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The SCP - Single Cut P-Bass

#381
NKBassman said:
I'm very curious if the string height off the pickup is going to be a problem that needs solving. There's nothing wrong with keeping the pickup further from the strings, it just results in a cleaner tone with a little less low end saturation, but I don't know if I've ever had a pickup set that low before. Looking forward to seeing the results.
Click to expand...

I'm expecting that the pickup will be mostly in the usual position (about 3/16") from the strings. The strings will be a bit lower than indicated, so while the pickup will be near the top of their travel (I may have to add some blocks for the mounting screws) I think it will be fine. I have some black foam to fill behind them, and will of course shield the recess.
 
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#382
I have achieved excellent French polishing results using a product called Qualasole. I prefer it over mixing my own shellac from flakes because of the way it responds to my touch while applying. Qualasole dries almost clear; If you want to imbue your project with colors endemic to shellac, like orange or garnet, shellac may be a better way to go.
 
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#383
Jazzdogg said:
I have achieved excellent French polishing results using a product called Qualasole. I prefer it over mixing my own shellac from flakes because of the way it responds to my touch while applying. Qualasole dries almost clear; If you want to imbue your project with colors endemic to shellac, like orange or garnet, shellac may be a better way to go.
Click to expand...

The plan is a very light cut of garnet shellac. We'll see how testing goes this week.
 
#386
As I continue sanding and buffing the body in preparation for finishing, the holographic nature of the crotch grain is becoming more apparent...
20230720_213125.jpg
 
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#391
Videojunkie said:
Got the strap-locks installed. Balances very nice. Naturally pulls your hand into position over the pickup. Very comfortable.
View attachment 5126344

The only adjustment I have to make is to round off the backside of the cutout horns, but that's super easy.
Click to expand...

Wow that is looking great. Where can I place my order for one???
 
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#394
Spent the evening working on some sanding "holidays" and getting everything sanded and grain raised through white 3M pads. (About 1000 grit, or 0000 steel wool equivalent). Also corrected some flat spots in the body contours. 70% isopropyl alcohol worked wonders for this. Just enough water to raise the grain, and the high alcohol content evaporates quickly.

It's not perfect, but I am really darn pleased with how it feels and looks.

The shellac flakes still have not completely dissolved, we're hoping by morning. (They were "a gelatinous mass" this evening)
 
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#398
Videojunkie said:
Two coats of 1 lb cut garnet shellac, and I think we have the right color. View attachment 5135861 View attachment 5135863 View attachment 5135862

Yeah... that'll do nicely.

My homework is to buff it out with some alcohol and then apply 20-30 coats of clear shellac possibly with some lighter cut garnet as we go... I'll clean up the inlays as we go with a q-tip and alcohol.
View attachment 5135864
Click to expand...
Nice :thumbsup:

The amber over your white fill areas really blends them in well with the overall aesthetic. They were a little stark and scary before :nailbiting:

:smug:

This is a very cool project, very different than a typical bass, but enough cues to not make it seem weird or not well thought out

Well done! :bassist:
 
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