Pine "core"...doable?

[Splynter]

Hey guys!

Getting my stuff together for my first real build and was wondering about using pine as the "core" in the wings of my design. It's going to be a neck thru ( multi lam ) so there is no issue there. I just want to try to minimize weight as the bass will be for my wife. Would pine be sufficient in a 3 ply type of body as the core material? Spalted top and another ( undecided as of yet ) figured hardwood for the back.

Also, when constructing the neck with an angled headstock, is there a reason for the apparent preference for the scarf joint? Wouldn't it be more solid if the entire neck was the same block with no crosswise joints?

Thanks!
John

 

[SDB Guitars]

Pine is fine. Older, drier wood is what you need to look for, though. I built a pine bodied bass last summer, but this pine had been drying in my basement for 20 years. Also be aware that pine is pretty soft, and will take dings and scratches very easily.

 

[Splynter]

Thanks for the info! Knowing it is soft, it will only be used on the inside of the wings and IF I can, it will only be used as a true "core" material. None will be on the outside edge of the body. That's the plan anyways : )

Thanks again!

 

[dave-chaulk]

I've actually built a few pine solid-body basses. Here's a picture of two of them (the farthest ones left, natural)

They sound great, to me. nice and looowww.
Looks nice, too.

 

[Splynter]

I've actually built a few pine solid-body basses. Here's a picture of two of them (the farthest ones left, natural)

They sound great, to me. nice and looowww.
Looks nice, too.

NICE! Thanks for the reassurance!!!

 

[JumboJack]

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[alatham82]

If you really want to minimize weight, why not chamber the body?

 

[Splynter]

If you really want to minimize weight, why not chamber the body?

I'm actually considering that move as well. The body design is kind of "Destroyer-ish" ( my wife wants something aggressive! ), so that may work balance wise.