• 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.

Sonum Experior

#21
post-7211-1263387044.jpg
 
#22
Robert Canfield said:
Any data on a 32" scale yet? :)
What is the skinny on those Chinese pups?
Click to expand...
;)

I am in CA this week for a combination work and play trip. I get to work, and my family came along to play. When I get back home I am going to move this build to the top of my priorities as it's going to really help with the other builds I have cooking. It will take me a week or two to get it hammered out, and I plan on making the 32" scale neck first, though I need to build a 34" and a 35" as well.

The Chinese pup was a cheapo I bought off either EBay or Amazon - something similar to this:http://www.amazon.com/Musiclily-Str...26460140&sr=8-7&keywords=5+string+bass+pickup

I used copper foil shielding tape on the bottom and sides, and connected a wire from the shielding to the ground of the circuit and it corrected the electromagnetic interfereence issues I was seeing. It's potted in epoxy, but I will have to wait to get back to provide resistance values. I have used a lot of the Chinese cheapies and found that they sound really good as long as they are shielded well.
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
  • Like
Reactions: Robert Canfield
#23
I picked up some Peruvian walnut and quilted maple this morning. I am ordering truss rods and a couple of other needed parts this evening. This build is going to be the basis from which I make pickup location decisions going forward, so I am going to spend some quality time to get this one to the same place my other builds are and then resume the assembly line process on everything all at once. ;)
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0874.JPG
    DSC_0874.JPG
    64.5 KB · Views: 73
#24
As I look at the design more I see what could be a fatal flaw. With the back open that much all of the strain from the strings will pull on the two side sections of the body with the biggest curves. At best this means some potentially major bending, and at worst complete system failure. If I leave off the removable back plate it should fix the issue. Hmmmm... More thought needs to go into this, but my initial impression is to change the design so that the access panel is much smaller, and line the bottom of the channel with velcro for easy moving of the pickups.

Thoughts?
 
#25
The more I think about it the more I think it *might* be solvable. If I put a 1/2" steel tube in the back on either side of the main cavity it should provide enough reinforcement to negate the strain of the strings against the thinnest parts of the body. Crisis averted....at least I think so.

sonum-experior.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Novarocker
#28
I cleaned up the concept drawing and think that I have enough to start cutting wood. I am thinking a quilted maple back and neck, with a peruvian walnut top and fingerboard. As always I stand on the backs of giants, and any comments and suggestions are gratefully received.

sonum-experior.png
 
#29
Without any structural data to base this on, I'd make the steel tubes as long as possible, particularly on the bridge end. I get the sense that's where you'll have the most bending moment. Keep in mind, I'm an electrical engineer, not a mechanical engineer, so I could be all wet on this. ;)
 
#30
Jon Clegg said:
Without any structural data to base this on, I'd make the steel tubes as long as possible, particularly on the bridge end. I get the sense that's where you'll have the most bending moment. Keep in mind, I'm an electrical engineer, not a mechanical engineer, so I could be all wet on this. ;)
Click to expand...
That's a good point! I may change the body style to a slightly modified Ibanez shape to provide more meat on the treble side as well. Did I say I was ready to cut wood? D'oh!
 
#34
Wow this is cool. I love the R&D philosophy you're putting into this. One thought with regard to your neck pocket, going off your design it looks like the location of your neck screws may not leave you much surrounding wood for them to bite into. You're probably safe, but over time I've come to appreciate the benefits of over-engineering certain key structural elements for maximum durability. Just a thought.

Lonnybass
 
#35
Lonnybass said:
Wow this is cool. I love the R&D philosophy you're putting into this. One thought with regard to your neck pocket, going off your design it looks like the location of your neck screws may not leave you much surrounding wood for them to bite into. You're probably safe, but over time I've come to appreciate the benefits of over-engineering certain key structural elements for maximum durability. Just a thought.

Lonnybass
Click to expand...
Thank you very much! I appreciate the advice, and will revisit my plans to see what I can put together. One of the reasons I had the neck fasteners so far apart is to accommodate heel adjusted truss rods, but I can see the wisdom in your suggestion.
 
#37
The Peruvian walnut is cut and ready to be glued up tomorrow when the clamps are free. Did I mention I need more clamps? ;) I did a quick wash with some water to get rid of sawdust and show off how dark this stuff gets. An oil finish is going to be amazing on this wood.

DSC_0890.JPG
 
#38
The top is all glued up. The Peruvian walnut has some blonde streaks running through it. In doing some research I have found that is fairly common, and I am not terribly worried about it. The more wood species I work with the more I learn. My ignorance just got lessened by a tiny amount. ;)

DSC_0903.JPG
 
#40
Rôckhewer said:
Michael...you are doing a great job on this...i just wish I wasn't in hospital on tons of MEDS.... so I could be more focused on what you are doing.:-\
Click to expand...
Thanks man! I wish you a speedy recovery my man.

As much as I love the "chimera" body style this build needs to meet my practical needs first, so I have bitten the proverbial bullet and slapped on a modified Ibanez-ish body shape instead. This will give me more meat on the sides for stability, though I am still going to put in a square steel tube on each side just to be safe. It's going to be a big beast, but it's not meant to be a strapped on player. I am really glad I made the top and back blanks oversized. Once the kids are ensconced I will print out a cardstock template and spend some time with my bandsaw....what was that?

Excuse me for a second....

QUIT HITTING YOUR SISTER! PUT THAT DOWN! YOU'RE HUNGRY? HAVE YOU BRUSHED YOUR TEETH?

*sigh*

See you guys in a bit...

sonum-experior.png
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back