• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Scarab Deluxe Bass

#124
Indiedog said:
agreed!
Elegant.
Click to expand...

:) Thanks! I got them when I built my Supersonic 7 years ago - they only had so many so I bought a couple more than I needed then thinking they might come in handy.

fullsizeoutput_1650.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Beej, tbrannon, Matt Liebenau and 2 others
#125
Did a lot of work on the Scarab today - will post more pics when the sun returns. I'm bushed! Fussy-work takes it out of you! It totally sucks you in a concentration vortex and before you know it many hours have gone by.

fullsizeoutput_1692.jpeg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Indiedog, Beej, paco facile and 5 others
#128
A synopsis of what I did yesterday: first off - got two inset screws/thread tapper and drilled/tapped a hole through the black plastic Dano collar control so it can be locked into position on the pot shaft. It was originally designed to be a press-fit.
fullsizeoutput_1691.jpeg

...then I made a wood template for my pick-guard pu routs - also shows the rear control cavity rout template
fullsizeoutput_1694.jpeg

After routing the clear acrylic pg - I cut the pg shape out of the thin translucent swirl material, and another layer of very thin (chrome) mylar. Getting them to all line up required much micro-trimming.
fullsizeoutput_1699.jpeg

Then it was on to my secret pick compartment.
fullsizeoutput_1695.jpeg

3/16" rare earth magnet discs superglued in place - I want the exposed area different so for now I laid some thin contact paper - it gave me a visual to judge. After seeing it I think I'm going to mask off that area and spray it matte black so that it includes the pick rout.
fullsizeoutput_1696.jpeg

I then put down a copper tape grounding strip to unite the individual bridge units with a wire to the cavity. Abraded the underside of the chromed brass units where they interface with the strip
fullsizeoutput_1697.jpeg

gratuitous mock-up - all is missing is the electronics/pu's and strings!
fullsizeoutput_1698.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Flying B, Indiedog, Haroldo and 11 others
#130
JIO said:
A synopsis of what I did yesterday: first off - got two inset screws/thread tapper and drilled/tapped a hole through the black plastic Dano collar control so it can be locked into position on the pot shaft. It was originally designed to be a press-fit.
View attachment 3704498
...then I made a wood template for my pick-guard pu routs - also shows the rear control cavity rout template
View attachment 3704526
After routing the clear acrylic pg - I cut the pg shape out of the thin translucent swirl material, and another layer of very thin (chrome) mylar. Getting them to all line up required much micro-trimming.
View attachment 3704574
Then it was on to my secret pick compartment.
View attachment 3704532
3/16" rare earth magnet discs superglued in place - I want the exposed area different so for now I laid some thin contact paper - it gave me a visual to judge. After seeing it I think I'm going to mask off that area and spray it matte black so that it includes the pick rout.
View attachment 3704533
I then put down a copper tape grounding strip to unite the individual bridge units with a wire to the cavity. Abraded the underside of the chromed brass units where they interface with the strip
View attachment 3704539
gratuitous mock-up - all is missing is the electronics/pu's and strings!
View attachment 3704575
Click to expand...
I know nuffin' about bass building...but I know what I like.....

Good lord man.....Wonderful......:drool::drool::drool::thumbsup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: JIO
#131
more... kinda boring pics, but someone might gain something from the step-by-step
fullsizeoutput_169a.jpeg

Krylon satin black -
fullsizeoutput_169b.jpeg

Close-ups always make the little things look worse - I tried my best to drill the magnet-disc holes clean but wood is organic and uncooperative. (as it should be by nature!) It's not really that bad and will be hidden until accessed anyway. I glued in a circle of black vinyl for... whatever reason.
fullsizeoutput_169d.jpeg

pu cavities grounded
fullsizeoutput_169c.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Indiedog, Haroldo, Matt Liebenau and 3 others
#134
Found a local source for metal fabrication (a tip from the luthier who makes my necks) and just got this thin metal control cavity cover they made for me. The three magnets imbedded in the cavity ledge hold it on securely. The lower gap (near my reflection) is where a fingernail can lift it off when needed. I considered having it chromed but they buffed it out nicely and I may just shoot a couple coats of gloss lacquer to keep it shiny.

IMG_4691.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: Matt Liebenau, postalflunkie, Reedt2000 and 1 other person
#135
JIO said:
Found a local source for metal fabrication (a tip from the luthier who makes my necks) and just got this thin metal control cavity cover they made for me. The three magnets imbedded in the cavity ledge hold it on securely. The lower gap (near my reflection) is where a fingernail can lift it off when needed. I considered having it chromed but they buffed it out nicely and I may just shoot a couple coats of gloss lacquer to keep it shiny.:thumbsup:

View attachment 3706421
Click to expand...
Looks cool..:thumbsup:.....:hyper:

Would have expected it to be red to match the front though.....:laugh:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back