Rhiannon and Galadriel

[Deep Cat]

I totally agree - this is the whole reason I started building. One possible problem with this is that once you start playing instruments that have the exact features you want there is a risk that you will be strongly dissatisfied with the "standard" options available in the marketplace. This is what happened to me, but I am able to scratch my own itch for features outside the norm.

+1.

I'm getting to the point where I will read the "options" of a mass produced bass and practically fall asleep during the lumber choices. I wake up to read the construction details and then nod off again.

I don't think there's anything wrong with conventional choices in instruments, but as I build better, I'm getting far more intrigued by the crazy stuff.

Thank you very much for the compliments! To be honest I have kept some of the more "out there" ideas and build plans to myself. As it is I feel like the more mundane things I have been sharing with you guys gets enough head scratching as it is.

Yeah... I think the world needs more "out there" ideas and build plans in it.

 

[Why Nautilus‽]

Number 3 is my favorite!

 

[Jon Clegg]

3. A 15" scale 6 string headless/fretless piccolo travel bass with built in headphone amplifier

Include an octave divider in the electronics package.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

The two outstanding tweaks prior to finishing Rhiannon are to lower the action a bit, and to cut a recess into the tuner area so that the tuners do not pull up under tension. I have a quick 12 degree angle jig in process, and it's times like these that I am glad to have so much Cedar scrap laying around.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Include an octave divider in the electronics package.

I considered that, but there is only so much room to add circuit boards. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] is the headphone amp destined to live in that build.

 

[Jon Clegg]

I considered that, but there is only so much room to add circuit boards. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] is the headphone amp destined to live in that build.

I'm building a Invalid Link Removed for myself for Xmas, the PCB itself is only 2"x2". I may end up building another one to include in a travel bass.

 

[Will_White]

I considered that, but there is only so much room to add circuit boards. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] is the headphone amp destined to live in that build.

I've used that amp before, other then lack of tone controls it worked pretty well.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

I've used that amp before, other then lack of tone controls it worked pretty well.

Thanks for the head's up. Considering how inexpensive the board is I figured it was worth the gamble.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

The 12 degree recess has been routed, and the holes have been filled. Due to the new angle I am going to need to re-drill the mounting holes. The end of the walnut was exposed and I just need to hear from @rondodunbar whether he likes that, or would like me to glue some maple veneer down over the recess. Finish sanding on the neck has started, and there are a few slight modifications I am making when the heel meets the body for a smoother transition as well.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

I forgot to mention the T handle being made for the allen wrench needed for the tuners.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

The T handled allen wrench is roughed out.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

The most satisfying part, for me, of doing woodworking of any kind is when you get something sanded and that first coat of finish goes on. This cell phone picture really does not do the grain of the wood justice - it's beautiful. I need to make another of these for Galadriel, and so Ron can misplace one and still have something to tune his basses with.

 

[Bassmanmike1]

Just discovered this thread a couple of weeks ago and have been following ever since. Really beautiful work.

I have some headless builds coming up and really like the tuners you are using.
Did I understand correctly that you made them? If so are they available for purchase?
I have not read through the entire thread so if I missed that part apologies.
Just wondering if I could get my hands on a couple sets.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Just discovered this thread a couple of weeks ago and have been following ever since. Really beautiful work.

I have some headless builds coming up and really like the tuners you are using.
Did I understand correctly that you made them? If so are they available for purchase?
I have not read through the entire thread so if I missed that part apologies.
Just wondering if I could get my hands on a couple sets.

Thanks so much for your kind words! I designed them and had them machined for me - you can read about all of the sordid details here. I will PM you about availability.

 

[Bassmanmike1]

Thanks so much for your kind words! I designed them and had them machined for me - you can read about all of the sordid details here. I will PM you about availability.

Thanks. PMed.
Can't wait to see these done.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

The neck has been sanded and has had two coats of Tru Oil applied. I love watching the wood spring to life under an oil finish.

 

[Hamish MacCleod]

Suh-weeet!

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Just got word from @rondodunbar - we are going to leave the walnut stripe as is. Lots more sanding and then I can start bathing her in Tru Oil. I can't wait to see her grain pop out!

 

[mansjasont]

@michaelwayneharwood So did you have the forethought to use the same allen wrench for the truss rod as the tuners?

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

@michaelwayneharwood So did you have the forethought to use the same allen wrench for the truss rod as the tuners?

Yes I did. I did not want to add the difficulty of having to track multiple gauges of allen wrenches.