Special Edition Build-Off - Cedar P

[BishopJP]

More creative problem solving on this project...

I had some chip-out from planing that I thought I could fill with putty.

Nope.

So, using my very fancy truss rod jig and a template bushing I routed a 1/2" by 1/16" deep groove...

...and inlaid a back-strap to match the neck lamination.

I was not intending to be "fancy" with this build, but needs must...

I also made the fretboard shiny.

I decided not to bother with grain filling or epoxy, just oil. Don't need to spend the extra time on this project.

Also started the comfort carves, more pics later.

 

[Beej]

Oh!!! Great save!!!

 

[Reedt2000]

Awesome build, not sure how I missed this one but...

Sub'd

 

[Jon Clegg]

One of my favorite techniques for creating 'happy accidents'

 

[BishopJP]

Thanks, guys! Glad my screw ups have all been fixable, so far.

 

[BassUrges]

I did binding on a neck fir similar reasons, but it didn’t look that good!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Very nice! I love that brainstorm when you realize a fix might actually improve how something looks.

 

[BishopJP]

This project continues to crawl along, though I am starting to doubt I will finish by the deadline. No big deal, I only started this bass to break myself out of my "design loop" on my other project.

There have been a few bumps in the road, things I had to fix, for my own peace of mind.

One major hiccup that had to be fixed; once I inlaid the back strap (see above), I realized the the neck laminations did not line up with the backstrap! This will not stand, man!

Had to make an adjustment to the neck pocket...

...which required slightly relocating the bridge.

Employing "ye olde toothpick and glue" trick.
The neck is now lined up nicely, the bridge has been repositioned and all is well. Sorry no more pics after fixing.

In the meantime, I also cut a control cavity cover from some cherry that I had milled for a pickguard on another project.

I wanted to give a little support to the tail end, so I glued this to a piece of veneer...

MDF with wax paper on the face so the glue wont stick.

And here we are! Tried a little torching on the end, we'll see how it goes. I have more cherry if I need to remake the cover.

My other project is my main focus, so I fit this one in when I can. I should be ready to start sanding and finishing soon, though!

 

[BishopJP]

Sanded to 220, raised the grain, sanded again to 220.

Torched and wire brushed. Looks a little uneven, but the oil will kinda blend it a little more. A couple small crack appeared, about what I expected. The back received the same treatment.

I put the first heavy coat of Tru-Oil on this morning, might be ready for more this evening. At this point, the only tasks left to be done are oiling and fretwork. I may finish in time, yet!

It's gonna be close...

 

[Huw Phillips]

Looks awesome the burning looks great I have ambitions to do some ebonizing at some point maybe the burning is a better idea, hows the weight ?

 

[cholyoke]

Looks awesome! I dig the knots.

 

[BishopJP]

Looks awesome the burning looks great I have ambitions to do some ebonizing at some point maybe the burning is a better idea, hows the weight ?

I did the burning/wire brushing for the physical texture, as well as the blackening. I've never tried ebonizing, but I guess you can get the blackening effect and still have a smooth, flat finish?
Don't really know what the weight is, but based on my very limited experience, I'm guessing it should wind up around 8+lbs?

 

[Huw Phillips]

I really like the wood, it really pops with the burning

 

[BishopJP]

This is my second entry into the Special Editio Build-Off
The top is made from reclaimed cedar beams, estimated to be around 70 years old. This project was intended as a distraction when I got stuck on my other project, but I am really enjoying how it turned out!
Body: torched cedar top, Sapele back, cherry control cavity cover
Neck: Sapele with wenge center stripe, 13 frets (cuz, why not)
Finger Board: wenge
Finger board radius: 12"
Scale Length: 34"
Tuners: Gotoh
Bridge: Gotoh
Bridge Spacing: 19mm
Pickup: Seymour Duncan passive soapbar
Electronics: CTS pots, Orange Drop tone cap
Finish: FIRE! and oil
Strings: D'Addario flat wounds
Weight: 9ish lbs

I forgot to get more string trees, so...
An old key, a brass ball-end and screw... string tree!

I started this right around my 42nd birthday, so I wanted to mark the occasion.

Thanks for checking out my project!

 

[AK4570]

That string tree is brilliant! And the charring effect is lovely as well

That’s a bass I’d be happy to take anywhere.

Congrats on getting her done in time.

John