RGW/SkuttleFunk VRB series 4-string

[Rodent]

This prototype is getting close to being wrapped up, and will become a dedicated model configuration.

It all started out as an idea to utilize a 24-fret neck I had laying around

I had received several inquiries about building a bass similar to the 5-string I built for Chef. I also was wanting to put my spin on the 50's slab P-bass to incorporate a Dark Star. After some re-thinking about utilizing a 24-fret neck, I decided to go with a 20-fret instead as it's more in-line with the vintage vibe

I build a 2-piece Alder body for this

and then a neck template

liking things so far, I gave the body a Tru Oil finish and built the neck

the more I looked at this, the more I decided it required a pickguard. here it is with an early paper template while I was working thru several different designs.

I next had to choose between a modern flair of Y-key tuners or a more traditional approach of clovers. public opinion was split 60/40 for the clovers ...

I then made a routing template for the pickguard, and cut it out in .090" black matte to verify I had everything correct

once everything was good, I cut the real pickguard from a 70's replica tortoise/w/b/w material. Groovy!

I wired this up with a pair of 250K pots and a .047uf Orange Drop cap, then added a set of D'Addario EXL170's and fired it up for a preliminary listen. YEOWSA! This is exactly the tone I had been shooting for!

I'll be disassembling it this week so I can level the frets, cut the nut, add the string retainer, and then set it back up in time to visit a couple of the local bass shops for their thoughts on pricing.

I'll post a set of images of this completed in the coming week

all the best,

R

 

[wilser]

sweet! this looks fantastic. any chance of soundclips?

 

[kris pung]

It turned out great.
Do you have a standard headstock logo (it looks a little bare at the moment)?

 

[Rodent]

I have made arrangements to get a couple clips cut by a local client. I'll post them when I have them

the logo is still being worked on. I had hoped to have it done by now, but waaaaay too many weeks of business travel this year has put me significantly behind schedule - and this is one of the impacted projects. I can say that the production models will include a Dark Star emblem on my Fender meets Buzzard style headstock in addition to my branding

all the best,

R

 

[erikbojerik]

Great vintage vibe! Maybe you need a relic version too...??

For me personally, the only hitch would be the pickup location. I use the top of the pickup as a thumbrest, and I prefer to position my hand a bit closer to the bridge than that.

 

[Rodent]

super easy to add a thumb rest accessory if someone wanted it.

this is one interesting thing about the Dark Stars - they don't have the solid thumb rest feel like a more traditional pickup does due to the curved edge that surrounds the pickup face. for a very few clients, this has been a deal breaker that lead them to an alternate pickup selection

all the best,

R

 

[Rodent]

just a set-up and pickup pole piece adjustment away from being completed

I think I'll be selling a couple of my personal basses now that this one is done, as this definitely all the ground I need and more

I'll be visiting a couple of bass stores this Sat to get a feel on pricing this out. should be interesting to hear what they have to say

all the best,

R

 

[Rodent]

the music store visits went well and produced quite a wide range of pricing estimates ($1200 - $1599 wholesale that could easily be increased once there was brand recognition)

I also made it to the studio last night to record a couple clips.

bass -> DI -> console (EQ set flat)

what ya think? (not about the playing, as it was just a roll tape and thump unrehearsed to a drum loop, but about the overall tone of this baby)

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=58559&d=1179200440

all the best,

R

 

[wilser]

awesome tone! I love it!

I wish you had played some fingerstyle stuff as well. Not a big fan of the slap, I'm not.

I would describe the tone as "clear and punchy with solid lows, sparkly highs and a slight mid hump".

 

[Rodent]

I have a fingerstyle track played with a midi of Stevie's SSD ... but I have no place to host it, and it exceeds my attachment quota. When I can find a hosting place, I'll add it here

all the best,

R

 

[wilser]

I have a fingerstyle track played with a midi of Stevie's SSD ... but I have no place to host it, and it exceeds my attachment quota. When I can find a hosting place, I'll add it here

all the best,

R

I have been using archive.org to store my basses' sample clips. They have an online flash player that you can embed on your site or others. Really nice. No quota. Free.

 

[Jonah]

Dude, I have a 50gig space, with over half of it unused. No transfer limits. If you want, I can host about anything. I have no use for the space

-Jonah

 

[Rodent]

Thanks Jonah!

Here's a clip played fingerstyle in accompanyment to a somewhat lame midi track of Stevie's Signed, Sealed, Delivered

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This was just bass -> DI -> console (no effects, no compressors, no EQ)

the guy who played the trac said it had been about 11 years since he last played this song, and this was his first take.


and for the more adventurous, a little slap with all of the same recording settings - this time with a simple drum loop and another first take of whatever came to mind

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There is definitely a LOAD of versitility with Fred's Dark Stars!!


all the best,

R