New Build

[Dirk Diggler]

Nice stuff and I like the idea of running the maple along the blade to help, I've been using the laser and eye for that. That makes great sense and I will have to try that next time.

Can you say more about Stew Mac pyramid frets? I haven't checked those out yet. Does it do what I think it does, i.e. leave out the crowning step in fret dressing? Or does it just leave a very accurate point in the middle of the fret?
Dirk

 

[jworrellbass]

Thats masking tape you're seeing on the bandsaw cut. As far as the pyramid frets they require more work than standard frets, you have to use a triangle file to reshape after you level the tops. I only have enough left to finish this build then it's back to jumbo frets and a fret file.

Hey Dirk, I just realised what piece of maple you are refering to, my chop saw doesn't have a laser on it, or a guard. The maple block helps to line up the blade on the cut and then I clamp it down.

 

[49sfine]

Thats masking tape you're seeing on the bandsaw cut. As far as the pyramid frets they require more work than standard frets, you have to use a triangle file to reshape after you level the tops. I only have enough left to finish this build then it's back to jumbo frets and a fret file.

Sir: What are you using (in particular) to lay out your fanned frets? Thanks ...

 

[jworrellbass]

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I have the 35"/ 34" scale. For the 32" scale on the treble side I just started on the second fret mark. After laying out the center line of the outside strings I laid the template on the line and marked the notches. Then I connected the two lines.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Hey jworrell,
OK then I'm not missing anything on those frets then, I was of course dreaming of a way to do less dressing, as there seems there should be a better easier way without a plek machine or something.

Yeah a good friend showed me the tape trick years ago and it's the way to go with fan layout especially on dark boards. And yes that's the maple block I was talking about, doing it by eye and even with the laser I always am paranoid even with those, since there always is a bit of flex in the blade and of course my slider isn't exactly the most perfect, always a bit of wiggle room. So in my next one I will try that maple trick, thanks for that tip.
Dirk

 

[jworrellbass]

I've got a few more updates, I radiused the fb this morning, laid out and drilled the side dot markers (pearl), cut the body wings here are a few pics.

 

[jworrellbass]

More pics

 

[jworrellbass]

The body and neck, I havn't done the headstock overlay.

 

[pilotjones]

Wow, creative body shape *and* running zebrawood grain not parallel to the centerline? You, sir, are a madman.

I approve.

 

[jworrellbass]

As long as I have your approval I'm ready to move forward. Thanks.

 

[Joe Gress]

Oooooooooh, shiney fanned fret bass. Now I really want to come over. Looks awesome dude!

 

[jworrellbass]

Joe how's school, come on over and take a peak.

 

[Joe Gress]

Joe how's school, come on over and take a peak.

Next weekend I'm up I send a call. I'm pretty busy since I joined the drumline. Weekends till the end of October are pretty much shot.

 

[jworrellbass]

I worked on getting the body wings shaped, edge dropped and angled (arched) on the jointer. I then cut my inlay and headstock overlay, I'm waiting for the hide glue to set so I can mark and router the abalone piece in.

 

[jworrellbass]

pics of jointer for body arch.

 

[jworrellbass]

Pics of inlay piece. I'm using my friends jewelry band saw with a diamond blade. The dropper has water for easier cuting.

 

[jworrellbass]

Cut headstock piece and inlay, it took about 15 minutes to cut and shape the abalone, just waiting for hide glue to set so I can scribe it and inlay.

 

[jworrellbass]

I got the neck carved and f.b. shaped & sanded.

 

[jworrellbass]

F.b. with micro mesh and then oiled.

 

[jworrellbass]

It's been a while since I've worked on this bass, but I'm back on it. I got the frets installed, leveled, recrowned and polished.

I brushed super glue on the tang, hammered them in and then pressed them down.