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Redefining a custom bass

#123
Jisch said:
It's about 31 pounds, which is far from light, but once you get those wheels spun up, it moves!
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I think the one I saw was more basic - no shock fork etc... it was a Specialized and had wheels like yours with the cut-out rims. I'll guess it was mid-20lbs.
 
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#125
Oh yah, the reason for this thread!... removed the rest of the finish and worked on the bevels more. It's looking good and feeling good too - ergonomic considerations even if subtle make such a big difference. Gotta head to rehearsal - auditioning a new lead guitarist. Will pick up where I left off tomorrow.

Doesn't really show the details, but here's a pic anyway.
fullsizeoutput_dc5.jpeg
 
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#129
JIO said:
get well soon!
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Thanks! Getting there :)

Had more sleep last night than I've had in quite awhile, so that helped.

If I didn't articulate it well enough, I think the progress you've made on the Drake is just terrific! The body shape is just more 'right' to me. The pickguard and control plate takes the bass in a whole other direction and I happen to like that direction!

Regarding the pickups...I'm a bit in the fence. The black soapbar covers would look fine as is, but I'm tempted to keep going...you have any thoughts there?
 
#130
RBS_Johnson said:
Do you find a noticeable difference in having the contours on the body being so large, or is it more of an aesthetic thing? Contemplating trying something similar on a project bass I'm working on.
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Thank you for bringing this up - it's a favorite topic of mine. On my own designs I personally prefer any contours/bevels to be as deep as possible for both player interface and for aesthetics. For example, a Jazz bass body is a sensual, sculpted piece of wood - especially the back body bevel. I love the way on the sight-line view of a Jazz bass (while playing) the top edge is not straight. It narrows for the back body bevel and then again for the front elbow bevel, flaring and widening both directions in an organic shape.

My Supernova Mk II pushed the balance of function and aesthetics. The elbow bevel cradles my forearm creating seamless interface while playing. The lowest peak matches the opposite bout so it stands vertical against an amp or wall w/o fear of toppling.
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I like tapering a generous back body bevel toward the horn to give a player more shift room depending on their style. On a bass with a standard body bevel, the placement is in a more generic central body position and so if you prefer that specific playing interface, it'll work as designed for those like you. I prefer shifting my basses closer to the neck when playing so first position on the fb is closer to my left hand. Doing this I miss the standard location and the harder edge of the upper horn is hitting my rib. I have a permanent sore-spot on one rib from years of playing my '64 T-bird.
fullsizeoutput_16a.jpeg

This was a Tele guitar body that I redefined into a bass with radical scallops - one of my first forays into body sculpting. Something about the hard-edged slab body triggered my wanting to make it comfortable. It also brings upon another aspect worth mentioning, which is the functional differences between a bass and guitar. Guitars being smaller and usually lighter with no fear of neck-dive allows a certain flexibility of design. From an ergo focused Strat to a slab Tele and everything in between. A bass brings in a number of functional considerations, some addressed (gen2 P-bass,Jazz bass) and not addressed so much (Ric, T-bird and gen1 P-bass) All cool looking iconic designs no less, but ergo?
fullsizeoutput_20f.jpeg

On my Supersonic, I took design inspiration from the sculpted Fender Performer, but one step further. Both bevels were exaggerated and the upper horn extended closer to the 12th fret.
fullsizeoutput_676.jpeg

I also like imbedding the Strap-Lok peg into the body flush. It brings the strap close to the body instead of the usual 1/2" space it creates with a standard installation. (just don't forget your Strap-Lok equipped strap!) The strap lays against the body better (functionally) and the body looks cleaner (aesthetically).
fullsizeoutput_dc6.jpeg
 
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#132
dukeorock said:
Thanks! Getting there :)

Had more sleep last night than I've had in quite awhile, so that helped.

If I didn't articulate it well enough, I think the progress you've made on the Drake is just terrific! The body shape is just more 'right' to me. The pickguard and control plate takes the bass in a whole other direction and I happen to like that direction!

Regarding the pickups...I'm a bit in the fence. The black soapbar covers would look fine as is, but I'm tempted to keep going...you have any thoughts there?
Click to expand...

Good to hear - rest is key. Thanks - I'm happy with the progress so far. As far as the pu's go, I think leaving them as-is (black) will work aesthetically with the gestalt. I'll know for sure as it gets closer to completion but that's my take right now. I'd like to keep gilding out of the equation and focus on alluding to a well worn/played vintage-vibe bass.
 
#133
dukeorock said:
How do you like those oval Delano pickups? I don't know much about except that they look really cool :)
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I love them both in looks and sound/tone - but not for this bass right? I use them on my SuperB 5'rs also.

fullsizeoutput_847.jpeg

...and another example of body sculpting
fullsizeoutput_230.jpeg
 
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#134
JIO said:
Good to hear - rest is key. Thanks - I'm happy with the progress so far. As far as the pu's go, I think leaving them as-is (black) will work aesthetically with the gestalt. I'll know for sure as it gets closer to completion but that's my take right now. I'd like to keep gilding out of the equation and focus on alluding to a well worn/played vintage-vibe bass.
Click to expand...

That's about what I'm feeling so far as well. TV Jones is a buddy, so I can always get different covers later if need be.

Regarding gilding...I've been looking at a lot of your work and love the gilding, but can't picture it on this bass right now. I'm glad you're doing this because at some point you just gotta commit. I'd probably just stare at it for years and never be able to decide :)
 
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#135
JIO said:
I love them both in looks and sound/tone - but not for this bass right? I use them on my SuperB 5'rs also.

View attachment 2805107
...and another example of body sculpting
View attachment 2805111
Click to expand...

Not for this bass, no! I'm more than pleased with the TV Jones pickups in my Drake!

Was just curious about the Delano's in a general sort of way :)

I do have another build in mind, but it will involve Gibson Ripper pickups
 
#136
On my Supersonic, I took design inspiration from the sculpted Fender Performer, but one step further. Both bevels were exaggerated and the upper horn extended closer to the 12th fret. View attachment 2805074
I also like imbedding the Strap-Lok peg into the body flush. It brings the strap close to the body instead of the usual 1/2" space it creates with a standard installation. (just don't forget your Strap-Lok equipped strap!) The strap lays against the body better (functionally) and the body looks cleaner (aesthetically).
View attachment 2805081[/QUOTE]
I love the look of the Performer. Always did. I like the way Fender necks feel and play, but the Jazz and Precision basses are so common with all of the clones that I kind of fell away from them. My Starcaster looks like something else but plays like a Fender. And the big ol' pickups in it really put out some different tones. Love it.
 
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#137
P's and J's are iconic for a reason, no denying that. I doubt I'll ever see the day when I don't have at least one good P bass laying around. I always take at least two basses to sessions and a P is always one of em!

That said, if I fork out the dough to go custom, it ain't gonna be a P or J. That's the fun part about Custom to me. I can dream up MY bass. I got the only one, even if that's because no one else would ever want one like it :)
 
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