Thinking about building a peace sign bass-advice?

[bassplaya614]

Since I began playing the bass (4 years ago-I'm still a beginner) I have wanted a bass shaped like a peace sign. Since I can not buy one, unless it is custom made, I figured I would make it myself. It would have more meaning to me anyway.

I have a friend with all the necessary tools and experience with woodworking (he has never build an instrument though). I was planning on spending under $700.

I would buy a neck. I figure the body should be about 15-17 inches in diameter (since it would be a circle).

As far as finish goes, I was considering a few things. First, I could just finish the core wood. I was also considering using a top wood, or even a veneer. I then thought of using a copper veneer-one of those with all the different colors. Can that be done?

Any advice?

Thanks,
Julian

 

[tdogg]

i would buy a cheap bass (used squier?) and steal the neck and hardware off of it. this will save a ton of money and if youre not happy with the new body you can alway put the squier back together.

 

[By-Tor]

Tie dye it!

You could also make the body in more of a tear drop shape, kinda like those old Vox basses and guitars, and still have the peace sign thing going on.

 

[bassplaya614]

as far as necks go, I think I'm gonna go with a high end neck... maybe from warmoth?

Anyone know anything about Moses graphite necks?

Also, any input about the copper veneer? Would that work?

And lastly, I can get my hands on some White Pine wood. is that any good for basses? I want a nice sound, I (try to) play mostly slappy funk, but I like it jazzed up. Alot of growl.

 

[vbasscustom]

i would say no to the pine. the body will almost deffinetly warp. go with maple or ash if you plan on veneering it, it will make a nice strong body.

 

[Rochey6957]

Poplar is cheap and it sounds simmilar to alder and you can pick it up at home depot.
Maybe you could cut the wood to the diameter you want and jus recess the areas where the "legs" of the peace sign arent an inch or so. Then paint those areas black and maybe the other parts green or something.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Here's some advice: never play a "peace sign" bass in a bar, unless your a really good fighter. Since you want a peace sign bass, I'm guessing you're not.

 

[bassplaya614]

who knows. maybe i'll sharpen a side of the bass

my first fight would save me a paint job.