Super-lightweight P bass build

[Flying B]

I've been mulling over my next build for a while, and figured if I start a thread then I might actually get on with it. I've built a few basses for myself now, and whilst they've all been playable, I always end up going back to my trusty mim p bass. My only issue with it is it's weight. I'm not getting any younger, and it's not getting any lighter! So I'm going to try and make a close as possible copy of it, particularly the neck which I love, but hopefully a lot lighter.
Last time I was at my timber dealer I picked up a couple of chunks of European Lime (tilia x europaea, not related to the citrous tree). This is closely related to what our cousins in the west refer to as "basswood"… same genus different species. The wood database tells me it's a little heavier than basswood (not good) but also quite a bit harder (good). This will be heavily chambered (when does heavily chambered become semi hollow?) so hopefully that will negate the extra weight.

I've got a couple of options for a top, leading contender is this nicely figured walnut I saved from becoming a kitchen door at work.

I also have some more walnut stashed away to use for the neck, possibly with some sycamore stringers, and I also have some carbon fibre tow which I've never used before so will give that a go.
The lime is not particularly handsome and there's a quite a few small knots so I may end up painting the back, to be decided later.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Are you concerned with neck dive at all with these lightweight body woods?

 

[Quills]

I like your contender. Although the denizens of fine woodworking would totally disagree, that's way too good for a kitchen door.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I was going to raise the same issue: neck dive. But that’s more about balance than weight. It isn’t the only consideration, a wide strap negates some of it. Basswood is indeed light, but having played a few Aerodyne Jazz, it’s just too soft. Hard finish over soft wood = cracked and dinged finish. Working on a semi hollow design myself, curious to see what you come up with for chambering.

 

[Flying B]

Are you concerned with neck dive at all with these lightweight body woods?

I'll be using ultra lite tuning pegs, and I also use a wide strap which helps. To be honest in my experience the whole neck dive thing is a bit over blown, I've made a flying v bass and a non reverse t-bird and neither suffers neck dive.

 

[Flying B]

I was going to raise the same issue: neck dive. But that’s more about balance than weight. It isn’t the only consideration, a wide strap negates some of it. Basswood is indeed light, but having played a few Aerodyne Jazz, it’s just too soft. Hard finish over soft wood = cracked and dinged finish. Working on a semi hollow design myself, curious to see what you come up with for chambering.

Basswood has a janka rating of 1820N and this european lime is rated at 3100N, which is comparable to mahogany so hopefully should be fine.
I'm totally winging it on the chambering so any and all suggestions gratefully received!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

That's surprising, my Dad used to carve birds out of basswood, you could dent it with your fingernail. My nephew got a basswood Aerodyne Jazz as a teenager, and it looked like he dragged it behind a truck after a couple years.

 

[Alban]

That's surprising, my Dad used to carve birds out of basswood, you could dent it with your fingernail. My nephew got a basswood Aerodyne Jazz as a teenager, and it looked like he dragged it behind a truck after a couple years.

The EBMM Bongo seems to hold up pretty well, considering its basswood body. Most secondhand ones seem to have dents and scratches on the maple necks and headstocks, and not so much at the bodies.

 

[DanAdams]

Just do what the pros do.
Tie some helium balloons to the headstock.

 

[Jazzdogg]

A penetrating epoxy product, like Rot Fix, (designed to repair rotting wood trim) might work well to seal and toughen the wood, making it less susceptible to damage. I'd apply it after you're done shaping.

Experiment on a piece of scrap to see what you think of the way it performs before you apply it to your new bass.

Good luck!

 

[Phreaky Phriday]

Headless is a good option for a light body

 

[rodl2005]

Just do what the pros do.
Tie some helium balloons to the headstock.

Good thinking. You could even attach some polystyrene

 

[joeLowB]

Vert cool...following!

 

[Lowbrow]

I'll be using ultra lite tuning pegs, and I also use a wide strap which helps. To be honest in my experience the whole neck dive thing is a bit over blown, I've made a flying v bass and a non reverse t-bird and neither suffers neck dive.

People definitely obsess about it.

 

[micguy]

Are you concerned with neck dive at all with these lightweight body woods?

I’ve made a lot of light basses without neck dive. If you use the clunky steel tuners (Fender style), it can be an issue, but with Hipshot USA ultralights, I’ve made P’s as light as 6.6 pounds, and 5 string basses as light as 7.0, without a hint of neck dive.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Cool. Another neat build. I do like the walnut for the top and I’m interested to see how the lime works and holds up. FWIW I feel like a semi-hollow means bent sides and a solid center block but probably wouldn’t argue with someone who felt differently.

 

[superheavyfunk]

I'll be using ultra lite tuning pegs, and I also use a wide strap which helps. To be honest in my experience the whole neck dive thing is a bit over blown, I've made a flying v bass and a non reverse t-bird and neither suffers neck dive.

Yeah, I’d agree that it’s often overblown. I was just curious because in my experience, the only time I’ve had neck dive issues was specifically with precision basses

 

[Gilmourisgod]

eah, I’d agree that it’s often overblown. I was just curious because in my experience, the only time I’ve had neck dive issues was specifically with precision basses

Try a T-Bird! Never picked one up that didn't dive like a submarine. That headstock is HUGE.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

It’s weird, if they are really super-light, like a Hofner, you can sort of “clamp” it under your forearm. It’s hard to balance any body with a 34” scale neck, but you can get close enough to kill any dive with a good wide, grippy strap.

 

[rudy4444]

I've been doing some uniquely constructed electrics with ultra-light bodies made from big box construction pine. Before giggling do take a look at the topic HERE. You could certainly do the same thing to produce a lightweight P bass.