The SCP - Single Cut P-Bass

[Videojunkie]

Part of my obsessive I've-never-done-this-before double checking, I laid out the exact bridge location and double checked the string paths and the sides of the neck.

Everything checks out. Very happy. Now I feel confident that when I route the neck recess, things will line up on the other side.

 

[Videojunkie]

I'm also coming to the conclusion that I will probably wind up routing a flat recess in the top for the bridge to set it just below the carved surface. I think I will plan that as the last step before I begin carving the back.

This will give me about an extra 1/16" so I'll recess the neck 10/16" (5/8" or ~16mm)

Things are finally moving again.

 

[Isaac_James]

Part of my obsessive I've-never-done-this-before double checking, I laid out the exact bridge location and double checked the string paths and the sides of the neck.

Everything checks out. Very happy. Now I feel confident that when I route the neck recess, things will line up on the other side.
View attachment 5070190

Totally reasonable, you can measure as many times as you like but you can only cut once.

Nice to get confirmation that you did it right though!

 

[Videojunkie]

Took the plunge and routed the neck pocket. Minor moment of panic when I saw the template slip a little bit.... but it didn't move much.

Pretty happy with how this looks. For string height.

 

[Videojunkie]

So, how thin can / should I make that bottom lobe where the neck bolts to? My plan was to taper it somewhat, but even at the thinnest edge I'd be over 3/4"

 

[Beej]

So, how thin can / should I make that bottom lobe where the neck bolts to? My plan was to taper it somewhat, but even at the thinnest edge I'd be over 3/4"

On my thinnest basses, it's 14mm thick, so just a bit more than 1/2".

 

[Videojunkie]

On my thinnest basses, it's 14mm thick, so just a bit more than 1/2".

Thanks! That's what I was hoping.. I've seen some pretty thin bolt on areas, but sometimes looks can be deceiving.

 

[Videojunkie]

Big routing day. Trimmed the body to size. It reduced the weight quite a bit!

Had a couple of places that the bit grabbed the maple, but i think most of them are easily recoverable.

The control plate fits! I'll need to sand and make it a bit smaller as it is too tight at the moment and I'm terrified that it will get stuck in the bass and I will have to break it to remove it...

 

[Videojunkie]

The beginning of a bass shaped object!

Oh heck yeah!

 

[Videojunkie]

So in order to smooth between the topographical lines, I used a rasp blade for my oscillating tool. It was awesome! I think it's about 40 grit, and makes short (but noisy) work out of smoothing the contours. I then followed that up with 80 grit paper on the triangular sanding head on the same tool. Some 100 on a random orbital sander, and that's what you see (with some water to pop the grain) in the second picture.

I did wind up with ear protection, my shop glasses, and a respirator on. Glad there's no pictures of that!

I'm leaving the edge on for the moment, until I route the pickup cavity. It's soon going to be the only square thing on the front!

 

[Videojunkie]

#$%%!! The Amazonians had the pickup on sale last night for 10% off and I hesitated.

This morning it's back at full price...

 

[Videojunkie]

I think I have taken this about as far as I can until I can route the pickup cavity.

That little dremel router base was invaluable for the shaping behind the bridge. A 1/8" bit was perfect, and with the base I was able to dial in precise depths.

That wood glue blotch will go away, but dang...

 

[Videojunkie]

Now to delve back into analysis paralysis between the Nordstrand NP5FA and the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder...

Honestly, I'm leaning towards the Nord at the moment.... and not just because it's $20 cheaper.

 

[NKBassman]

Now to delve back into analysis paralysis between the Nordstrand NP5FA and the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder...

Honestly, I'm leaning towards the Nord at the moment.... and not just because it's $20 cheaper.

I’ve really liked all the Nordstrand pickups that I’ve tried. NP4a was really nice.

 

[Videojunkie]

I’ve really liked all the Nordstrand pickups that I’ve tried. NP4a was really nice.

Do you think that the "A" makes any real difference?

 

[Videojunkie]

Did their copywriter used to work for Mackie?

"We extracted the sound from the sky, stole the voluptuous flail of pathological flittermice and found that the precision of their angular flaps fit what we needed rather well"

 

[Isaac_James]

Did their copywriter used to work for Mackie?

"We extracted the sound from the sky, stole the voluptuous flail of pathological flittermice and found that the precision of their angular flaps fit what we needed rather well"

All their pickup descriptions are written like that. It's just Carey's sense of humor. I think it's a hoot.

 

[NKBassman]

All their pickup descriptions are written like that. It's just Carey's sense of humor. I think it's a hoot.

I hate it, but to each their own.

 

[NKBassman]

Did their copywriter used to work for Mackie?

"We extracted the sound from the sky, stole the voluptuous flail of pathological flittermice and found that the precision of their angular flaps fit what we needed rather well"

I think the “a” models sound a bit more modern than the alternatives.

 

[Videojunkie]

I think the “a” models sound a bit more modern than the alternatives.

That's kinda what I'm hearing. I'm thinking about ordering the NP5F with an alnico magnet to go exactly the opposite direction for this bass.