of books also as you dive deeper into it:
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Stewmac has a bunch of books also as you dive deeper into it:
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I still recommend Siminoffs "The luthier's handbook" for anyone who is interested in the physics behind stringed instruments. Not bass specific or even building info. Just what is going on before during and after you pluck or bow the string.
Greg N
Greg N
