Shawn May Custom Basses

[bassmanmicah]

I will post some pictures here too as it progresses a little more, but I just recently pulled the trigger on my first Shawn May bass. I set up a thread for anyone interested in following it from the very beginning. Should be done shortly after the first of the year.
Shawn May Custom Bass - The Journey Begins | TalkBass.com

The options:

Model – DCS6

Body wood – Bubinga core, flame maple layers intermediate layers, figured walnut top and back

Neck woods – Flame maple neck with bubinga stripes and purpleheart centerstripe

Fingerboard – Ebony with purpleheart “Celtic Trinity” at 12th fret

Preamp – Pope FlexCore 4-band

Pickups – Nordstrand Dual Coils

Switches – 3-way switch (Series/single/parallel) – 1 for each pickup

Hardware – Black Hipshot bridge and tuners

Knobs – Purpleheart

Pickup covers – Purpleheart

Side LED inlays – Red



Any feedback on the FlexCore 4-band preamp or Nordy dual coils? I am new to both!

 

[gnarkill]

I will post some pictures here too as it progresses a little more, but I just recently pulled the trigger on my first Shawn May bass. I set up a thread for anyone interested in following it from the very beginning. Should be done shortly after the first of the year.
Shawn May Custom Bass - The Journey Begins | TalkBass.com

The options:

Model – DCS6

Body wood – Bubinga core, flame maple layers intermediate layers, figured walnut top and back

Neck woods – Flame maple neck with bubinga stripes and purpleheart centerstripe

Fingerboard – Ebony with purpleheart “Celtic Trinity” at 12th fret

Preamp – Pope FlexCore 4-band

Pickups – Nordstrand Dual Coils

Switches – 3-way switch (Series/single/parallel) – 1 for each pickup

Hardware – Black Hipshot bridge and tuners

Knobs – Purpleheart

Pickup covers – Purpleheart

Side LED inlays – Red



Any feedback on the FlexCore 4-band preamp or Nordy dual coils? I am new to both!

Thinking about replacing my Flezcore with a Nordstrand, sounds good but shorted somehow, still sounds good but eats a battery a week. Very little help from Pope.

 

[wmcran]

Thinking about replacing my Flezcore with a Nordstrand, sounds good but shorted somehow, still sounds good but eats a battery a week. Very little help from Pope.

Could it be something as simple as the input jack contacts are stuck as if there was a cable plug into the bass at all times? I would replace the jack before I replace the preamp.

 

[gnarkill]

Could it be something as simple as the input jack contacts are stuck as if there was a cable plug into the bass at all times? I would replace the jack before I replace the preamp.

It popped and smelled like burnt electronics, then acted up. It's the pre.

 

[wmcran]

Somehow I missed the statement that it popped and smelled burnt. That preamp is shot.

 

[wmcran]

Very close to getting my bass. Pickups got loss in transit, went back to Kent and then to Shawn. Now Shawn is in the final stages of my bass. Here's a couple pics...

 

[emjazz]

What kind of pickups did Kent make you? They look similar to the K. Smith pickups that Kent makes. Bass is looking great!

 

[wmcran]

What kind of pickups did Kent make you? They look similar to the K. Smith pickups that Kent makes. Bass is looking great!

I just told Shawn that I like the sound of Smith basses and Shawn suggested Kent Armstrong DC. I never pick a certain model.You got a good eye.

 

[gnarkill]

Thinking about replacing my Flezcore with a Nordstrand, sounds good but shorted somehow, still sounds good but eats a battery a week. Very little help from Pope.

Update on the FlexCore, talked to Michael Pope, he's sending out replacement boards to fix my pre. He is charging me since it's not under warranty but greatly reduced. Very nice guy!

 

[wmcran]

Good news gnarkill!

 

[wmcran]

SO CLOSE I CAN TASTE IT !!!

 

[wmcran]

Here is another closeup of the top with this quote from Shawn..."This is after only 2 coats (of probably 8-10). This walnut looks incredible"

 

[born2lift]

For anyone interested, I have my May Custom SC5 listed in the classifieds.

 

[Fab Superlative]

Not anymore.

 

[BryanAltman]

Ive got one.....Going in for round 2. Cannot brag enough on Shawn's work. Tonal range and playibility are unreal. Smooth feel is an understatement. He obviously spends enormous amounts of time in all aspects ..... Especially neck shaping

 

[Halegroove]

Had this beauty for little while and it is second to none in craftsmanship, tone and playability, not to mention a real looker.
Shawn is top notch and wonderful to work with.
This is the new body style that I actually got to play a part in the design. Through sketchings, descriptions and preferences, Shawn came out with this newest body style.
Highly, highly recommend!!

 

[ll Rip ll]

This guy is good! I've ordered one and have been discussing my wildest ideas for a custom. He hasn't said no to even the weirdest options-truly customer oriented. Most of my favorite big time luthiers don't offer this level of customization, and those that do would charge double or triple what Shawn charges. Best price around for top level, truly custom basses.

 

[ll Rip ll]

I'll post pics when available.

 

[Bassworship1]

View attachment 1140710 View attachment 1140710 View attachment 1140711 View attachment 1140712 Had this beauty for little while and it is second to none in craftsmanship, tone and playability, not to mention a real looker.
Shawn is top notch and wonderful to work with.
This is the new body style that I actually got to play a part in the design. Through sketchings, descriptions and preferences, Shawn came out with this newest body style.
Highly, highly recommend!!

That is one of the nicest looking basses I've ever laid eyes on. Enjoy that beauty.

 

[ll Rip ll]

That is one of the nicest looking basses I've ever laid eyes on. Enjoy that beauty.

I've played that particular bass; it looks even better in person!