thinking about building a bass from scratch.

[wildman2]

THX for all the replies to my query.The part of the barn/garage is 20x15 that should be big enough.
Some of the reviews for the parts basses are not real encouraging.If it needs that much fixing before its playable might as well make it myself.
I do plan on playing the dog snot out of it when its finally done.
Looking into the books that have been posted.Plus scouring YouTube for video resources.
I read mostly manuals when I do read so the books could be a real good choice for me. Yes I read the manual be fore assembling any Ikea like furniture.
Been gassing for a fret less for awhile so I may or may not start with that.Eventually I'd like to do a UEB gassing for one of those also..
Do have 3d modelling software that can give me an idea of a shape that may be interesting.Dont have any particular shape in mind but will try and keep the weight down and limit or have zero neck dive. Just made a pirate ship not long ago. That I'm in the process of animating for the stepson-ish band.

 

[Fender_Bender]

Think 4 times, measure twice, cut once. You can do a little bit of your own thing with the body design, but try and keep the upper strap button at least as far ahead as the 12th fret to keep neck dive to a minimum. If you have a go at making your own neck I'd strongly recommend getting a pre slotted board for your chosen scale length. I tried cutting my own slots at first with a homemade mitre box but too many frets were off the mark .

 

[Slidlow]

I'm not saying not to heed the 12th fret recommendation for strap placement but with careful design it is not always necessary. Remember putting it out that far puts the end of the neck further in the opposite direction and can impede access. On the other hand having the neck stick out further puts the nut way out and hard to reach too so there has to be a balance all around. Your playing style and what is comfortable for you should dictate what you end up doing more then anyone's suggestion including mine.

 

[mark5009]

Another great resource you won't see mentioned too often, but I find invaluable is Ray Mottola's site

Liutaio Mottola Lutherie Information Website

He has a wealth of info on lutherie in general, lots of specific techniques, as well as documented plans for a very fine bass, his Mezzaluna. All for free. My first bass was a mezzaluna variation and it remains my go to bass. And I continue to fiddle with it (if I can mix a metaphor here).

 

[Bruce Johnson]

This book is still my favorite to recommend, for an overall look at building electric guitars & basses. What the steps are, different methods, and what tools you need. That's the basics. Then read the threads here on Luthier's Corner to see a variety of different approaches and more advanced topics.

https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Ow...ild+An+Electric+guitar&qid=1582755353&sr=8-13

I have a 1st edition copy of this book that I bought back around 1988. Before I became a Luthier! I read it cover-to-cover several times. That was the Freshman year of my Luthier education. I learned a tremendous amount from it.

 

[Picton]

I've made a bunch of guitars: archtop, solidbody, acoustic. Ukes. Etc, all from scratch.

I dislike power tools. I use a table-mounted router for the trussrod channel and a bandsaw for shape-cutting. An electric drill. Other than that, it's all handplanes, spokeshaves, chisels, rasps, and coping saws. It's not difficult.

 

[Gibson Victory]

Forgot to mention earlier that we have resources right here under the Luthiers Corner. I am sure the folks there would be able to help out if needed. So whatever path is chosen, remember that there is plenty of help out there, you just need to ask. Again best of luck in your endeavors.

 

[ThudThudThud]

Sooo...you are putting bass cabs in your kitchen right? Respect!

Is this a fridge joke?

 

[wildman2]

Thx for all the info. This has got to be one of the most helpful forums Ive ever been in. Checking out the amazon/all of the books as soon as possible.Prolly in 10 min. Could put my 8x10 in the kitchen its big enough lol. Not sure if the wifey would dig it though.She does a lot of baking, the vibrations from an 8x10 would surely deflate the pastries and cakes lol.

 

[wildman2]

Just roughing out the shape before modeling it in my software. Pay no mind to the crookednes of neck pocket area handrawn with 151 rum influence. A little on th longish side but can be corrected in software. The horns will also be adjusted to look more along the lines of Gibson's horns.. This is just the general hand drawn shape of it. I like it so far

 

[Slidlow]

Kind of reminds me of a reverse RD look. Watch your balance and strap positioning.

 

[wildman2]

Not sure what a reverse rd is. But ya gave me a thumbs so it's gotta be good then. No real idea of where to put the strap buttons prolly dead center of the bridge at the bottom of the body but the horn spot may be problematic. Might tape a strap on it and temporary put the neck off my AXL to see how it balances when bodies done. Axl's neck will be the basic shape of the new neck. Just have to guess a bit on the different weight of the wood used.unless I get real creative and manufacture an adjustable top strap button.

 

[Slidlow]

Not sure what a reverse rd is. But ya gave me a thumbs so it's gotta be good then. No real idea of where to put the strap buttons prolly dead center of the bridge at the bottom of the body but the horn spot may be problematic. Might tape a strap on it and temporary put the neck off my AXL to see how it balances when bodies done. Axl's neck will be the basic shape of the new neck. Just have to guess a bit on the different weight of the wood used.unless I get real creative and manufacture an adjustable top strap button.

Gibson RD bass from the 70's.

 

[wildman2]

Cool.