RAHAZ First build begins (Pictures)

[RAHAZ]

I have now officially started my first build. Here are the specs:

34" Lined fretless 5 string
multiple laminates of Purpleheart, Wenge, Padauk and Maple
Fretboard will be Cocobolo
Top will be Flamed Maple

Here are some pictures of the laminates. They are not glued, just clamped to prevent warpage since Arizona is really dry in the winter.

I'll post the updated picture of the design tomorrow.

 

[FrizzleFry]

dayyyumm, those are some nice woods, I have a feeling this'll be a looker~!

 

[waseok]

tasty sandwich!

 

[Gone]

Nice lams!
But be aware that if you glue them as pictured then chances are that the outer most lams will not run the entire length of the neck due to the taper of the neck.

 

[eleonn]

Gone is right, looks nice though. You said neck was purpleheart, padau, wenge and maple but I see no maple there.

 

[pilotjones]

Also, most people here would use many more clamps, and not use the quick-clamps at all. And, another thick board on top would be good to spread the clamp loading.

 

[T2W]

I got over a dozen of those besseys and about 16 8'' C clamps, yes I put them all when gluing a board or a neck blank. Those quick clamps usually arent strong enough.

 

[eleonn]

The laminates are not being glued so I guess it doesn´t matter how many and what kind of clamps you are using.

 

[RAHAZ]

Nice lams!
But be aware that if you glue them as pictured then chances are that the outer most lams will not run the entire length of the neck due to the taper of the neck.

Thanks, I had planned on seeing the ends cut at the skew.

Here is the prelim of the Front. Ignore the purpleheart lam on the headstock:

Here is the prelim back:

 

[RAHAZ]

Gone is right, looks nice though. You said neck was purpleheart, padau, wenge and maple but I see no maple there.

Yeah. I still need to order the Maple from Larry at Hardwood Gallery. Gotta have the $$ first though.

 

[RAHAZ]

Also, most people here would use many more clamps, and not use the quick-clamps at all. And, another thick board on top would be good to spread the clamp loading.

Thanks for the tip on the extra board to spread the force. These are not glued yet, just synched down to keep from warping until I get the Maple in hand.

I've got 8 or so more of the center type of clamp, a couple large C's and then the quick clamps. From what i have seen on here I will be putting every friggin one on there when it's time to glue.

 

[BassSurfer]

nice ideas you got going here!

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Can I suggest rearranging the wenge? Look at the end grains, it looks like you have the same board split on the left(top) and right(bottom). Mirror the grain if you can. And alternating direction with that many lams should make it like steel.
Good luck and a nice looking combo.
Dirk

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Also, most people here would use many more clamps, and not use the quick-clamps at all. And, another thick board on top would be good to spread the clamp loading.

Yes! And alternate the direction of the clamps... one of the right side, one on the left side, etc.

Those quick clamps are not up to the job.

 

[T2W]

Yes! And alternate the direction of the clamps... one of the right side, one on the left side, etc.

If you dont, you could end up with a bowed neck blank. looking at my pile of fire wood, I realize I have learnt my lesson...

 

[envika]

any bass made with purpleheart wins my vote...i want to see how this looks in the end!

 

[eleonn]

If you dont, you could end up with a bowed neck blank. looking at my pile of fire wood, I realize I have learnt my lesson...

Really? Thanks god I did that but not avoiding a bowed neck but because I had more space to manipulate and adjust the clamps in that way!!! Nice tip

 

[RAHAZ]

Yes! And alternate the direction of the clamps... one of the right side, one on the left side, etc.

Those quick clamps are not up to the job.

More great advice. I will end up with two neck blanks from this 5x5.5" block when it is all planed and jointed.

Anyone have Wenge crack on them when clamped?

 

[RAHAZ]

Can I suggest rearranging the wenge? Look at the end grains, it looks like you have the same board split on the left(top) and right(bottom). Mirror the grain if you can. And alternating direction with that many lams should make it like steel.
Good luck and a nice looking combo.
Dirk

Thanks Dirk, I'll make sure I have the grain alternating once they are planed and I start gluing them together.

 

[Jonsbasses]

Actually, if you use supports between the clamps and the neck, you can distribute a great deal more strength instead of having direct pressure and also prevent bowing. It took me a few necks to figure this out, but all my necks are dead flat and precise now. I'm still using a couple of those quick clamps until I can afford some more Bessey's, you're looking at about $170 in clamps in that picture. I was experimenting with pine as the support on this build, as I had been using Iron bars before. Metal is too cumbersome, and surprisingly the pine worked out just fine.

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