NEW 6 string PRAT Bass for JARED LEES

[pratbasses]

Hi everybody.

After finishing Sean's 7 string, I'm going to start a more "normal" size bass, a 6 string.

I'm very happy to craft this instrument, for many reasons: first, the future owner of this bass is one of the best - great promise bassist in Ohio. He plays awesome, he has great technique, he love bass, he works hard and he is young and will be better, and better, and better....
His name is Jared Lees

Other reason: he is local. I love to work with local people! He lives very close to my house-workshop, just 30 minutes. He can come any time to check the process, take some coffe or beer

And finally, I like very much the specs of his bass. He needs to decide the electronics, yet, but I think the final options are Bartolini or Villex.

So let's see what are the specs...

 

[pratbasses]

-6 string Prat Bass
-Original II shape (single cut)
-34" scale
-Ebony Gabon fingerboard, 24 frets
-7 pieces thru neck, curly maple + wenge
-Swamp ash body wings, with a full wild brazillian cherry burl top
-Hipshot A bridge, 18mm string spacing
-Hipshot ultralite tuners
-Narrow nut (48mm)
-Natural oil finish

 

[pratbasses]

So, like always, I start making some hand made drawings. It is a nice and clear way to know the bass that I'm going to craft. I just start drawing making a center line -> scale marking -> string spacing -> nut. Then, I draw strings and fretboard, and finally the body shape

 

[Hopkins]

I can't wait for this one. Your basses are always top notch.

 

[rick0link]

YES! Loves me some new Prat Bass!

 

[jmorbita]

ok, I'm in!

 

[bassyj]

Thanks for the kind words, Oscar! It's great to be working with such a great luthier. We're lucky to have such talent here in ohio! For those of you who aren't familiar with my solo bass music, it's available on iTunes and at cdbaby.com. You can also see some videos at www.YouTube.com/jaredleesbass

 

[bassyj]

Also... I'm leaning towards bartolini for the pups and pre, but with a passive tone control that works in passive and active modes....

 

[J Lund]

I love the design. I also like how clean the drawing is. Can't wait to see this built!

 

[Randyt]

Love the design ...im a huge fan of the single cut...48mm at nut..whew..thats tight!LOL

 

[pratbasses]

Love the design ...im a huge fan of the single cut...48mm at nut..whew..thats tight!LOL

Thank you

Yes, Jared like to have narrower string spacing at nut. Just 2 milimeters less than a "standar" 6 strings (between 50 and 55mm?)

 

[HaMMerHeD]

Oscar,

How much space do you put between your knobs on center?

I love your designs and your work is beautiful. I'm excited to watch this build progress.

Thanks.

 

[pratbasses]

Oscar,

How much space do you put between your knobs on center?

I love your designs and your work is beautiful. I'm excited to watch this build progress.

Thanks.

Thank you!
I don't have an standar, because I craft custom basses all time, so every costumer have different configurations for the electronics. But 40mm looks a good start to me...

 

[pratbasses]

I love the design. I also like how clean the drawing is. Can't wait to see this built!

Thank you!

Yes, I'm still drawing by hand, paper, pencil and eraser

I'm starting to learn Rhino (a computer program to make drawings), it looks an interesting tool to have all my designs in order, and ready, but I like the idea to have a real size paper-drawing to check. And, when you make the drawing with yourself, I think it is more clear in your brain.

 

[pratbasses]

Ok, so I was cutting some wood: beautiful curly maple and wenge for the neck.

 

[pratbasses]

Glue and some clamps... Good night!

 

[pratbasses]

Ok, now is time for the body. first, I selected the swamp ash. This pieces are very light and ring like bells!

 

[pratbasses]

This is my template for the "Original II" shape.

 

[pratbasses]

I was cutting, resawing the incredible beautiful and rare wild Brazillian cherry burl. The figure is awesome.

 

[pratbasses]

clamps, clamps, clamps...