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Thoughts on my rough design

#21
*Prongs* & functioning hands should not be forced to share the same space. I like the body shape & see a faint resemblance to the aforementioned Electra, but not enough to dump it overall. I'd also suggest either quitting the 4:20 breaks or going to a higher grade. I hope this helps. :)
 
#22
bassteban said:
*Prongs* & functioning hands should not be forced to share the same space. I like the body shape & see a faint resemblance to the aforementioned Electra, but not enough to dump it overall. I'd also suggest either quitting the 4:20 breaks or going to a higher grade. I hope this helps. :)
Click to expand...

I'm probably going to go with the second headstock with the two prongs only.
I really like the look of the prongs, and I'm kind of attached to them. If I keep it down to one set of prongs it shouldn't be that bad.
 
#23
It's an evolving process, as you surely know.

I take aspects of instruments I really like and use them as starting points for my designs. So when I need to sketch it up, I'll get a photo of a Jazz bass, for example, strike a center line (as suggested) and mark the points where things like the horns and cutaways terminate - just a tic mark so I am not too influenced by the actual shapes - then I'll carve in my alterations.

I've found that to be an extremely effective way to ensure the instrument is balanced in appearance - and reality.
 
#26
pepeKingPrawn000.jpg
 
#27
Hmmm....I'm not sure you've got over your hat fetish with the headstock design.

This profile

003-1.jpg


Reminds me of this profile

Link Removed

And this one

004-1.jpg


Brings this to mind

mattintthehat.jpg.w300h400.jpg


Sorry if that seems harsh, but those images instantly sprang to my mind. Of course, my opinion isn't worth a damn but you did ask for thoughts.

My advice, FWIW, would be to let function be more of a guide to your design than the overall outline of the headstock. So first, work out what tuners you want to use and what size the buttons will be (Elephant ears, Hipshot Ultras, Sperzel etc...) that will give you the capstan size to help with string pull layout and will also give you the button size so you'll be able to work out how much room you'll need to leave betweeen them to turn them comfortably - without your fingers snagging on the headstock or the neighbouring tuners. Once you've got that worked out you can draw any outline you like around those dimensions and you will know it'll work functionally....all you'll need to do is satisfy your aesthetic urges then..
 
#30
Getting better! Keep pushing it around. You'll find the balance.

Use other, similar shaped basses as a guide - the Electra I posted is one that could provide some good insight.

Superimpose your design over other, tired and true designs and look for areas where yours seems to break out then massage the design appropriately.
 
#37
Oh, I don't know about that. Only if you really wanted to imitate the X bass... This is just a way to see where things line up in comparison to other instruments and is a good way to quickly figure out how to get there from here.

I don't think you too far off. I'd just recommend pushing your design around a little until it 'speaks to you'.

When I thought you were going for a piccolo and saw how far off things were, it was a different story. But after comparing it to this, standard scale bass, it appears you're really close.

Keep it up - you'll know when you've got it.
 

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