I like the whole concept, and the reverse headstock. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the B string is not straight from the bridge to the tuning gear. It’s got a significant bend at the nut/tree.
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Prototype Bass
- Thread starter Frankula
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- prototype bass
I like the whole concept, and the reverse headstock. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the B string is not straight from the bridge to the tuning gear. It’s got a significant bend at the nut/tree.
OPs original ask for opinions... TL: DR so these may have been offered
May have issues with:
1. scale
2. string sets
May have issues with:
1. scale
2. string sets
- you'd need a B from a Long/super long set
- Neck Pup may not yield the desired tone for the lowest pitches (but maybe as an effect)
- upper horn may not allow comfort with strap
- can't sit and play without strap (though Im sure the intent is for this to be seen)
- Knob location removes palm away from playing area (difficulty in quick adjustments)
I am a fan of experimenting with knob/switch locations. I have done some basses with some of the controls moved to the upper horn which I feel has had some success.
However, while people are all talking about neckdive, I'n not sure if that will be a problem or not since the added body below the bridge tends to counterbalance the neck. You'd have to build one to be sure.
But one thing I AM sure about is that it will suffer from the "Steinberger syndrome" This is that because the strap suspensions are moved down the bass. When hanging on a strap it makes the neck stick out too far to the left. This results (like on my Steinberger) of always wanting to play about a fret off all the time. It's why I don't play my steinberger until I fix the strap suspension points.
However, while people are all talking about neckdive, I'n not sure if that will be a problem or not since the added body below the bridge tends to counterbalance the neck. You'd have to build one to be sure.
But one thing I AM sure about is that it will suffer from the "Steinberger syndrome" This is that because the strap suspensions are moved down the bass. When hanging on a strap it makes the neck stick out too far to the left. This results (like on my Steinberger) of always wanting to play about a fret off all the time. It's why I don't play my steinberger until I fix the strap suspension points.
I took the scale length from the nut to the bridge directly from an actual 35" scale five string bass to get it as exact as I could. Yes there is a lot of wood south of the bridge like an SG style bass, but in this case it is for added weight, not because the scale is short.
The scale length is copied directly from an actual 35" five string, so distance from the nut to the bridge is as accurate as I could get it. Please explain to me how it is a short scale?
whats the after-length measurement from nut to tuner on the B string? You may find it hard to find a string that length (at least in a standard set).
As much as I like quirky odd designs....
You may want to re-think that concept, moving the neck farther out will have the opposite effect....more mass farther out increases neck dive and reach. The 35" scale and in-line tuners add to the dive effect.
Also, the body in the pic is still very small in relation to the neck, despite having some extra wood behind the bridge. If you want any sort of usable ergos, maybe add a hootenanny strap button to the back of the headstock. If the top strap pin is going to be located on the body somewhere, the furthest point outward looks to be around the 22nd fret. That's not good geometry.
Sorry to be "that guy", but you did ask for opinions. Cheers.
Someone in the thread before my comment mentioned short scale, IIRC. Sorry if I misinterpreted something.
If it’s a 35” scale with that relative geometry, reach and neck dive are going to be serious issues. It’ll also be an awkward thing to wield on a crowded stage - length is a liability in certain circumstances, also including when you want to find a case or gig bag, or put it in your car.
You're at the point now where you should do a low fidelity prototype. Get your hands on a big box, cut out the shape to exact scale, add some weights to get the balance close(i was thinking some books might do the trick) and hook up a strap. You should know right away if you should proceed.
Yeah, it's huge and would have to have a custom case. I think maybe trimming the headstock, smaller tuners, and some dense wood for the body, it might not dive too badly.
This spring I will attempt to make it, just for the look of it, and just for myself, I'll live if it neck-dives, its to be expected from all the SG derivative shapes.
I used Jasc PSP 9, their last iteration before selling it to Corel. It is an old fashioned raster and vector graphics program.
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Nice design visually. Good to see something that is not effectively a P-bass.
Just looking at this it's certain this will not balance on a strap, it will be extremely neck-heavy, despite having some wood behind the bridge.
It has a small body, no horn, a big long headstock with 5 heavy tuners. The balance will be worse than a flying V bass. The centre of mass will be at the neck joint. It might just balance with both ends of the strap attached to the top 'horn'.
But don't let me put you off, clever placement of strap buttons and a very thick heavy body might make it practical.
The angled pickups make good sense because tonally they brighten the low strings and darken the high strings, so create a more consistent tone.
Just looking at this it's certain this will not balance on a strap, it will be extremely neck-heavy, despite having some wood behind the bridge.
It has a small body, no horn, a big long headstock with 5 heavy tuners. The balance will be worse than a flying V bass. The centre of mass will be at the neck joint. It might just balance with both ends of the strap attached to the top 'horn'.
But don't let me put you off, clever placement of strap buttons and a very thick heavy body might make it practical.
The angled pickups make good sense because tonally they brighten the low strings and darken the high strings, so create a more consistent tone.
